Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Raphael Bosano

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Department of Health is set to release updated guidelines on the for Medical Assistance to to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).This, following President Ferdinand  Marcos Jr’s orders to ensure that Filipinos will have easy access to health care. In a statement, Department of Health spokesperson Albert Domingo said that will “lay down the guidelines for MAIFIP so that it can be availed by Filipino patients easily, with dignity, and without political interference.”This is in response to Senator Risa Hontiveros’ calls to ensure that patronage politics will be eliminated from the new administrative order as mandated by provisions in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/1/8/doh-guarantee-letters-not-required-for-admission-in-public-hospital-wards-1859">DOH: Guarantee letters not required for admission in public hospital wards</a></div>“Klaro ang naging desisyon namin sa Senado at House: Hindi na dapat mag-door-to-door pa sa mga opisina ng pulitiko para manlimos ng guarantee letters para lang makapagpagamot,” Hontiveros said.The DOH has repeatedly emphasized that guarantee letters issued by elected officials are not a requirement to receive medical attention in government hospitals.While the health department issues its own guarantee letters, they are subject to certain requirements.The lawmaker said she is also ready to begin the period of interpellations on Senate Bill 1593 or Universal Health Care Medical Assistance Program (UHC MAP).<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/1/7/herbosa-says-no-need-to-go-through-politicians-for-medical-aid-1733">‘Law prohibits guarantee letters’: Herbosa says politicians cannot source medical aid funds from national budget</a></div>&quot;Tuldukan na natin ang panlilimos para sa GL. Ang tulong na kailangan ng ating mga kababayan para sa pagpapagamot ay dapat ibigay diretso sa kanila,” Hontiveros said.“Lahat ng nangangailangan, dapat mabigyan ng tulong. Walang kapalit. Walang kondisyon. Walang palakasan.” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa earlier said the department will release the new guidelines for MAIFIP “by the end of the month or by mid-February.”

The Department of Health is set to release updated guidelines on the for Medical Assistance to to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).

The Department of Health is set to release updated guidelines on the for Medical Assistance to to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).

DOH to craft new guidelines for medical assistance

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DOH to craft new guidelines for medical assistance

Raphael Bosano,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 15, 2026 04:23 PM PHT

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Department of Health

Secretary Ted Herbosa

Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients

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