CEBU CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided PHP620.9 million in medical assistance to residents of Region 7 (Central Visayas) during the first semester of 2024, benefiting 74,682 individuals under the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
According to Philippines News Agency, regional director of DSWD-Central Visayas, the substantial aid distribution is part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility through partnerships with hospitals and pharmacies. "Following the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through DSWD, we in Region 7 ensure that our services are accessible to more people and that is through partnering with different institutions and private entities," Lucero stated in a news release on Sunday.
The partnerships recently established include agreements with four private hospitals within the Cebu Doctors Group, as well as collaborations with Medicart Pharmacy, Dannes Pharmacy, Majesty Pharmacy, and Garrod Inc. These partnerships are designed to facilitate the supply of medicines and other medical necessities. DSWD-7 has agreed with these entities to provide AICS clients with guarantee letters that stipulate the amount of assistance, which the agency then directly pays to the service providers.
The enhanced network now includes five pharmacies, seven hospitals, and two other medical service providers under the Crisis Intervention Section, which manages the AICS program. Besides medical assistance, DSWD also supports individuals and families in crisis with burial, transportation, education, food, and financial aid for other urgent needs.