Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a known health reforms crusader, stressed the importance of unhampered provision of medical assistance for Filipinos, particularly during the holiday season.

In a Senate Committee on Health hearing held on Wednesday, 18 December, concerns were raised about the potential impact of the DSWD’s suspension of GLs starting 13 December on patients in need of medical assistance.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Ulysses Aguilar clarified the rationale behind the imposed deadline during the discussion. He explained that the cut-off applied solely to the processing of guarantee letters, which the agency regularly conducts as part of its yearly clearing process for payments.

Aguilar assured that this limitation did not signify a halt in providing medical assistance to patients in need. He emphasized that even while the issuance of guarantee letters might be suspended, the DSWD continued to extend support for medical needs through its satellite offices, ensuring that aid remained accessible to those requiring it.

Aguilar affirmed the arrangement, explaining that a limit had been set for cash assistance. He clarified that patients in hospitals who issue promissory notes to cover their remaining hospital balances could still receive assistance. This support would be processed by January, effectively treating the delay in their guarantee letters as a temporary setback rather than a complete cessation of aid.

Seeking an immediate resolution, Senator Go proposed that the DSWD coordinate with hospitals to accept promissory notes during the GL suspension period.

Aguilar assured that the DSWD is taking proactive steps to address the issue. He explained that they had identified a way to ensure continuous assistance by collaborating with partner service providers, including hospitals.

Senator Go, the principal advocate behind the establishment of Malasakit Centers, sought assurance that these centers remain functional in providing uninterrupted medical aid to those in need. TDT