Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson has introduced a bill proposing the integration of the Department of Health's (DOH) Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Program into the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. The senator believes that this move will help address the issue of payment delays for medical services provided by DOH-licensed or accredited health facilities, which are often hampered by political interference.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson emphasized that the integration aims to prevent political exploitation and manipulation of the MAIFIP Program. The senator seeks to address what he describes as a culture of mendicancy and political patronage associated with the program. He advocates for a unified and coherent health system under Universal Healthcare to cater to the needs of indigent and marginalized families.

Lacson stressed that individuals, regardless of their economic status, who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses and other similar medical conditions, should benefit from the government's comprehensive safety net. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that these individuals have access to affordable and accessible health services, free from political interventions that exploit government programs.

The senator's remarks come in the wake of reports suggesting that the delivery of public services and medical programs has been negatively impacted. This was highlighted by instances where private hospitals reportedly refused to honor guarantee letters issued by politicians. These refusals were allegedly due to concerns about compensation, particularly after some officials lost in recent elections.