BACOLOD CITY – The city government here will allocate PHP80 million to implement the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP), the flagship health care initiative of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, in 2023.
Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, chair of the City Council committee on health, said Friday that the BacCHP, which will be institutionalized through an ordinance passed on December 7, is initially prioritizing indigent beneficiaries.
“The mayor is keen on signing it right away. He was happy that the ordinance has already been approved,” he added.
Puentevella, one of the proponents of the BacCHP ordinance, said the PHP50 million allocation will come from the general fund while the remaining PHP30 million will be obtained from other sources, such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.
More than 20,000 indigent families will soon be issued the BacCHP Family Health Membership card to be able to avail of the benefits under the program.
The city government has already signed an agreement with three private health facilities that will provide services to a cardholder and qualified dependents under the BacCHP.
These include the Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, Metro Bacolod Hospital and Medical Center, and South Bacolod General Hospital.
Upon admission, the private hospital will waive the deposit or advance payment for BacCHP holders under Republic Act 8344, which penalizes the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency or serious cases.
The city government guarantees the amount of PHP15,000 for each BacCHP holder and their dependents’ hospital bills, inclusive of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and other existing government health care assistance grants. (PNA)
