President Marcos Calls for Prompt Cancer Fund Responses
President Marcos has emphasized the need for patients to receive quick responses when requesting financial support from the government’s Cancer Assistance Fund. He urged the Department of Health (DOH) to avoid delays in processing these requests and ensure that patients are promptly informed about their application’s status. “Sana rin ay bilisan ang pagproseso sa mga request sa Cancer Fund. Siguraduhing alam na agad ng pasyente kung kailan niya makukuha ang sagot niya sa request,” he said during the inauguration of the Region I Medical Center Cancer Institute in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, last May 23.
The President warned against unnecessary delays, explaining that many requests go unprocessed, leading to missed treatment opportunities and even death. “At huwag na natin patagalin at marami tayong – maraming nangyayari, nakakalimutan, hindi na naproseso, eh mamamatay na lang ‘yun. Hindi na nagamot. Kaya time is of the essence when it comes to processing those requests,” Marcos added.
Expanding Awareness and Access to Cancer Fund
Marcos highlighted that numerous patients remain unaware of the Cancer Assistance Fund, which prevents them from receiving much-needed aid. To address this, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa is set to release a comprehensive list of accredited hospitals where the fund can be accessed.
Currently, cancer patients can use the Cancer Assistance Fund in 34 DOH-accredited hospitals nationwide, including the Region I Medical Center. To avail of the financial aid, patients need to present a medical abstract, a doctor’s prescription, or a treatment plan.
Each of these hospitals assigns a social worker or designated personnel to evaluate a patient’s situation. After approval, the fund can be used directly within the hospital to cover treatment expenses. The President encouraged the DOH to extend the availability of the fund to more hospitals across the country.
Building More Cancer Treatment Facilities Nationwide
In addition to improving fund access, Marcos stressed the importance of increasing the number of hospitals catering specifically to cancer patients. He underscored early detection and timely treatment as critical to improving survival rates.
The administration remains committed to establishing more cancer and specialty centers nationwide, promising to build additional facilities to meet growing healthcare demands.
Ensuring 24/7 Operation of Urgent Care Centers
The President also highlighted the need for Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers to operate daily, around the clock. These centers provide immediate medical and health services, including minor surgeries, immunizations for adults and children, and dental care.
Recognizing that illnesses can occur at any time, Marcos emphasized that BUCAS centers must be ready to respond to the public’s ambulatory medical and surgical needs without interruption.
For more news and updates on cancer fund processing, visit Filipinokami.com.