Salimbangon: Capitol should pay for indigents

Cebu Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon is calling for Capitol to cover fees reportedly collected by private doctors practicing in district and provincial hospitals to avoid confusing patients, especially the indigents.

Salimbangon made the call following the announcement of Governor Hilario Davide III of the “free hospital services and ambulance fees” for the indigents.

Salimbangon said he has been hearing reports from his constituents that private doctors and nurses in province-owned hospitals have been collecting fees and that patients are not discharged otherwise.

“Mosamot ka dako ang bayronon kung i-hold, daghan pobre naproblema,” Salimbangon said.

The Capitol announced that indigent patients in Cebu province are now free of hospital services and ambulance fees after the Provincial Board amended Section 173 of the Provincial Ordinance No. 2008-10, otherwise known as the Revenue Code of 2008.

Even prior to the approval of the amendatory ordinance introduced by PB Member Jose Mari “Tata” Salvador, the Capitol earlier announced that all hospital administrators have been directed to waive the charges for indigent patients.

Under the "no balance billing" system, indigent patients should not pay a single centavo when they go to a public hospital.

In Bantayan District Hospital, Salimbangon said at least P3,000 was collected from some patients who needed to be transported to Cebu City.

In Cebu Provincial Hospital Bogo City, some patients were asked to sign promissory letters for release in case they don’t have the money yet to pay doctor’s fees.

For government doctors and nurses, Salimbangon stressed that they can no longer collect from patients since they are entitled to per diem and overtime pay if they work beyond their official hours of duty.

Salimbangon has a medical assistance program wherein an indigent patient admitted into a private hospital shall be automatically given P5,000 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided he or she can immediately submit the required documents.

The DSWD will then issue a guarantee letter to the hospital for the remaining balance.

For the district and provincial hospitals, Salimbangon warned that there is no reason to refuse patients.

“Balibari ang pasyente and we will sue you,” he warned.

Salimbangon is set to arrange with the Department of Health (DOH) the payment of hospitals bills for patients referred by his office staff.

Salimbangon wants the billing be submitted to the DOH which will make the payment directly to the district or provincial hospital.

A memorandum of agreement will be entered into by Salimbangon and DOH for this matter.

Rubio/JBB