Friday, December 01, 2006

Aklan’s Indigency Program, A Top Priority



Hon. Carlito S. Marquez
Governor Province of Aklan

Aklan’s Indigent Fund continues to be a major source of assistance for poor Aklanons.
According to Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, in 2004, the provincial government spent P6.336 million for medicines given free to 11,937 indigent patients. Under the Medical Service Unit, some P1.4 million was also spent for drugs/medicines and other services for 2,431 patients.
In 2005, the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved appropriations from the 20 percent IRA Development Fund with P3 million allotted for the Medical Indigency Program. Of which, P1.732 million was earmarked for the counterpart premium for Phil Health’s Indigent Program. Another P3 million was earmarked for the purchase of medicines that were given free to indigent patients.
Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino stressed that the provincial government shall always maintain the Health Indigency program which calls for several million pesos from the provincial coffers yearly.
The vibrant rise in the cost of living has adverse effect on the marginalized sector of the society, that the provincial government is one of the first LGUs in the Visayas to ink a Memorandum of Agreement with PhilHealth. The provincial government’s support to Philhealth is a response to the continuous quest for excellence in the delivery of health care benefits.
All indigent-patients referred to the provincial hospital for medical treatment are subsidized by the provincial government. Registration as indigent and validity of identification as Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) members are ensured to enable the province to have, whatever medical expenses and services spent are reimbursed by the PHIC.
In 2004, PhilHealth Indigent Program has covered 10,802 beneficiaries province wide. At the end of 2005, Aklan subsidized part of the premium required for the coverage of 23,085 families in Aklan in PHIC’s Indigency program. This year 2006, the provincial government plans to cover all indigents with Philhealth or approximately 30,000 families targeted.
Dr. Myrtle Pelayo of the Department of Health reported, "these families benefiting from the program includes free hospitalization, medicines and other medical services. The program aims to provide the less privileged sector under the National Health Insurance Program with access to quality health care services. Beneficiaries were issued NHIP Identification cards that serve to attain medical services".
All municipalities are now enrolled in the Enhanced GMA-PCSO Program with total actual registrants (in 2005) of 41,102 beneficiaries. Phil health likewise has already accredited all our government hospitals in Aklan, three other private hospitals, and four other serving RHUs. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

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