Indigent Talisaynon patients to get funds for meds, bills

CEBU, Philippines - Indigent residents of Talisay City, confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, need not worry about their hospital bills and medicines.

This after the office of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano had extended its assistance to Mayor Johnny De los Reyes (JVR) with funds to be used by the patients for the purchase of medicines or in paying their hospital bills.

JVR, who prioritizes the delivery of health services, said he delegated City Disaster Management Office head Catalino “Vince” Monterde to be in-charge of the medical program.

Nerito “Rey” Martinez, political affairs head for the Visayas of Cayetano’s office and organizer of the Compañero Cayetano Tavang Volunteers, visited the office of JVR last week regarding the program of the senator.

Martinez said the medical aid program started four years ago but was stopped when the Priority Development Assistance Fund was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

However, indigent patients admitted to the VSMMC can now continue receiving assistance from (Alan) Cayetano, as well as from the office of his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano, but this time, the program would not be funded by the PDAF.

Martinez said Cayetano was able to continue his program for medical indigents through his personal funds and without government help. “Aside from personal funds, Cayetano also has many friends who are helping him in this program,” said Martinez.

Cayetano’s program initially issued medical referrals to 25 admitted patients and P20,000 worth of medical referrals also to local government units in Cebu and neighboring provinces.

The beneficiaries can avail themselves of medicines worth between P500 and P1,000, an amount which they could also use to pay their hospital bills. Patients who need medical assistance can also submit letters addressed to Cayetano, through Martinez, attached with a medical certificate and a medical abstract.  (FREEMAN)