BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital has extended its support to the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP) of the administration of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
A memorandum of agreement was signed yesterday by representatives of BQMH, composed of Capt. Lucho Giovanni, Drs. Willy Yu, Neifertiti Gosengfiao and Benitez, representing the city government of Bacolod. The medical health facility will provide services to BacCHP cardholders and qualified family members.
Last month, the city government also signed a similar six-month agreement with Metro Bacolod Hospital and Medical Center and South Bacolod General Hospital.
Benitez expressed his gratitude for the hospital’s commitment towards his flagship health program as it will further institutionalize the health assistance he envisioned.
Dr. Evangeline Johnson, Material Management Director of BQMH, said that they will have 30 new beds ready to be used at the medical facility in support of BacCHP.
DOH-6 Regional Director Adriano Suba-an, who witnessed the MOA signing, expressed support for the BacCHP. “We know for a fact that our government hospital here (the Corazon Lacson Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital) is overwhelmed by patients. It makes logical sense to use some of the facilities of private hospitals,” Suba-an added.
“Under the Universal Health Care Act, the private hospitals are going to allocate at least 10 percent of the total number of beds (as basic or ward accommodation). This initiative of Bacolod City actually honors that. That’s why we are here support them,” he added.
Upon admission, the private hospital will waive deposit or advance payment for BacCHP holders under Republic Act 8344, which penalizes the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency or serious cases.
The city government guarantees the amount of PHP15,000 for each BacCHP holder and their dependents’ hospital bills, inclusive of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and other existing government health care assistance grants.
“(These) private hospitals will now accept BacCHP (card)holders without the need of any deposit (and) any other requirements they would ask patients before allowing them entry. This becomes an easier way for them to be able to access medical attention,” Benitez said.* with PNA reports
