President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the faster delivery of medical assistance to poor and middle-class Filipinos, Malacañang announced on Friday.
In line with this directive, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa met on Thursday to discuss measures to improve the implementation of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program (MAIFIP).
Key Issues Addressed
The meeting focused on long queues, repetitive requirements, and excessive paperwork that hinder access to medical aid. Recto emphasized the need to maximize technology for a “faster, more transparent, and more humane” public service.
“President Bongbong Marcos has instructed that if the government provides assistance, it should reach the people quickly, efficiently, and without making things difficult for them,” Recto said.
Digital Transformation
Recto noted that wider use of digital platforms would improve healthcare service efficiency for Filipinos needing medical assistance. He stressed that the Department of Health must ensure MAIFIP benefits not only the poor but also middle-class families.
“Access is the true measure of service. If the process itself becomes the obstacle, then even if funds are available, people still will not truly feel the benefits,” Recto added.
Program Enhancements
MAIFIP helps Filipinos afford hospital bills, medicines, diagnostic tests, and other health expenses. Its funding increased from PHP41.16 billion to PHP51.6 billion under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
In February, the DOH issued new guidelines expanding benefit coverage to include ambulatory care, surgical clinics, eye centers, dental services, dialysis clinics, and FDA-approved medicines. The guidelines also ensure 100 percent inclusion of doctors’ professional fees.
