The Department of Health, via the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital (GCGMH), may soon enter into an agreement with private hospitals to provide dialysis treatment for indigent patients, according to First District Rep. Edgar Chatto.
In a report, Chatto bared the possibility of a partnership between the government and private hospitals on providing dialysis service following discussions in Congress with Health Usec. Charade Mercado-Grande and National Capital Region (NCR) Center for Health Development (CHD) Director Gloria Balboa.
As this developed, the congressman expressed his support to this possible partnership that surely will benefit the financially challenged who need to get dialysis treatment.
Under the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), private hospitals will provide dialysis treatment charged to the GCGMH’s Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) program.
In the 2022 National Budget, Chatto, with the support of Sen. Sonny Angara secured P120 million for MAIP which is downloaded at the GCGMH.
Moreover, Chatto is closely coordinating with the leadership of GGCMH for possible program expansion.
According to the guidelines, the partnership between GCGMH and any private hospital must be intended for health and medical services for the indigent and financially-incapacitated patients, which the government hospitals are unable to provide in certain instances especially when the government facilities are unavailable due to the huge number of patients trying to avail themselves of the dialysis treatment.
To date, only Ramiro Community Hospital has an agreement with GCGMH.
Furthermore, Chatto said he is proposing a more relaxed rule in the 2023 General Appropriations Act in order to effectively widen the program’s reach.
Chatto has been working for the enhancement of health service in the province with the ongoing construction of the GCGMH in Cortes, the opening of the Bohol Island State University (BISU) School of Medicine and the opening of a dialysis center at the Tubigon Community Hospital.