The implementation of free medical treatment continues in all hospitals managed by the Palawan Provincial Government as well as the “No Balance Billing Policy” for the indigents or the unfortunate Palaweños who are unable to pay their expenses in case they are hospitalized.
This was assured by Engr. Saylito M. Purisima, Hospital Operations Focal Person of the Provincial Government.
“There is a national law…na kapag indigent ka [ay] libre ang pagpapagamot mo sa mga ospital natin dito sa Palawan,” he said.
The Department of Health (DOH) allocates ₱10 million per year for all hospitals managed by the Provincial Government to ensure that all expenses are free for indigent patients.
This is through the Medical Assistance for Indigent Program (MAIP) as well as medical assistance from Philhealth. In addition, there is also free medicine provided by the Provincial Government depending on the need of the patient.
“…so lahat ng indigent talaga, maa-accommodate natin, plus meron din tayong financial assistance sa PSWDO, lahat ‘yan libre,” Purisima added.
He also explained that although public hospitals are in the municipalities, a patient still has the right to choose what his/her preference in the medication system or the so-called “pay-patient.” That is, if a patient has the ability to pay such as private room, laboratory, etc. depending on the request of the family and the patient. Purisima added that this matter is thoroughly explained by the social health officers assigned to the hospitals.
“Kapag hindi ka indigent at capable naman, diyan tayo may babayaran. We cannot survive without generating revenue. That revenue that will be raised by the Provincial Government can be used for medicine and to sustain the services of the majority from the poorest of the poor that is being served by the Provincial Government.” Engr. Purisima expressed.
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