Caloocan government budgets P50-M for indigents’ health care

The Caloocan City government, in an effort aimed to help its residents cope with the high cost of medical services, has allocated P50 million for the health insurance of underprivileged residents.

Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo said that the city government, in cooperation with President Arroyo’s Greater Medicare Access program, has already distributed 50,000 Philhealth cards since it started the program last year.

The mayor said the local government targets the provision of health insurance cards to about 100,000 families or about 250,000 beneficiaries by the year 2004.

Last week, Gigi Malonzo, chairperson of the city’s indigent projects, joined President Arroyo in the ceremonial distribution of Philhealth cards at the Luneta Grandstand.

Beneficiaries of the Philhealth cards are entitled to free medical services in Philhealth accredited hospitals.

In-patient hospital care includes room and board, services of health care professionals, and the use of diagnostic, laboratory and other medical examination services, use of surgical or medical facilities, prescription drugs, biological and education packages.

Out-patient care includes services of health professionals, diagnostic, laboratory and other medical services, personal preventive services and prescription drugs. – Pete Laude