Manila: Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa expressed support for Senator Erwin Tulfo's proposal to use the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFP) fund to procure medicines and medical devices for patients in need.

According to Philippines News Agency, Herbosa stated in a video message aired over Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon that he agrees with the proposed legislation, emphasizing the importance of enacting it into law to expedite aid delivery to those in need. Last week, Tulfo raised concerns about the Department of Health (DOH) potentially depleting its funds under the program, as some private hospitals in Batangas have suspended acceptance of guarantee letters due to unpaid claims. He assured that Congress has approved sufficient funding for the MAIFP program.

Herbosa reassured the public that the DOH is continuously improving healthcare assistance delivery, especially in private hospitals where issues often arise from documentation rather than funding. He mentioned that funds are available and that, with complete documentation, hospitals do receive payments. Herbosa was speaking from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) when he made these remarks.

In February 2025, Tulfo proposed House Bill No. 11444, which suggests that funds should be directly managed by the DOH rather than requested through Congress. This would cover hospital maintenance and operating expenses, including the purchase of medicines and medical equipment. The DOH views this as a more efficient allocation of resources, aiming to reduce delays in healthcare service delivery in hospitals and healthcare facilities.