Agusan Sur patients access free hospital care through MAIFIP
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — For many families in Agusan del Sur, the greatest concern before and after hospitalization is not only the illness itself but also how to pay for the medical expenses. At the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH), however, eligible patients can now receive free hospital care through the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program of the Department of Health (DOH).
MAIFIP is a government program that provides financial assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients by covering eligible hospitalization expenses, including hospital bills, laboratory services, diagnostic procedures, medicines, and other qualified costs incurred within the hospital. The program aims to reduce the financial burden on families and ensure that access to healthcare is not hindered by poverty.
For Bidgen R. Yaon, 63, of Barangay 1, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, the program has become a lifeline for her family.
“For two years, we relied on assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), but it was still not enough because we do not have a stable source of income. I learned about MAIFIP through television and our neighbors, and it has been a great help to us. My husband has heart failure, while I have diabetes and hypertension. Through this program, whenever we are admitted to the hospital, we no longer worry about where to get money for our treatment,” Yaon said.
She also expressed her gratitude to the government for making quality healthcare more accessible to low-income families.
“I am thankful to the government for creating this program. Even those without a stable source of income can continue fighting for their lives through MAIFIP. To those who are losing hope, remember that free hospital care is available because many government programs are ready to help. If you reach the hospital in time, there is still hope,” she added.
Meanwhile, Rosana B. Capitan, 46, of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, said MAIFIP has brought peace of mind to financially struggling families seeking medical treatment.
“I hope this program will continue because it is a great help to poor families and those who do not have a stable source of income. For patients who worry about paying for their treatment after being admitted to the hospital, MAIFIP lessens that burden and gives them peace of mind,” Capitan said.
Capitan added that the program allows patients to focus on recovery rather than worry about hospital expenses, making quality healthcare more accessible to AgSurnon in need.
According to Kareen Joy B. Miguel, social welfare officer III of DOPMH, MAIFIP is available to qualified patients admitted to both public and private hospitals accredited under the program.
“MAIFIP is a DOH program that helps indigent and financially incapacitated patients. It covers hospital bills, laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, and other qualified expenses incurred inside the hospital,” Miguel explained.
She said that PhilHealth membership is the primary requirement for patients seeking assistance.
“PhilHealth is the first step. If the patient’s expenses are not fully covered, they may be referred to other government agencies such as the DSWD and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). If there is still an uncovered balance after those assistance programs, that is when MAIFIP may provide additional financial assistance,” she added.
Through MAIFIP, DOPMH continues to strengthen the government’s commitment to universal healthcare by ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent AgSurnon from receiving timely and essential medical services. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
