Rama gets authority to sign MOA on medical aid program

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has authorized Mayor Michael Rama to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Health for the implementation of the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) Program.

The Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) forwarded to the office of Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros a copy of the MOA between the DOH-7 represented by Dr. Jaime Bernadas and the city government represented by Rama regarding the implementation of the said program, requesting for a council resolution authorizing the mayor to sign the MOA.

Councilor Phillip Zafra sponsored the resolution which was approved by the council.

The City Legal Office already conducted a contract review on the draft MOA, and recommended that there is no legal impediment for the mayor to sign the subject contract after due authorization from the City Council.

“After a careful review, study, and evaluation of the draft Contract and its supporting documents, this Office finds the same to be in conformity to the basic requirements of written contract. The terms and conditions therein are in accordance with law, rules, and regulations, and not otherwise contrary to morals, good customs, public order, public policy and in accordance with DOH A.O. No. 2020-0060,” read the Legal Opinion No. 2022-156.

The MOA provides, among others, the responsibilities of respective parties in accordance with DOH A.O. No. 2020-0060 entitled, “Revised Guidelines on the implementation of the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP) Program,” dated December 23, 2020 which was issued in order to provide for the implementing guidelines and establish new mechanisms in the provision of medical assistance to qualified recipients of the program.

The DOH shall transfer the amount of P990,000 to the city government for the implementation of the MAIP program at the CCMC.

Based on the MOA, the local government unit shall process the efficient transfer/use of the said funds to enable the hospital to utilize the same, subject to the applicable government accounting and auditing rules.

Meanwhile the CCMC, shall assess and screen the eligibility of all patients thoroughly and ensure completeness and authenticity of documents prior to MAIP Program availment and facilitate and ensure the provision of quality medical assistance requests and ensure the compassionate delivery of necessary services to the MAIP Program beneficiary, among others.

Under AO No. 2020-0060, the MAIP covers support for essential and life-saving medicines, services, and other medical products as prescribed by a licensed physician or health professional, in excess of the packages/case rates covered by PhilHealth or other financing sources. — GMR (FREEMAN)