IBA, Zambales — The Department of Health (DOH) continues to assist indigent and financially incapacitated individuals in Central Luzon through the Malasakit Center Program.
The agency has given about P889.43 million worth of financial assistance to a total of 159,536 patients from January-December 2022.
DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development Malasakit Program Unit Senior Health Program Officer Catherine Suril said Malasakit Centers serve as a one-stop shop where indigent and financially incapacitated patients can avail of medical and financial assistance from DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“It is only for indigent patients who have been consulted or admitted to partner hospitals,” she emphasized.
Patients must bring their hospital bills, medical abstract and filled out Malasakit Unified Form to avail the services.
There are currently 15 established Malasakit Centers in Central Luzon of which five are in DOH-managed facilities namely Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center, Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital, Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, and Talavera General Hospital.
Moreover, 10 are facilities managed by local government units including Aurora Memorial Hospital, Bulacan Medical Center, Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital, Ospital ng Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte, Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital, Rafael Lazatin Memorial Hospital, Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital, Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital, Tarlac Provincial Hospital, and President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital.
“Indigent patients can avail medical assistance based on their needs, as recommended by the social worker and attending physician, through the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program of DOH,” Suril explained.
Aside from this, they can also avail the Medical Access Program of PCSO, and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation of DSWD.
