Social workers to assess medical aid for poor — DOHMANILA, Philippines — The access of indigent patients to medical assistance rests solely on the assessment of social workers, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified Wednesday, after the agency was linked in the latest push to amend the Constitution. Marcos also alleged that districts that deliver a high number of signatures will reportedly get P10 million from the DOH’s medical assistance program. The DOH guidelines state that funds of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program cover medicines, services, and other medical products as prescribed by licensed physicians or health professionals. To avail medical assistance under the program, patients or their authorized representatives shall submit documents to the Medical Social Service or the designated officer of the health facility. The registered social worker of the health facility will then assess the eligibility of patients and process the medical assistance.

Source: Philippine Star January 10, 2024 14:18 UTC