The Malasakit Center is a joint government initiative designed to bring together various agencies under one roof to provide medical and financial assistance to Filipinos in need. It was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, and supported by the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Located within select public hospitals, these centers streamline the process of accessing support for hospital bills, medicines, diagnostic procedures, and other health-related expenses, especially for those facing financial hardship due to medical emergencies or long-term treatment.
If you are one of those who are looking for medical assistance, then the Malasakit Center is your one-stop-shop for help when it comes to paying for hospital bills and other medical expenses from various government agencies. Here’s a complete guide on how to seek help at a Malasakit Center in case of medical crisis.
Getting Help at a Malasakit Center
A Malasakit Center is a physical office located within government hospitals that consolidates medical and financial assistance from different government agencies. Getting help from one means receiving coordinated financial and medical assistance from the different government agencies in it to reduce or eliminate your hospital expenses. It’s like a one-stop-shop inside a public hospital where patients can request help for medicines, diagnostics, transportation, burial support, and even full or partial payment of their hospital bills.
You should seek help from a Malasakit Center if you’re struggling to afford medical care or if you or a loved one is admitted and needs urgent financial relief. The process is quite simple and it usually just start by visiting the Malasakit Center in the hospital and you can get the approved aid as well within the same facility.
Types of Assistance Offered at Malasakit Centers
Multiple agencies collaborate within each Malasakit Center to provide a variety of financial and medical support, including the following:
PhilHealth (PHIC)
- Provides details on available PhilHealth benefits
- Assists members and dependents in claiming their entitled benefits
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)
- Hospital confinement aid
- Medicines
- Laboratory and diagnostic tests
- Medical implants and selected medical devices
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Transportation allowance
- Food assistance
- Burial assistance
- Assistive devices for persons with disabilities
- Cash assistance for other urgent needs
Department of Health (DOH)
- Medicines listed under the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF)
- Medications for compassionate use
- Blood products and medical supplies
- Mental health, psychosocial, and rehabilitation services
- Assistance in paying for hospital bills
Who Can Get Help at a Malasakit Center?
Assistance from Malasakit Centers is available to every Filipino citizen, especially those belonging to the following groups:
- Indigent patients
- Financially challenged individuals facing long-term medical treatment or sudden healthcare costs
If you or a family member is hospitalized and cannot shoulder medical expenses, you may qualify for aid through the Malasakit Center.
Qualifications
You just need to satisfy the following criteria:
- Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Must be admitted or receiving treatment in a government hospital with a Malasakit Center.
- Must be classified as an indigent patient or someone without the financial means to pay for medical expenses.
- May also be considered financially incapacitated, especially those facing long-term treatment or serious medical conditions that require continuous care.
- Must undergo an interview and assessment by a designated social worker to evaluate their financial and medical needs.
- Must provide the required supporting documents, such as medical records, hospital billing statements, valid identification, and other related papers as requested by the Malasakit Center staff.
Where Can You Find Malasakit Centers?
Malasakit Centers are located in various government hospitals nationwide. These include:
- Department of Health (DOH) hospitals
- Hospitals operated by State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
- Department of National Defense hospitals
- Philippine National Police (PNP) hospitals
- Selected Local Government Unit (LGU) hospitals
Required Documents
To receive financial or medical assistance from a Malasakit Center, applicants must prepare to submit the following documents depending on the type of help and the agency providing it:
For PhilHealth (PHIC):
- PhilHealth Member Data Record (MDR) or proof of membership
- Valid ID of the member and/or dependent
- Medical abstract or certification from the attending physician
- Hospital billing statement
For Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO):
- Request letter or application form
- Medical abstract or clinical diagnosis
- Doctor’s prescription or treatment protocol
- Cost estimate or quotation from the hospital or pharmacy
- Valid government-issued ID
For Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD):
- Social Case Study Report from the hospital social worker
- Barangay certificate of indigency
- Valid ID
- Death certificate (for burial assistance)
- Medical abstract (for food or transport aid related to treatment)
For Department of Health (DOH):
- Medical abstract or certification
- Prescription or treatment protocol
- Official billing statement from the hospital
- Valid ID
- Supporting documents for mental health, rehabilitation, or specialized services (as needed)
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Financial Assistance
To apply, simply follow these steps:
Step 1. Seek Medical Consultation at a Malasakit Center Hospital
Start by visiting a hospital that has an operational Malasakit Center. Get the necessary medical check-ups or treatments.
Step 2. Visit the Malasakit Center Inside the Hospital
Once you’re admitted or referred for treatment, go to the Malasakit Center within the same hospital to request financial or medical assistance.
Step 3. Undergo an Interview and Assessment
A social worker at the Malasakit Center will assess your situation through an interview. This is to evaluate your financial capacity and determine the type of aid you’re eligible for.
Step 4. Submit the Required Documents
Prepare and submit necessary documents to support your request.
Step 5. Receive Your Approved Financial or Medical Assistance
Once your application is evaluated and approved, you will be granted the appropriate support, whether it’s full or partial coverage of your hospital bill, medical supplies, or related needs.
Administration and Management
The Malasakit Program Office (MPO) under the DOH oversees the implementation of the Malasakit Centers. Its responsibilities include:
- Creating policies, guidelines, and plans for center operations
- Monitoring and evaluating Malasakit Center services
- Managing and disbursing DOH funds allocated for the program
- Reviewing and approving new Malasakit Center applications
- Coordinating with relevant agencies for program development
Through these efforts, the MPO helps maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of Malasakit Centers across the Philippines.
Reminders
Malasakit Centers are designed to make it easier for Filipinos to access government medical assistance. If you or a loved one is struggling with hospital bills or medical expenses, don’t hesitate to visit the nearest Malasakit Center. Just remember to:
- Bring complete documents.
- Be honest during the interview.
- Follow through with the process.
- Malasakit Centers help patients by covering hospital bills and other medical costs through guarantee letters.
- They don’t give out cash, but they work with different government agencies to make sure your expenses are taken care of.
- All Malasakit Centers follow the same process, no matter where they are located.
With the help of Malasakit Centers, financial assistance for healthcare becomes more accessible and convenient.
Video: What is a Malasakit Center
You can learn more about what a Malasakit Center is and what services it offers by watching this video from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, visit the DOH website, any Malasakit Center, or contact the Malasakit Program Office directly via the following:
- Phone: (02) 8651-7800
- Local: 1810, 1811, 2711
- Email address: malasakitprogramoffice@doh.gov.ph