In support of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directive to efficiently and effectively deliver government services for indigent citizens, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) signed over the weekend a Joint Administrative Order on Streamlining Access to Medical Assistance Fund of the Government  at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila.

The joint administrative order features the establishment of ‘one-stop shops’ or “Malasakit Centers” in all PhilHealth-accredited hospitals and health care providers to assist indigent Filipinos to finance their medical needs or the needs of their ill relatives by lessening the queues, waiting hours, and paper works needed by patients in order to apply for medical assistance.

“This is truly a welcoming breakthrough that will pave the way to a more efficient, more effective system of health care service delivery for the Filipino people in dire need of care,” stated DSWD Secretary Virginia N. Orogo during the ceremonial signing.

Based on the joint administrative order, all medical needs of the patient will be covered by the DOH-Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients Program (MAIP), PhilHealth, and the PCSO, while non-medical expenses incurred by the patient such as transportation costs, meals, accommodation, etc. will be covered by the DSWD through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Health care providers will be responsible for the assessment of the patient’s PhilHealth membership and “no balance billing” eligibility, as well as, the recording of all services provided to the client and settlement of medical bills, while the medical social workers will be in-charge of tapping government funds for the financial assistance that will be given to the indigent patient.

“I thank the Department of Health through Secretary Duque and the entire team who contributed to this enlightening and innovative effort. I know that this is just the beginning. The DSWD is one with you in this commitment,” concluded Sec. Orogo. ###