Manila: The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) has expanded its healthcare reach by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with 10 new hospitals.

According to Philippines News Agency, the MOH-BARMM Minister, Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., announced the partnership on Thursday, highlighting its aim to serve more disadvantaged Bangsamoro people both within and outside the region. This initiative allows a greater number of Bangsamoro individuals to access medical assistance through the newly partnered hospitals under the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program (MAIFFIP).

The 10 newly partnered hospitals include St. Pius Hospital in Midsayap, North Cotabato; Kabacan Polymedic Cooperative Hospital in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Premier Medical Center Zamboanga in Zamboanga City; Hiraj Hospital in Marantao, Lanao del Sur; Mindalano Specialist Hospital Foundation, Inc. in Marawi City; Mindanao Doctors Hospital and Cancer Center in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Tacurong Doctors' Hospital in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat; Sulaik Clinic and Hospital in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur; St. Elizabeth Hospital, Inc. in General Santos City; and Dr. Jose Ma. Torres Memorial Foundation Hospital in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Dr. Sinolinding emphasized the responsibility of ensuring the health and well-being of the entire Bangsamoro population, including those residing outside the region. The partnership is expected to extend essential hospital care to these communities. The MAIFFIP program provides ongoing medical support to eligible indigent and financially incapacitated patients. Sinolinding also urged the partner hospitals to maintain open communication with his office to ensure efficient responses to their needs.

MOH-BARMM has previously established similar agreements with 30 other hospitals across the nation.