‘Outraged’ Philippine doctors call on Congress to rein in lawmakers’ ‘medical pork’
Doctors and health groups say the system allows politicians to influence who receives state medical aid, undermining universal care
At least 72 medical and health professional organisations have signed a joint petition denouncing the practice, arguing it allows politicians to influence who receives state medical aid in ways that can be used for political advantage, distorting access to care and weakening the country’s Universal Health Care system.
Under the current system, when hospital bills exceed PhilHealth coverage, patients can apply for additional state medical assistance through several programmes, including the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).
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In practice, critics say, MAIFIP support often depends on patients securing guarantee letters from lawmakers, typically routed through government-run “Malasakit Centres”, forcing patients and families to seek political mediation during medical emergencies.