DBM releases P27.4 billion medical aid for indigent patients

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P27.4 billion to fund the government’s medical assistance program for indigent and financially incapacitated patients.

In a statement, the DBM said the funds would support the continued implementation of the medical assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients program of the Department of Health. The MAIFIP is chargeable against the DOH regular budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

“The P27.4 billion we are releasing is meant to translate into real help at the hospital level – medicines that can be bought, procedures that can be performed and medical bills that families do not have to shoulder on their own,” Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said.

Of the amount, P19.15 billion will go to DOH Centers for Health Development, which will provide assistance through partner local government hospitals and privately owned institutions and other health facilities.

Another P4.35 billion will support DOH hospitals in Metro Manila and the regions, while P2.91 billion is set for government-owned and controlled corporations or GOCC specialty hospitals, such as the Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Philippine Heart Center.

Meanwhile, P950 million will go to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital and P52 million to Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers.