DSWD: Over 1,600 availed of medical aid in region

CEBU, Philippines - Over 1,600 beneficiaries in Region 7 have benefited from Libreng Gamot Para sa Masa Program (LINGAP), one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s programs for the marginalized that is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 7 (DSWD-7).

From the P131 million budget allocation for LINGAP, P18,418,237.40 has already been spent for a total of 1,638 beneficiaries for the period March to July of this year.

LINGAP aims to provide assistance to those less fortunate people who need immediate medical aid.

DSWD-7 Officer 4 Emma F. Patalinghug said that for the full implementation of the program in Region 7, their office had coordinated with Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital last February.

“This program solely caters to those patients from Vicente Sotto with prescription from the doctors based on generic medicine,” Patalinghug said.

The program is open for both inpatients and outpatients. Outpatient beneficiaries will receive free medicines once in every three months while inpatients will receive a total of P75,000 in aid.

Based on recommendations, the program guidelines have been revised to include laboratory fees as well as expenses for other assisted devices.

Patalinghug disclosed that the budget was already provided and is ready for further implementation.

Patalinghug commended the president for his support towards DSWD’s programs and trusting them by adding more programs to implement.

“I would say that the president has trust sa DSWD kay kani this is about health baya but he trusted us for the implementation of this program and by funding this. That is why we really need to implement this program,” Patalinghug said.

The Rice Subsidy Program for 4P’s beneficiaries is another initiative of the Duterte administration that DSWD implements.

DSWD-7 Officer-in-Charge Emmalyn P. Morada said that they have started giving out rice assistance since March of this year.

" Ang mga na-grant nga household naka-receive og P600 for the month of March then sa sunod nga month kay P1,200 na dayon. Amoa kuhaon ang resibo from then to make sure na ilaha gyud gipalit og rice," said Morada.

Morada said however that not all 4P’s members will be provided with rice subsidy and that beneficiaries need to comply with the requirements set by the DSWD.

Among the requirements stipulated is that the families need to attend the ‘family development session’ conducted by DSWD, school attendance of children must be 85 percent and each family needs to visit their respective health care centers for basic consultation. (FREEMAN)