In the three years that it has been existing, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been busy with many programs, especially medical ones that are seriously needed in a time of COVID-19.
Currently, the BARMM’s Ayudang Medical mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBaG)
program has given financial assistance to more than 14,700 people among 22 partner hospitals. “The importance of lending a helping hand for medical expenses cannot come at a more suitable period than what we are experiencing today with the ongoing pandemic,” said BARMM Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim Al-Haj in a statement.
Over P87 million has been disbursed to the partner hospitals, as well as to hospitals outside the region, to assist Bangsamoro patients’ needs that are not covered by Philhealth benefits and other medical assistance programs. Out of the 14,752 people assisted by AMBaG, 10,346 (around 70%) were “zero balance” or did not have any outstanding hospital debt upon discharge.
Recently, three North Cotabato hospitals joined the AMBaG program namely the Aleosan District Hospital (ADH) in Aleosan town; the North Cotabato Provincial Hospital (NCPH) in Amas, Kidapawan City; and the Dr. Amado B. Diaz Hospital (DABDH) in Midsayap town.
Though not officially part of the BARMM region, these hospitals will still be receiving financial aid from AMBaG so they can help more Bangsamoro people in need of assistance. “The NCPH will receive a PHP10-million allotment from us under the AMBaG project while the ADH and DABDH will also receive P5 million each,” said BARMM Cabinet Secretary and AMBaG project manager Mohd Asnin Pendatun during the MOA signing.