Koronadal City—At least 67 health care facilities and pharmacies in the province signified intention to partner with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato in providing health services to the public, a Provincial Social Welfare and Development official confirmed.
Haide Agustin, PSWD Head, said an agreement was released to connect with private hospitals and pharmacy in providing hospital care for South Cotabato people to ease out of pocket expenses during their hospital stay in public and private hospitals.
“Mercury Drug Store is the newest addition in our pharmacy partners,” Agustin said, but she said the papers are still in the process.
According to the latest report, 400 persons asked for medical assistance for dialysis. South Cotabato provides P5, 000 cash quarterly.
They also allocated P1M for hospital and medicine assistance of dengue patients.
However, Agustin explained that the establishment of Malasakit Center inside the Provincial Hospital does not guarantee an increase in medical assistance to patients in private hospitals.
“Our assistance is dependent on the assessment of our social worker,” Agustin pointed out.
From July to September 6 this year, the Provincial Government released P9M for various forms of assistance. The Assistance in Crisis Situation (AICS) fund utilized P1.4M as of the present.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government donated cash for transportation, drug rehabilitation, livelihood, and immediate assistance. It is released directly to the patient.
South Cotabato spent P2. 7M for burial assistance, Agustin said.
“Some families seek rice assistance instead of money for burial assistance,” Agustin said.
Agustin said Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City is also a partner.
The assistance center is located at the Governor’s office.
