Rep. Salimbangon expands medical aid for constituents

Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon has expanded his medical assistance to his indigent constituents by pouring in P1 million to Bantayan and Daanbantayan District Hospitals.

In October, Salimbangon has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for the implementation of the program that took effect this month.

Salimbangon said the MOA only took effect on January 1 because the fund has been included in the national budget for this year through his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The P1 million shall form part of the medical assistance fund under the Medical Indigent Support Program of Salimbangon and shall be distributed equally to the district hospitals of Bantayan and Daanbantayan at P500,000 each.

Garcia signed the MOA on behalf of the province of Cebu, which is the owner and operator of the two district hospitals located in the fourth district.

The MOA stated that in case there is no specification as to the amount of benefit that may be extended to a particular patient, the standard maximum rate of P10,000 shall apply for major surgery and P5,000 for minor operation. Maximum of P3,000 for hospitalization without surgery and shall apply for out-patient services.

Salimbangon first provided such medical assistance to Vicen-te Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City and in Severo Verallo Memorial Medical Center in Bogo City for indigent patients from the district.

Salimbangon also has distributed the Benhur Health Card to the residents in the fourth district and is the basic requirement when availing the medical assistance program.

Medical assistance to the in-patients may include medicines and fluids from its pharmacy, laboratory tests, ECG, X-ray, surgery and other medical and laboratory practices, including necessary supplies. — Gregg M. Rubio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)