MALASAKIT CENTER COULD BE PART OF INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEM

The Malasakit Center, a one-stop-shop for the delivery of health services, could be integrated into the unified integrated health delivery system once the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law are released in October, a Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) official said.

Gregorio Rulloda, PhilHealth Area ll vice president, said Friday the Malasakit Center, which has been established in key areas across the country, could be integrated into the Local Integrated Health System (LIHS), as provided for in the provision of the UHC-IRR.

He said the center will form part of the integrated health delivery system in the provinces, where people seeking health services, including financial assistance, could go instead to various government agencies and institutions.

Rulloda said the LIHS is expected to provide better and a wider range of services from the delivery to the processing of health service. He added that there would no longer be a need for referral "as sources of funds are available and integrated (in)to the system.”

He explained that under the integrated system, funds are sourced out from PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), the Department of Health, and local Internal Revenue Allotments.

The government would be spending PHP300 billion for the implementation of the UHC program.

Asked whether the Malasakit Center would be abolished once the LIHS becomes operational, Rullado said the center would be transformed into a complete health facility.

“Makikita natin ang buong health care services sa isang hospital na hindi na mag-iisip ang mahihirap na pasyente kung saan sila pipila para makakuha ng tulong (We can see the whole package of services in one hospital where poor people would no longer need to queue up to seek help)," he said.

The LIHS would initially be piloted in 33 provinces, including two in Bicol -- Sorsogon and Masbate, he said.

The Malasakit Center is a program of neophyte senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go aimed at helping poor people confined in hospitals, pay their medical bills.  # Source - (PNA)