Hope for Kalinga Patients: FREE medical care expands as Sangguniang Panlalawigan approves MAIFIP implementation in provincial hospitals

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga patients struggling financially will soon benefit from wider access to free hospital care after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved several Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) supporting the implementation of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program in various government hospitals in the province.

MAIFIP, an initiative of the Department of Health (DOH), serves Filipinos who are unable to afford hospital care, often through Malasakit Centers.

With the approval from the Provincial Board, headed by Vice Governor Dave Odiem, indigent patients confined in PLGU-operated hospitals across the province will benefit from expanded coverage of free medical assistance—from medicines and major laboratory tests to major surgeries and post-hospital care.

Hospitals covered under the MOAs include the Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH), Pinukpuk District Hospital (PDH), Western Kalinga District Hospital (WKDH), Kalinga Gabriela Mija Kim (KGMK), Kalinga District Hospital (KDH), and Juan M. Duyan Memorial District Hospital (JMDMD).

Copies of the documents were earlier submitted to and later endorsed for final approval by the Committee on Health and Sanitation, chaired by Board Member Alfredo Dangani.

In its report obtained by Guru Press Cordillera, the committee emphasized that the agreements ensure MAIFIP funds will be used to cover essential health services prescribed by physicians.

These include FDA-approved medicines; diagnostic procedures such as laboratory and imaging tests; blood-related screening and products; and high-risk surgeries requiring implants, medical devices, supplies, and other related procedures.

For patients undergoing long-term treatment, the program also covers dialysis sessions beyond PhilHealth packages, as well as rehabilitation, aftercare, and mental health support.

Hospital bills, after applicable deductions along with professional fees of healthcare workers, may also be covered by the program, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

During the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on March 17, the MOAs received final approval from the august body. With this, Governor James Edduba, representing the provincial government, is now authorized to sign the documents with the DOH–CAR Center for Health Development. Implementation will follow after the signing.