Indigent Filipinos in need of medical treatments can now rely on increased support from the national government, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

This year, indigent patients are set to benefit from a substantial boost, with the government allocating over P58 billion in financial aid, a 78 percent increase from the P36.6 billion allocated in 2023.

This expanded budget is directed towards the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially-Incapacitated Patients (MAIP), a nationwide initiative aimed at providing essential financial aid to underprivileged patients. 

This year's allocation exceeded the previously projected amount of P22.264 billion outlined in the 2024 General Appropriations Bill.

MAIP is used for the hospitalization and medical support of indigent and financially incapacitated patients including in-patient, out-patient, comprehensive check-ups and emergency services, as well as drugs, medicines, and professional fees, among others.

Apart from indigent patients, people who are unable to pay or spend the expenses for their medical treatment may receive medical assistance.

“Among the many things that the pandemic underscored the past few years, not just in the Philippines but all over the world, is our need for equity-focused health care,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

“Historically, health discrepancies endure among marginalized groups, which is why our government is doing its best to give every Filipino, especially the most vulnerable, access to fair and quality medical care,” she added

The program covers public hospitals, specialty hospitals, state universities and colleges, local government units, and other public and private health facilities.

On account of accountability and research purposes, the Department of Health shares on its website the name of recipient hospitals and the age, gender, city, municipality, and disease of indigent beneficiaries.