THE City Government of Davao said that a total of 15,000 patients in the city availed the Lingap program from July to September 2018.
During the i-Speak media forum yesterday, October 11, 2018, Josephine Mitaran, officer-in-charge of Lingap Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), said that if the patient is a resident of the Davao City, they will automatically avail Lingap Para sa Mahirap Program and Malasakit Program of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Swerte gyud ta na mga taga-Davao kay duha dayon ka programa and atong ma avail (We are very lucky as Dabawenyos because we can avail two programs [medical assistance]),” Mitaran said.
The program aims to give a zero billing on hospital bills on patients admitted on public hospitals basing on indigence level.
For Caraga, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Northern Mindanao, the government already catered 49,000 patients, Mitaran, however said they will now focus for a Mindanao-wide coverage to avoid discrimination.
Mitaran also said the Lingap program will be located on a one-stop-shop building to give a more convenient service.
“Para ni matabangan ang mga tao na makatipid ug time [ug] pamasahe (This is in order for the people applying for the program to lessen their expenses on fares and time),” Mitaran said.
The building is expected to be finished by the end of the year. It is located within the compound of SPMC.
There is no need for barangay officials to assist those applying for the program as long as there is an endorsement letter from the barangay.
According to Mitaran, the program was designed to be less hassle for the public in terms of requirements as they see the need for urgency.