Access to healthcare remains a challenge to every Filipino, especially for indigent individuals. Medical expenses, hospitalization, and specialized treatments can be expensive for those who are financially unstable. To help those in need, the government continues to work on improving medical assistance programs.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enhanced the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program to ensure that healthcare is more accessible. As he said in one of his vlogs, healthcare is a top priority of the administration. “Number one talaga, number one para sa akin sa priority na ginagawa ng pamahalaan ‘yung healthcare,” President Marcos Jr. said.
President Marcos Jr. has constantly reiterated its commitments to strengthen the healthcare system. His primary goal is to improve the standard of living of every Filipino citizen, with particular focus on providing medical services and care. Toward this end, the government has bolstered existing programs to provide additional assistance to individuals in need.
The MAIFIP expansion was built on the foundation of providing Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP). It aims to help struggling and poor Filipinos by providing them with essential healthcare expenses like payment of their hospital bills, lab tests, medication, and diagnostic procedures. Through this initiative, the Marcos Jr. administration hopes to ensure that healthcare is available to all Filipinos.
The foundation for the MAIFIP program was officially enacted into law through Republic Act 11463 on December 3, 2019, with the Department of Health as its implementing agency. But it was enhanced under the administration of President Marcos Jr. The Marcos Jr. administration increased the funding and widened its scope. The aim is to ensure that not just indigents but also financially struggling Filipinos could get medical support.
According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Marcos Jr. administration set aside P58 billion for the program in 2024. This is a significant increase from the P32.6 billion allocated in 2023. This whopping 78-percent increase shows the government’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all.
MAIFIP is a Boon for All
Since its expansion in 2022, the MAIFIP program has made a bigl difference in the lives of Filipinos. Based on Philippine Health Sector Accomplishments and Ways Forward as of June 2024, the program has served 3.42 million patients and utilized P18 billion in funding during the Marcos Jr. administration.
The MAIFIP program continues to expand. President Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Health (DOH) to work toward providing universal free hospitalization in all public hospitals by the end of his term. The program, which initially covers 22 major public hospitals across the country, provides free inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services. This is a significant step toward making healthcare completely free and accessible to all Filipinos, especially those who cannot afford to pay for medical treatments.
The long-term goal is to have universal free hospitalization across the country. As the MAIFIP program grows and receives more funding, more hospitals will be covered and more patients will benefit. The program’s expansion aims to ensure that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to accessing healthcare.
President’s Commitment to Healthcare Reform
The Zero Billing Program, a special program under the MAIFIP, was launched on the birthday of President Marcos Jr. on September 13, 2022. All hospital bills, medicines, and medical services such as chemotherapy, dental services, dialysis, implants, laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and therapy and rehabilitative services will be covered by the government under the Zero Billing program. The medical assistance will be provided through the MAIFIP program.
The MAIFIP program is a vital part of this vision, offering direct support to thousands of Filipinos who need help with medical expenses. As the program continues to grow and develop, it will benefit even more people, providing them with the medical care they need and ensuring that they are not left behind due to financial hardship.
Beneficiaries Express Their Gratitude
The MAIFIP program has been a lifesaver for many beneficiaries. Patients who were once struggling to afford healthcare now have access to the medical support they need.
Several beneficiaries have expressed their gratitude for this much-needed program. One of those is Maria Dee, a patient confined at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI). She said, “Isa po kami sa nakinabang sa inyong programa, mahal na Pangulong Marcos Jr.. Isang buwan po kaming na-confine sa NKTI. Napakaganda ng serbisyo, magaling ang mga doctors at nurses at higit sa lahat, wala po kaming binayaran. Salamat po ng marami sa inyong malaking tulong. Mahal po namin kayo, Pangulong BBM].”
Cathay Santos, a relative of a patient confed at the Philippine General Hospital, also shares her gratitude, “Ang inyo pong serbisyong medical para sa aming mahihirap ay napakalaking tulong para sa aming pamilya. Nais ko lang pong ibigay sa inyo ang aming taos-pusong pasasalamat. Nawa’y gabayan pa kayo, Pangulong Marcos Jr., ng mahabang buhay upang maipagpatuloy pa ninyo ang inyong mga adhikain para sa mga mamamayang Pilipino. Muli, maraming pong salamat, PBBM!!”
A Healthier Future for All Filipinos
As the MAIFIP program continues to expand and develop, it is clear that President Marcos Jr’s commitment to healthcare reform is unwavering. By providing essential support to the country’s most vulnerable populations, the program is helping to ensure that every Filipino, no matter their financial situation, can access the medical care they need.
The long-term goal of universal healthcare and free hospitalization for all Filipinos is now within reach, thanks to the continued expansion of MAIFIP and other healthcare initiatives under the Marcos Jr. administration. With this support, Filipinos can look forward to a future where healthcare is no longer a financial burden, but a right given to all. #
