MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health aims to cover 1,747 hospitals under the government’s electronic medical assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients or eMAIFIP program.
Health Secretary Edwin Mercado said only 145 hospitals nationwide are currently included in eMAIFIP, which can be accessed through the eGovPH app.
“We are engaging additional hospitals since our goal is for 1,747 hospitals that were already issued accreditation, to be part of the eGovPH app,” Mercado said. “This would ensure faster claims processing. At the same time, we are looking at frontloading funds to hospitals so patients can immediately avail themselves of health services.”
Mercado assured the public that “there is an available assistance through the MAIFIP program, which can be utilized through your hospitals where a social worker is ready to assist.”
Inquiries for assistance can be made through regional offices or centers for health development.
According to Mercado, application for financial assistance through the eMAIFIP will be faster and will mean less hassle if done through the eGovPH app.
Over 70 medical and health care groups have called for the abolition of MAIFIP, describing it as a medical pork barrel of politicians.