Pangasinan: The Department of Health (DOH) in the Ilocos Region has announced an expansion of its Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, now offering increased financial aid to patients in Pangasinan who are unable to afford medical expenses.

According to Philippines News Agency, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino stated that the DOH was invited to a Sangguniang Panlalawigan session to clarify the new issuance of guarantee letters and the revised processing of assistance under the MAIFIP. He noted that the DOH continues to accept what are now referred to as referral letters for medical assistance, with DOH personnel now responsible for reviewing documents for approval.

The MAIFIP program now extends its assistance beyond indigent families to include those who are financially incapacitated. "May not be indigent but financially incapable to cover financial needs. Not all working Filipinos can afford to get sick," Lambino explained. He also praised the DOH for its commitment to implementing the Universal Health Care Law in Pangasinan, aiming for residents to have access to free quality healthcare.

DOH Ilocos Region administrative staff Mylene Mendoza revealed that they are awaiting the 2026 guidelines for the MAIFIP implementation. The program is currently governed by Section 19 of the 2026 General Appropriations Act, also known as the "anti-epal" provision. This provision restricts politicians and public officials from distributing government-funded cash assistance, allowing only authorized government officers or accredited partners to manage such distributions.

Mendoza elaborated on the process, stating that patients could contact the DOH office directly or through email, or seek assessment from hospital social services. After obtaining an assessment form, patients may seek reevaluation or direct referral from social workers to the DOH. The approved assistance amount will be determined by the DOH.

The requirements for MAIFIP include a statement of account, final billing, the patient's or next of kin's identification card, and a social assessment or social case study from the hospital's or municipality's social worker.