Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 18) — The House Health Committee approved on Wednesday a measure institutionalizing Malasakit Centers in public hospitals nationwide.
The Malasakit Center, a brainchild of Senator Bong Go, is a one-stop shop for patients who need medical and financial assistance since they are not covered by PhilHealth benefits.
The still unnumbered substitute bill states that the Malasakit Program will complement the implementation of Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Healthcare Law.
Aside from being a one-stop shop for cash-strapped patients, the Malasakit Center will also provide patient navigation and referral in accessing hospital services, as well as provide information regarding Philhealth membership, coverage and benefit packages.
The Malasakit Center is mandated to ensure that indigent patients will not incur out-of-pocket expenses while financially needy patients will incur the least out-of-pocket expense.
Among the forms of medical assistance that patients going to Malasakit Centers are entitled to include:
• Laboratory, imaging and all other diagnostic procedures
• Drugs and medicines
• Supplies, orthopedic and assistive devices, prosthesis, blood and blood products,
• Dental services, except those that are for aesthetic purpose and not medically indicated
• Medical and surgical procedures
• Prescribed post hospitalization rehabilitation services, aftercare program, appropriate mental and psychological support, including those done on an outpatient basis
• All hospital bills including professional fees, and
• All other medical, health, documentary and related services billed by the hospital.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman previously criticized Malasakit Centers, saying they were only established to boost Go’s political stature.
Go, however, insisted the centers help poor patients. He also accused Lagman of trying to improve his public image by putting the Malasakit Centers in a bad light.
READ: Solon wants PCSO to probe medical aid scheme
