In a memorandum dated July 8, the DOH’s Malasakit Program Office, through Undersecretary Elmer Punzalan, reiterated its directive to all regional directors and MAIFIP program coordinators to expedite the processing of reimbursements to partner private health facilities. Go saw the move as a crucial step in easing tensions between the government and health institutions burdened by long-delayed payments for services rendered to indigent patients.
The memo acknowledged multiple reports from news agencies and partner hospitals regarding the slow pace of disbursements, which have placed an operational strain on hospitals — some had already begun refusing guarantee letters due to unpaid claims.
“Ipanawagan natin ang agarang pagproseso ng bayad sa mga ospital na tumutulong sa mga pasyenteng kapus-palad,” said Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health. “hindi dapat pinapatagal ang tulong lalo na kung buhay ng mga mahihirap na Pilipino, lalo na ‘yung mga helpless at hopeless, ang nakasalalay.”
Go had earlier warned that the delays amounting to more than PhP 530 million in pending reimbursements were causing private hospitals, particularly in Batangas, to suspend acceptance of guarantee letters. This action jeopardized access to vital medical services for countless poor Filipinos who rely on the MAIFIP program for financial assistance in medical emergencies.
The DOH memorandum urges all concerned units to accomplish all processes within the prescribed timeline and comply with Section VI.G.2.c of Administrative Order No. 2024-0006, which lays out the revised guidelines for MAIFIP implementation. It also includes a list of documentary requirements to facilitate reimbursements for in-patient and out-patient services, diagnostic requests, and assistance accessed through primary care facilities and laboratories.
Go stressed that while the government must ensure fiscal accountability, bureaucratic delays must never get in the way of saving lives.
“Kapag may delay sa pagbayad, ang epekto n’yan ay direktang nararamdaman ng mga pasyente sa ospital na nangangailangan ng ating tulong. Kaya dapat siguraduhin ng DOH na tuluy-tuloy po ang tulong,” he emphasized.
According to the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI), 43 private hospitals in Batangas alone were reportedly affected, with one facility claiming unpaid dues amounting to PhP 94 million. These unpaid claims include those endorsed not only by senators and congressmen, but also by governors and barangay officials — all citing a breach of the 60-day payment provision in their Memorandum of Agreement with the DOH.
Go urged sustained coordination between the DOH and private hospitals to prevent further disruptions in the delivery of services.
“Ang pakiusap ko lang sa mga regional offices ng DOH — gawin n’yo po ang lahat ng kaya ninyong gawin para mapabilis ang proseso. Kung nasa inyo na ang bola, ‘wag n’yo na pong patagalin pa,” he added.
In line with the Universal Healthcare Law, Go also urged PhilHealth to do its part by delivering promised reforms to expand benefits and improve health coverage to avoid dependence on medical assistance programs for indigents. He said if all Filipinos benefit from better health coverage from PhilHealth, indigent patients will eventually not need guarantee letters from other government assistance programs.
He also encouraged hospital administrators to cooperate and submit the required documents to avoid further bottlenecks in the processing of reimbursements, noting that government action is only possible if paperwork is properly submitted.
“Trabaho po ng gobyerno na magbayad, pero responsibilidad rin ng ospital na kumpletuhin ang kailangang dokumento. Magtulungan po tayo para sa kapakanan ng mga pasyente,” said the senator.
The Malasakit Program Office has provided direct contact lines and emails for hospitals needing assistance with the MAIFIP process, a move seen as part of efforts to improve transparency and communication across the board.
With the DOH now taking steps to fast-track reimbursements, the senator said he remains hopeful that both public and private sectors can work together to ensure that no Filipino is denied life-saving treatment because of administrative delay.
“Tandaan natin, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” reminded Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
“Ako ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po yan sa Diyos,” he concluded.
Senator Bong Go