Carcar, Capitol sign MOA for medical assistance program

CEBU, Philippines - To assist indigents seeking for medical care, the city government of Carcar and the Cebu Provincial government entered into an agreement for the medical assistance program of the city.

Mayor Nicepuro Apura and Governor Hilario Davide III signed the memorandum agreement for the implementation of the Medical Assistance Program of Carcar, which would allow indigent patients who have letter of referral and valid Purok ID to avail of hospitalization for free in Carcar Provincial Hospital.

“The qualified patient or beneficiary of the program may avail himself/ herself of not more than Five Thousand Pesos (5,000) or any amount recommended by the mayor based on the hospital bill. The benefit is available for both hospital-admitted and outpatient medical services,” the MOA read.

“Only indigent patients and any of his/her minor children, with valid Letter of Referral and Valid Purok ID are qualified to avail themselves of the benefits,” it added.

Apura said the city government will directly pay the province for the program to ensure that the assistance is for the medical services of the patient. The payment will be made within 30 days from the receipt of the billing statement. The city government has allocated P3 million for the program this year.

Apura said those indigents in Carcar who are not members of PhilHealth  and have the Purok ID can benefit from it. He said that at least 20,000 purok IDs have been issued. The city is targeting 40, 000 this year.

Under the agreement, Carcar City government shall provide the Capitol and the provincial hospital with the sample specimen signature of Apura as well as the name of his authorized representatives to avoid doubt on the authenticity of the signatures.

All referrals must be addressed to the chief of hospital and a copy should be furnished to the hospital’s medical social services.

“Only letters of referral signed by the mayor or his authorized representative, sealed with the official seal. And with corresponding control number and names of the patient and bearer shall be recognized,” the agreement stated. —/FPL (FREEMAN)