MANILA — New guidelines for Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) will be released by the Department of Health.
This is in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to guarantee Filipinos’ simple access to medical treatment.
It would “lay down the guidelines for MAIFIP so that it can be availed by Filipino patients easily, with dignity, and without political interference,” according to a statement from Department of Health spokesperson Albert Domingo.
This is in reaction to Senator Risa Hontiveros’ demands that the new administrative order be free of patronage politics, as required under the 2026 General Appropriations Act’s provisions.
Hontiveros said, “Klaro ang naging desisyon namin sa Senado at House: Hindi na dapat mag-door-to-door pa sa mga opisina ng pulitiko para manlimos ng guarantee letters para lang makapagpagamot,”
Guarantee letters from elected officials are not a prerequisite for receiving medical care in government hospitals, as the DOH has often stressed.
Guarantee letters are issued by the health department, but they must meet specific criteria.
Additionally, the legislator stated that she is prepared to start the interpellation phase for Senate Bill 1593, commonly known as the Universal Health Care Medical Assistance Program (UHC MAP).
The DOH cited challenges in the current system, including inconsistent implementation across regions and delays in approvals, as reasons behind the revision. A recent survey found that many patients experience difficulties navigating medical assistance programs, resulting in delayed treatment and financial strain.
The department plans to engage with key stakeholders—hospital administrators, healthcare workers, patient advocacy groups, and local government units—to gather feedback and ensure the new guidelines meet on-the-ground needs.
A draft version of the guidelines is expected to be released for public consultation by the end of the quarter, with official implementation slated for early next year.
Healthcare professionals have welcomed the move, saying it will reduce administrative burdens and help them focus more on patient care.
Patient advocates are hopeful the guidelines will improve accessibility and fairness, but stress the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure effective enforcement.
As the DOH works toward finalizing these new medical assistance guidelines, Filipinos are encouraged to stay informed about updates and participate in upcoming consultations to help shape a more responsive healthcare system.
