MANILA, Philippines — Medical societies in the Philippines on [insert date] urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Congress to increase funding for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and gradually phase out the Department of Health’s (DOH) Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program.
The groups said the move aims to consolidate public health financing under PhilHealth and provide more systematic support for patients relying on government medical assistance. They submitted their appeal to both the executive and legislative branches to influence the government’s health budget and policy.
The medical societies recommended reallocating funds currently used for MAIFIP into PhilHealth, arguing that a single, adequately funded national health insurance system would ensure predictable coverage for poor and vulnerable patients.
They said the transition from MAIFIP to PhilHealth should be carefully managed to avoid disruptions in services and emphasized the need for coordination between DOH, PhilHealth, and hospitals.
The organizations also said they plan to submit formal position papers, participate in congressional hearings, and work with health facilities to monitor the impact of budget realignments on patient care and hospital operations.
