The Department of Health-Western Visayas (DOH-6) has expressed support for the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP), which has already prequalified more than 50,000 residents here for enrolment.
DOH-6 Regional Director Adriano Suba-an joined Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez at the Government Center here on Friday to witness the signing of the memorandum of agreement between the city government and the Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital (BQMH), the third private health facility that will provide services to a cardholder and qualified dependents under the BacCHP.
“Under the Universal Health Care Act, the private hospitals are going to allocate at least 10 percent of the total number of beds (as basic or ward accommodation). This initiative of Bacolod City actually honors that. That’s why we are here support them,” Suba-an said.
Benitez said the BacCHP was in line with the government’s health program that has been extended to private hospitals.
“We know for a fact that our government hospital here (the Corazon Lacson Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital) is overwhelmed by patients. It makes logical sense to use some of the facilities of private hospitals,” he added.
The agreement was signed by Benitez and BQMH representative Capt. Lucho Giovanni Giron, in the presence of Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, chair of the City Council committee on health, as well as Dr. Willy Yu, BQMH medical director, and Dr. Neifertiti Gosengfiao, business development center director.
Out of the 50,036 individuals, mainly from indigent families, listed for prequalification, more than 20,000 will soon be issued the BacCHP Family Health Membership card.
Upon admission, the private hospital will waive deposit or advance payment for BacCHP holders under Republic Act 8344, which penalizes the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency or serious cases.
The city government guarantees the amount of PHP15,000 for each BacCHP holder and their dependents’ hospital bills, inclusive of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and other existing government health care assistance grants.
“(These) private hospitals will now accept BacCHP (card)holders without the need of any deposit (and) any other requirements they would ask patients before allowing them entry. This becomes an easier way for them to be able to access medical attention,” Benitez said.
Last month, the city government also signed a similar six-month agreement with Metro Bacolod Hospital and Medical Center and South Bacolod General Hospital. (PNA)