In a significant boost to public healthcare in Cebu, the Mandaue City Hospital has formally received a P10-million Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program (MAIFPP) fund and a suite of new laboratory equipment. The turnover ceremony, held on November 18, 2025, was led by Representative Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon and Mayor Thadeo "Jonkie" Ouano, who presented the allocation to the hospital's chief, Dr. Ligaya Lakambini Dargantes.
Enhanced Support for Financially Challenged Patients
The multi-million peso fund is earmarked to support patients at the city-run hospital who face financial hardships, particularly when their medical bills exceed the coverage provided by PhilHealth. Dr. Dargantes explained the critical role of MAIFPP in patient care. "When patients are discharged, PhilHealth covers part of their bill, depending on the case rate. But if, for example, PhilHealth only covers P20,000 and the total bill reaches P50,000, MAIFPP will shoulder the remaining amount. That is its purpose—to fill the gap," she stated. This mechanism has even enabled some patients to experience zero billing upon discharge, substantially easing their financial burden. The fund is also utilized for outpatient department (OPD) patients whose required laboratory tests are not covered by other existing programs.
A Major Upgrade in Diagnostic Capabilities
Beyond the financial aid, Congresswoman Ouano-Dizon personally donated four state-of-the-art laboratory machines to modernize the hospital's diagnostic services. The new equipment includes a fully automated hematology analyzer, a dry chemistry machine, a coagulation machine, and an electrolytes machine. Dr. Dargantes emphasized the transformative impact of this donation. "These machines are a significant upgrade to what we previously had," she said. "They can complement our existing units, and since these basic tests are among the most frequently requested by doctors, having modern and reliable equipment will greatly help us serve patients better." The new automated machines will allow the hospital to perform essential tests like complete blood count (CBC), electrolytes, and other hematology and chemistry analyses more efficiently and reliably.
Addressing Delays and Building Community Trust
Dr. Dargantes highlighted that the old machines often caused delays, especially when the hospital ran out of specific reagents. The procurement process for supplies has now been streamlined. "We expect the supplies for these new machines to arrive on time so patients won't need to go outside for tests," she added, ensuring faster turnaround times for results. The hospital, which currently operates with a 25-bed capacity, serves a large number of patients, with its emergency room alone attending to around 80 individuals within a 24-hour period. Dr. Dargantes credited the implementation of programs like the Outpatient Emergency Benefit Package and the growing trust from the community for the increasing number of people seeking care at Mandaue City Hospital.
