ILOILO — Over P16 million in medical assistance is set to benefit indigent and financially challenged patients across 11 provincial hospitals in Iloilo, following the approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on 8 April authorizing Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. to enter into an agreement with the Department of Health — Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DoH-WV CHD).

The funding will support the implementation of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program.

The MAIFIP program, formerly known as MAIP, is designed to shoulder part of the expenses for medical services ranging from drugs and diagnostic procedures to surgeries, high-risk childbirth, and professional fees — particularly for those facing costly illnesses.

The breakdown is as follows: Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital — P4,050,000, Iloilo Provincial Hospital — P3,050,000, Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital — P2,050,000, ALEOSAN District Hospital — P1,050,000, Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Sr. Memorial District Hospital — P1,050,000, Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital — P1,050,000, Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital — P1,050,000, Sara District Hospital — P1,050,000, Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital — P754,791.97, San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital — P600,000, Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital — P300,000.

Eligible patients under the program include those without any visible means of income or those who demonstrate financial incapacity to pay for medical treatments.

The coverage may reach up to 50 percent of the approved medical cost, depending on the case.