Garcia eyes expansion of CHAMP services

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has pledged to explore the possibility of expanding the services under the City’s Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program (CHAMP), a key initiative aimed at providing essential healthcare access to low-income families.

“This is to ease the burden of the Cebuanos, especially those in need, and at the same time, make quality healthcare accessible,” Garcia said.

During a recent turnover of checks to beneficiaries who had completed the requirements for reimbursement, Mayor Garcia reaffirmed the City Government’s commitment to strengthening and broadening the scope of CHAMP.

“Ang ako lang gyud assurance ninyo nga padayon man gyud ni atong CHAMP service, suwayan nato ni og palapad ang atong mga programa alang sa health sa atong mga kaigsuonan,” the mayor added.

According to the City’s Public Information Office, at least 50 residents received financial reimbursement from the local government for their hospitalization expenses.

CHAMP not only covers hospitalization but also includes reimbursement for laboratory procedures, provided these are conducted at accredited laboratories within the city.

To avail of CHAMP assistance, applicants must submit the hospital bill signed by the billing clerk, a medical abstract signed by a licensed physician along with their PTR number, and a certificate of indigency from the patient's barangay.

Additionally, proof of Cebu City residency since 2004 is required, including a barangay certification and voter’s registration from the same year or earlier. For minors, a copy of the live birth certificate is also necessary. These requirements apply to both hospitalization and laboratory assistance claims. —/FPL (FREEMAN)