BAGUIO CITY – The city council on Monday confirmed the memorandum of agreement covering the city government’s grant of P7.5 million financial assistance to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) as medical assistance fund for indigent patients.
The annual assistance is part of the city government’s commitment to formulate programs that link the less privileged to the resources of the LGU.
As per the MOA signed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan and BGHMC medical chief Emmanuel Acluba last July 27, P6 million will be used to purchase medical equipment such as anesthesia machines and orthopedic beds and P1.5 million will be used as medical assistance to indigent patients.
Savings from the purchase can be used to procure other equipment.
In confirming the MOA, the body suggested that any savings be used to buy equipment for cancer patients confined in the hospital.
Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. said that in case there are no savings this year, the cancer treatment equipment facilities should be prioritized in next year’s appropriation.
The aldermen also sought the prioritization of Baguio residents in the grant of financial assistance.
They agreed to invite Acluba in their session on Sept. 7 to clarify the hospital’s policies in the grant of the assistance.
As per the MOA, the medical assistance is disbursed according to policies and guidelines of the Dept. of Health Department Order No. 2007-0057 which specify that the aid will only be for indigent patients who are permanent residents of Baguio as identified by the city social welfare and development office pursuant to Resolution No. 99 series of 2009./A Refuerzo
