MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Saturday, September 19, instructed the Department of Health (DOH) to partner with healthcare providers to accelerate the release of funds under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Capacitated Patients (MAIFIP) initiative.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto emphasized that seamless collaboration between health officials and hospitals is vital to maintaining efficient service delivery under the program.
“Let us continue coordinating with the regional directors, verify the accounts payable, and process the valid claims promptly. These funds are available to support our patients and our partner hospitals,” Recto said.
The order follows the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) disbursement of ₱27.4 billion to the DOH under the 2026 national budget to sustain the healthcare subsidy.
The allocation reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s drive to keep government aid accessible for families dealing with financial and medical hardships.
Under MAIFIP, the funding will settle legitimate claims for essential services, covering hospital bills, prescription drugs, emergency care, professional fees, and related healthcare costs.
Recto highlighted that prompt claim processing will prevent disruptions in healthcare access, particularly for marginalized patients, while reinforcing daily hospital operations.
“For President Marcos, every available resource must be used to deliver meaningful assistance to the Filipino people. Through MAIFIP, we are helping patients obtain the care they need while supporting hospitals that serve communities every day,” he said.
Out of the total fund, approximately ₱19.14 billion is earmarked for DOH Centers for Health Development to assist regional networks and partner facilities across the country.
Meanwhile, ₱4.35 billion will go directly to DOH-managed hospitals nationwide, and ₱2.91 billion is designated for specialized centers, including the Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Lung Center of the Philippines, and Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
The UP-Philippine General Hospital is set to receive ₱950 million, with the remaining ₱52 million allocated to Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers.