MANILA, Philippines — Up to 8,980 cancer patients have received free chemotherapy sessions at the Ospital ng Makati since 2020, Mayor Abby Binay reported on Monday.
Binay said offering support for cancer patients is part of the city’s healthcare initiative Yellow Card program.
“We aim to ensure that every Makatizen receives the healthcare they need without worrying about the cost. We are here to support our residents in their fight against cancer,” she said.
Under the program, the Makati government covers the remaining expenses of cancer patients for chemotherapy sessions not covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.
“We have patients with bills amounting to P130,000 for a single chemotherapy session. Philhealth covers a maximum of P7,280. Most cancer patients cannot afford that, but our Yellow Card holders pay nothing,” Binay said.
Aside from free chemotherapy sessions, Yellow Card holders can also get unlimited dialysis, maintenance medicines, routine checkups as well as laboratory and diagnostic procedures.