Hospitals drop guarantee letters

Chanda Jane Licuanan was among the many citizens dismayed by the recent move of some private hospitals to stop accepting guarantee letters (GL) issued by lawmakers and other government officials as mandated by the Department of Health.

Licuanan’s husband was scheduled for a major heart operation, but the Philippine Heart Center refused to proceed unless the nearly P1-million operation cost was paid upfront.

“We are counting on GLs provided by some congressmen, senators, and LGUs for my husband to undergo an operation. If they will not honor any more GLs, what will happen to us less fortunate patients?” Licuanan asked.

Public officials expressed disappointment, including Quezon Governor Helen Tan, who emphasized that cooperation between the public and private sectors is crucial in providing adequate medical services to the public.

“We are urgently calling on the Private Hospital Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) and partner hospitals to reconsider their decision,” said Tan, a medical doctor by profession.

The governor said the non-acceptance of GLs by some private hospitals affects less fortunate patients.

She pointed out the GLs are vital for delivering immediate medical assistance, particularly for the poor and underserved.

Tan urged the DoH to act swiftly, particularly in streamlining the disbursement system for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program, to maintain the trust of partner hospitals.

Meanwhile, PHAPI president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said in a radio interview that not all private hospitals were dishonoring GLs.

De Grano said there had been discussions in their organization about discontinuing the acceptance of GLs. However, no official decision has been made.