NOT A single cent would be billed to the indigent patients enrolled in the surgical caravan, a program under Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya (TSeKaP) of the Department of Health (DOH), starting July 3 until July 16.
The program not only enhances the service delivery of local government hospitals, but also aims to achieve the three guarantees, which include providing health care among all life stages, establishing service delivery network, and improving universal health insurance, said Chief Licensing, Regulation, and Enforcement Division of DOH Dr. Erwin Baclig.
“With this program, our constituents who have almost lost hope already in getting medical attention are given another chance by this program,” said Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso.
To avail of this program, one only needs to go to the regional office of the DOH.
Patients must be a PhilHealth member, but even non-members will be accommodated. Applicants would be assessed by medical social workers.
In accordance to the Point of Care Enrollment Program under Philhealth Circular 32, patients who are classified as Class C3 or Class D will be enrolled accordingly.
Dr. Dominga Gacad, a representative from PhilHealth, emphasized the hospital will not ask for any payment from the patients enrolled in the program.
The host hospitals of the Surgical Caravan include Atok District Hospital, Dennis Molintas Municipal Hospital, and Benguet General Hospital. The three host hospitals including the acting visiting hospital Baguio General Hospital Medical Center (BGHMC), are more than ready to accommodate patients for the Surgical Caravan.
BGHMC’s Chief of Hospital Dr. Ricardo Ruñez hopes the program won’t be a one-time event, adding that this caravan may pave the way in letting BGHMC conduct their own caravan as well. (Arianne Jo Julaton/UP Baguio intern)