THE Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), through the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), has already released some P37 million in medical fund intended to support destitute patients across Barmm.

Lawyer Raissa Jajurie, minister of social service and development, said the funds were released to 10 hospitals through the Bangsamoro Critical Assistance in Response to Emergency Situation (B-Cares) program of the MSSD.

The 10 hospitals have entered into agreement with the MSSD for the implementation of the B-Cares program.

Jajuri said the B-Cares program covers the hospitalization expenses, medicines, and medical treatment and procedures (including laboratory, CT scan, dialysis, MRIs, anti-retroviral therapy, and chemotherapy) of the identified and validated poor and eligible beneficiaries.

The hospitals that received medical fund are as follows: Cotabato Regional Medical Center, P10 million; Amai PakPak Medical Center, P10 million; Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital, P5 million; Sulu Provincial Hospital; P3 million; Pangutaran District Hospital, P1 million; Basilan General Hospital, P2 million; Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital, P2 million; Maguindanao Provincial Hospital, P2 million; Community Health Services Cooperative Hospital, P1 million; and Dr. R.A.M Albutra General Hospital, P1 million.

Jajurie emphasized that the initiative aims to cater to individuals and families in the region who are experiencing crises.

Jajurie further said the B-Cares program will broaden its coverage in the region in the following months. (SunStar Zamboanga)