Malacañang has directed the Department of Health to coordinate closely with partner healthcare facilities to speed up the processing of valid claims under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said regional health officials should verify outstanding accounts and process legitimate claims promptly to ensure patients and participating hospitals receive available government support without unnecessary delays.
The directive follows the Department of Budget and Management’s release of Php 27.41 billion for the continued implementation of MAIFIP under the 2026 national budget. The program covers hospitalization, medicines, emergency treatment, professional fees and other eligible healthcare expenses.
Recto said faster claims processing is intended to help maintain uninterrupted healthcare services, particularly for indigent and financially incapacitated patients, while also supporting hospitals serving communities nationwide.
Of the released amount, around Php 19.14 billion will go to DOH Centers for Health Development for medical assistance through regional networks and partner facilities.
Another Php 4.35 billion will support DOH hospitals in Metro Manila and the regions, while Php 2.91 billion will be allocated to four specialty hospitals: the Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Philippine Heart Center.
The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital will receive Php 950 million, while Php 52 million will go to Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers.
Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, MAIFIP assistance may cover inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care, medicines, dental and other approved medical services, subject to DOH guidelines.
