By: Jade Belen

The Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region turned over 19.8 million pesos for medical assistance of indigent patients admitted at the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH).

"The Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) fund will provide financial support to indigents confined at the LCGH, "Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said.

Laoag City Mayor Michael M. Keon received the MAIP fund in a simple turn-over ceremony held at the city government office.

 Sydiongco said that patients who are facing financial difficulty or can't pay would be assisted MAIP program. 

"They will just have to submit the required documents needed to process their payment," 
she added.

“Kasama na rin dito yung kanilang mga bills sa medicines at iba pang mga medical services na available sa [This also include their medical bills and other medical sevices available at] LCGH. Indigents seeking medical examination, consultation, treatment, and rehabilitation can also avail of MAIP program of the DOH," she added.

The financial assistance was facilitated by Representative Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" A. Marcos III through the DOH – MAIP to benefit his constituents in the first district of Ilocos Norte.

Sydiongco also disclosed an existing memorandum of agreement between DOH-Ilocos Region and LCGH, wherein all indigent patients admitted by the hospital could request medical assistance.

"Quality health care is the right of every one. And patients who cannot afford to pay for their own medical care equally deserve to have access to quality medical assistance. No one should have to go without the care they need because they cannot afford it. And this is where MAIP comes in," she said.

"By providing medical assistance to indigent patients, we ensure that everyone has access to the care they need, which eventually helps to improve their health and quality of life," Sydiongco concluded.

Mayor Keon expressed his gratitude to DOH – Ilocos Region and the Office of Congressman Sandro Marcos for the financial assistance, saying the MAIP fund will significantly help the city's people.