THE DEPARTMENT OF Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has amended the guidelines to avail the “Lingap at Gabay Para sa May Sakit (LinGAP sa MaSa), including the provision of prosthesis, assistive devices, radiology, and chemotherapy, Secretary Virginia Orogo said.
“Based on the previous guidelines, patients may seek assistance once per quarter, or every three months. With the amended guidelines, patients who are in need of regular medical treatment may seek assistance from the LinGAP sa MaSa program as prescribed by their doctors or with a justification from the medical doctor or physicians and social services as a basis for the provision of additional assistance,” Orogo said.
LinGAP sa MaSa is the P1 billion medical program of President Rodrigo Duterte being implemented by the DSWD. It initially began as a free medicines program. In amending the guidelines, the DSWD took into consideration the various medical conditions that need continuous treatment on a regular basis.
Orogo said this is part of DSWD’s continuing efforts to be more responsive to the changing needs of the poor, disadvantaged, and marginalized sectors. Patients may still avail of medical assistance from the Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to defray medical expenses. The remainder of the bill may be covered under the LinGAP sa MaSa program.
If a patient has a representative who is within the second degree of consanguinity, there is no need to present an authorization letter to avail of the benefits. For other representatives, any valid identification and a written authorization letter signed by the patient will be accepted.
The LinGAP sa MaSa is currently being implemented in 34 hospitals in Regions 3 (Central Luzon), 6 (Western Visayas) , 7 (Central Visayas), 11 (Davao Region), and the National Capital Region (NCR). Patients in Central Visayas may avail the program at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City; Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital; Don Emilio Del Valle; Talisay District Hospital; Eversly Child Sanitarium and General Hospital; St. Anthony Mother and Child Hospital. The Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City is also implementing the program. (With a report from Cebu Examiner)
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