The Department of Health (DoH) has moved to expedite delayed reimbursements to private hospitals under the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, a move welcomed by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.

To recall, Go had recently called on the DoH to address mounting concerns from private healthcare facilities burdened by overdue payments.

In a memorandum dated 8 July, the DoH’s Malasakit Program Office, through Undersecretary Elmer Punzalan, reiterated its directive to all regional directors and MAIFIP program coordinators to fast-track the processing of reimbursements.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, viewed this as a crucial step in easing tensions between the government and hospitals struggling with long-delayed payments for services provided 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 facilities. Some hospitals had reportedly begun refusing guarantee letters due to unpaid claims.

“Let’s call for the immediate processing of payments to hospitals that help our less fortunate patients,” Go said. “Assistance should not be delayed, especially when the lives of poor Filipinos, particularly the helpless and hopeless, are at stake.”

Go had previously warned that delays, totaling more than P530 million in pending reimbursements, were causing private hospitals, particularly in Batangas, to suspend the 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 complete processes within the prescribed timeline and comply with Section VI.G.2.c of Administrative Order No. 2024-0006, which outlines 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.