DOH ensures MAIFIP services are accessible to communities in Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga ensures residents of the Province of Dinagat Islands can avail of the Medical Assistance program for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) through its localized district hospitals, strengthening inclusivity in universal health care.
The island province has three district hospitals that function mainly as infirmaries namely, Albor District Hospital in Libjo, Dinagat District Hospital in Dinagat town and Loreto District Hospital in Loreto.
According to Doctor Juan Javier F. Garchitorena, development management officer of the Dinagat Islands Provincial DOH Office, the department has strongly collaborated with the provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), respective municipal government units in the province, and the Dinagat Islands Congressional Office to make the MAIFIP services available in their health facilities.
“MAIFIP is not limited to DOH-run hospitals only. We make sure that this program is inclusive and implemented in the province,” Garchitorena said.
“Despite these localized district hospitals that operate mostly as infirmaries, Dinagatnons can avail of this vital healthcare initiative managed by the DOH,” he added.
The medical officer also shared that Caraga Regional Hospital – Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (CRH-BUCAS) Center in Basilisa town also caters requests for medical assistance under the program through the MAIFIP funds in the CRH main hospital in Surigao City.
“The program on MAIFIP ensures that Filipinos who are indigent and financially incapacitated, especially those residing in remote areas and island communities should not be deprived of this program,” he underscored.
Garchitorena emphasized that the program on MAIFIP is aligned with the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and a fulfillment of DOH’s commitment on ‘Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga.’ (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)