Need PCSO medical help?

A one-stop shop catering to the needs of poor Filipinos in need of financial assistance for medical purposes was launched by the Department of Health (DoH) at its Malasakit Center at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said a joint administrative order for the project was signed Friday by the DoH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Duque said the Malasakit Center will enable patients to avail of government services under one roof so they can get the financial assistance they need in the shortest possible time and with the least hassle.

He cited as example a patient who cannot pay the hospital bill beyond what Philhealth offers, as in the case of cancer or renal disease needing a kidney transplant.

The patient’s family can ask for financial assistance from PCSO or DoH through its Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients Program.

Duque said similar Malasakit Centers will be put in place in other DoH-retained hospitals in Metro Manila.

Among the hospitals being eyed to have Malasakit Centers are East Avenue Medical Center and Rizal Medical Center, Duque said.

Duque said having a Malasakit Center will prevent the duplication of financial assistance to the same beneficiary.