Photo Courtesy of MOH
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH) closed a deal with four key hospitals in the region to provide medical assistance to indigent patients with P5.5 million budget.
Under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, the ministry signed a Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) on July 18, 2024 to provide continuous access to medical assistance, thereby lessening the burden on eligible patients.
The partner hospitals include Cotabato Sanitarium General Hospital (P1 million), AppleOne Brokenshire Medical Cooperation (P2 million), Midsayap Doctors Specialist Hospital (P1 million), and Camp Siongco Station Hospital (P1.5 million).
MOH Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, Jr. expressed deep gratitude to the partner hospitals for their dedication to delivering equitable and quality healthcare services.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I would like to thank each and everyone, not only itong apat na hospital na ito, but to all hospitals na tumutulong po sa ating mga kababayan, not only among Bangsamoro but among Filipinos as well,” he said.
Accordingly, the initiative plays a crucial role in serving Bangsamoro constituents, despite not being directly under BARMM government supervision.
Malasakit Program Unit head, Baby Norbaina Caludtiag, highlighted the program’s focus on supporting indigent, financially incapacitated individuals, and those residing outside the BARMM.
She underscored the importance of extending assistance beyond the region’s borders, acknowledging that not all patients can be accommodated by hospitals within Cotabato City.
MOH pledged to further strengthen the MAIFIP program to reach an even greater number of financially challenged patients within the region.
Deputy Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas, Regional Accountant Sadic Batua, Cashier Head Faodziyah Camsa, Auditor Minerva Alauya, and representatives from the beneficiary hospitals attended the ceremonial signing of agreements. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
