LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A total amount of P55.4 million will be granted by Senator Bong Go to the province of Pangasinan for the implementation of the 2024 Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program.
Through the Department of Health (DOH), the funds will be released to the 14 government hospitals in Pangasinan.
Prior to the downloading of funds to the province, Gov. Ramon Guico III will sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DOH Center for Health Development-1 (CHD 1), led by Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco.
Hence, a resolution was crafted by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and approved on March 4 during the regular session of the provincial board, giving authority to the governor for the said purpose.
The 14 government health facilities in Pangasinan will receive funds amounting to P3,960,000.00 each. The hospitals are as follows: Asingan Community Hospital, Bayambang District Hospital, Bolinao Community Hospital, Dasol Community Hospital, Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, Lingayen District Hospital, Manaoag Community Hospital, Mangatarem District Hospital, Mapandan Community Hospital, Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, Pozorrubio Community Hospital, Umingan Community Hospital, Urdaneta District Hospital, and Western Pangasinan District Hospital.
Earlier, Gov. Guico expressed his gratitude to Sen. Go for his support to the province, especially the sick and less-privileged Pangasinenses.
MAIP, now called MAIFIP, is a program implemented by the health department to provide financial support to indigent and poor patients seeking medical examination, consultation, treatment, and rehabilitation and those confined in government hospitals.
Last year, the provincial government received huge funds that amounted to about P384 million from some senators and congressmen for the implementation of the program in the province. This is on top of the funds downloaded by the DOH for the year 2023 to the 14 government-run hospitals. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)
