MANILA, Philippines — Senator Erwin Tulfo is demanding accountability and transparency from the Department of Health (DOH) over reports that indigent patients are being denied guarantee letters (GL) for medical assistance—even in government hospitals.

In a statement, Tulfo revealed that several patients referred by his office to the DOH were reportedly turned away or told to return another day, despite urgent medical needs.

“There’s a patient who wanted to be treated at the Philippine Heart Center but was told to return another day,” Tulfo said. “Another indigent patient needing urgent care at the National Kidney Transplant Institute was told to ‘just wait for a bit.’ This is unacceptable. For someone who is sick, every second counts. Asking them to wait is not an option.”

The senator emphasized that the DOH must be honest about the status of the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program (MAIFIP).

“If you no longer have funds for indigent patients, say so. Don’t give them false hope. These people didn’t choose to get sick—let’s not make their burden heavier,” he said.

Tulfo also questioned whether the DOH had run out of funding despite the appropriation approved by Congress for MAIFIP. He cited reports that private hospitals in Region IV-A, especially in Batangas, are considering suspending the acceptance of GLs due to P530 million in allegedly unpaid claims.

“We want answers…where are the funds? Was it used during the elections? Or was the MAIFIP funds mismanaged?” Tulfo asked.

The senator called on the DOH to clarify the status of the program and ensure that indigent Filipinos receive the medical support they are entitled to.