Private hospitals worried about unpaid bills sponsored by losing politicians

National

FOLLOWING the recent electoral proceedings, private healthcare institutions have voiced their concerns regarding the settlement of over P7 billion in financial obligations for medical services extended under the government's Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program.

Jose de Grano, president of Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI), cited issues with political sponsorship following the recent elections, where some patients were endorsed by candidates who failed to secure seats.

In a report by Philstar, around 40% of PHAPI's 1,200 member hospitals have pending claims, with total receivables exceeding P7 billion.

Some 17 private hospitals in Batangas are owed approximately P400 million, while numerous hospitals across the Visayas and Mindanao face similar problems.

PHAPI has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to expedite the release of payments to hospitals that provided services under MAIFIP.

De Grano emphasized that the services were delivered in good faith and should not be compromised by the political outcome of those who endorsed the patients.

"Now that the elections are over, our private hospitals who cater to the MAIFIP funds by the DOH are appealing for the immediate payment of these services already given to the patients through their MAIFIP program," de Grano said.

"We hope that this availment made through our politicians and government officials will be released at once to enable the hospitals to recover whatever benefits they have advanced to our indigent patients." he added.

PHAPI is seeking immediate payment for the services rendered, stressing that the hospitals should not be penalized for the political outcomes of the sponsors.(Sheila Mae Allego, CTU-TC Intern)