The Department of Health (DOH) said it will release new guidelines for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (Maifip) before the end of February to remove the need for guarantee letters from politicians.
DOH spokesman Albert Domingo said Section 19 of the 2026 General Appropriations Act now prohibits politicians from granting financial aid under the program through such letters.
The Maifip budget increased to P51 billion from P41 billion in 2025, which will serve as the basis for expanded benefits and implementation.
The new guidelines will include 100-percent coverage of doctors’ professional fees and expand services to ambulatory care, surgical clinics, eye and dental centers, dialysis clinics, and FDA-approved medicines.
Senator Risa Hontiveros welcomed the move, saying it ends patronage politics and spares patients from having to seek help from politicians to access medical treatment.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 18, 2026
