The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) will begin covering doctors’ fees for hospitalized indigent patients nationwide starting October 30, according to an announcement by PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles. The new initiative, launched in coordination with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and the House of Representatives, aims to address financial gaps in medical assistance for low-income patients.
“October 30 was just declared a national charity day, and I thought it would be most fitting to launch everything,” Robles stated during a press conference. “Whereas before, we only covered hospital costs, now we will also cover doctors’ fees.”
House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Party List Representative Erwin Tulfo highlighted the significance of this decision, especially for patients unable to afford private hospital care. “With PCSO now covering professional fees, along with PhilHealth assistance, our indigent patients will have minimal or no cash out for their treatment,” he explained.
Dr. Hector Santos Jr., PMA President, expressed gratitude for the support but noted that some doctors had previously declined government guarantee letters due to payment delays. “Sometimes we have to wait two to three months, which deters some doctors from accepting cases under these terms,” Santos said. “But now, with PCSO’s commitment, we’re optimistic that these issues will be resolved.”
Patients seeking PCSO assistance for doctors’ fees will need an indigency certificate and their hospital bill, according to Tulfo. The official guidelines for the program will be released before October 30, ensuring that the necessary safeguards are in place to verify authenticity and streamline payments.
