PB okays P4.1M Medical Assistance Program of DOH

Health and social services, being the priority programs of the Cebu provincial government, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the release of P4,100,000 for the Medical Assistance Program (MAP) of the Department of Health for seven hospitals in the province.

In a resolution, authored by PB Member Christopher Baricuatro, the Board authorized Gov. Hilario Davide III to execute and sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) among the DOH Regional Office represented by its regional director, Dr. Jaime Bernadas, and the seven hospitals represented by their respective chief of hospital to implement the MAP and transfer the MAP funds directly to the hospitals, who shall be responsible and accountable for the proper utilization of the funds.

The MAP is a DOH program that is intended to provide medical assistance to indigent and poor patients seeking consultation, rehabilitation, examination and those confined in government hospitals.

The hospital beneficiaries identified in the resolution are the Badian District Hospital, represented by Dr. Nerlinda Maraguinot; Barili District Hospital, represented by Dr. Rebecca Opsima; Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital in Argao, represented by Dr. Elvira Grengia; M.J. Cuenco Memorial Hospital in Malabuyoc, represented by Dr. Margarita Lambo; Oslob District Hospital, represented by Dr. Renato Cairo; Cebu Provincial Hospital in Danao City, represented by Dr. Prudencio Manubag; and Ricardo Maningo Memorial Hospital in Camotes, represented by Dr. Lea Celestial.

The MOA is expected “to ensure a more effective and efficient system of implementation of the medical assistance to indigent and poor patients,” part of the resolution read.

Under the resolution, the hospital beneficiaries will likewise ensure the availability of medicines, medical supplies and other health care services needed by eligible patients.

The DOH has set guidelines to determine qualified patient beneficiaries seeking consultation, rehabilitation, examination, and those confined in government hospitals regardless of room category.

Meanwhile, another resolution also authored by Baricuatro also authorized Davide to enter into a MOA with the Rotary Club of Cebu for their collaboration in a medical-surgical mission that will be conducted by a team of surgeons from Kansas, USA, at the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.

The Rotary Club of Cebu, represented by Dr. Wyben Briones, is a volunteer organization of business and professional leaders and has collaborated and worked with different organizations for their various projects and medical missions.

The resolution stated that the province welcomes partnerships with organizations for activities aimed at promoting health and improving the lives of the Cebuanos.

The Rotary Club of Cebu will host a medical-surgical mission with a team of surgeons and specialists for patients with with thyroid problems, hernia and obstetrics/gynocological cases, and will serve screened clients for operation free of charge.

On the other hand, the provincial government will provide the venue for the activity such as the operating and emergency rooms.

No date for the activity has been set.