The PGH Alay Chemo sa CI Program is a dedicated medical assistance initiative of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Cancer Institute (CI) that provides chemotherapy-related support to indigent cancer patients undergoing treatment at the same hospital. Spearheaded by the PGH CI under the leadership of Dr. Jorge Ignacio, the program aims to help Class D patients by subsidizing the cost of chemotherapy drugs and other necessary medications. It was established to respond to the growing need for accessible cancer care among low-income Filipinos and operates in coordination with the Medical Social Services (MSS) office for proper evaluation and support distribution.
Under the program, financial assistance and medical support provided can be full or partial, depending on the patient’s medical and financial situation. It covers medications related to chemotherapy as well as other supporting medicines needed during treatment. If you or your family is facing the burden of cancer treatment, this program offers a pathway to receive life-sustaining medical help through a structured and accessible process.
Program Details
The Alay Chemo sa CI is a hospital-based medical assistance program designed for indigent (Class D) PGH cancer patients with their chemotherapy needs. The program provides partial or full financial support for medicines required during chemotherapy, depending on the patient’s condition and social worker’s evaluation. It is administered by the MSS unit and is available only to those who complete the evaluation and submit the required documents.
Types of Assistance Offered
Patients may receive financial help covering the following:
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Antibiotics
- Antiemetic (anti-nausea) medications
- Other prescribed medicines needed during chemotherapy
- Social work evaluation and issuance of medical assistance card
- Referral assistance for procedures needed outside PGH
Who Can Apply for Assistance
To be eligible for assistance, applicants must:
- Be a Class D (indigent) cancer patient.
- Complete the evaluation and approval process of a PGH social worker through the MSS unit.
Note: Only patients who pass the screening are eligible for assistance with medicines during chemotherapy.
Step-by-Step Application Process
To apply, simply follow these steps:
1. Patient Evaluation by Medical Social Services (MSS)
Before receiving assistance, every applicant must go through an evaluation conducted by the Medical Social Services. This step determines if the patient qualifies as indigent and is eligible for the program.
Documents Needed:
Make sure to prepare the following before going to MSS:
- PGH Blue Card (original copy) – available from the Hospital Information Management Division (HIMD)
- Diagnostic Procedure Request – obtained from your attending doctor or resident
Procedures:
Step 1. Arrive early and wait at the MSS waiting area (ideally by 6:00 AM).
Step 2. Fill out the appointment slip and return it to the social worker on duty.
Step 3. The MSS team will orient patients or their companions about available services and will assist in acquiring the PGH Blue Card.
Step 4. Wait to be called for an interview with a social worker.
Step 5. During the interview, the social worker will assess your case and issue an MSS card (Medical Social Services card).
Step 6. Listen carefully to instructions on how to use and keep the MSS card.
2. Applying for Medical Assistance
Once you’re evaluated and found eligible, the next step is to apply for actual medical support. This covers requests for chemotherapy drugs and other medications required during treatment.
Documents Needed:
- Management Plan – from the resident-in-charge
- Protocol – from the resident-in-charge1
- Clinical Abstract – from the resident-in-charge
- Justification Letter – from the resident-in-charge
- Prescription – from the attending doctor
- Diagnostic Procedure Request – from the attending doctor
- White Card – obtained from the MSS Office
- PGH Blue Card – original copy
Procedures:
Step 1. Submit all requirements to the social worker.
Step 2. The social worker will check the completeness of the documents.
Step 3. They will encode the medicines to be requested for funding.
Step 4. The request will be shared with the PGH Medical Assistance Program (MAP) and the hospital pharmacy.
Step 5. You may be directed to the pharmacy to receive the approved medicines.
Step 6. The social worker may coordinate with your attending doctor if clarifications are needed.
Step 7. Additional discussion may be held with you or your companion regarding any out-of-pocket costs for tests or medications not covered.
3. For External Examinations or Tests
If your treatment plan includes procedures to be done in other hospitals or medical facilities, you may be referred through inter-agency coordination.
Procedures:
Step 1. Submit your referral and supporting documents to the social worker.
Step 2. The social worker will prepare the inter-agency referral letter.
Step 3. This referral will be endorsed and forwarded to the Office of the Deputy Director for Health Operations (ODDHO) for signature.
Step 4. You’ll receive the referral to present at the external hospital.
Where to Apply
The application can be filed and processed at the:
Philippine General Hospital
- Address: Cancer Institute, Philippine General Hospital Taft Avenue, Manila
- Contact: Tel. +63 2 8521 8400 ext. 3928 or 4100 / 8526-6953
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Tips When Applying for PGH Alay Chemo sa CI Assistance
With the right documents and timely application, qualified patients can access life-saving medications and treatment support during their most challenging time. But, to ensure that your application will be completed smoothly, make sure to keep these things in mind:
- Arrive early (as early as 6:00 AM) to secure your place in line at the MSS office.
- Make sure all your documents are complete and updated before submission to avoid delays.
- Bring a companion if possible—some steps may involve long waiting periods.
- Store your MSS card carefully, as this will be needed throughout your treatment journey.
- Follow the clinic schedule strictly, especially if you’re undergoing chemotherapy or follow-ups at the Breast Care Center.
Video: Consultation at the PGH Cancer Institute
The PGH Alay Chemo sa CI program offers a lifeline to indigent cancer patients needing financial help with their chemotherapy. While the process is straightforward, it’s important to be patient, come prepared, and follow all steps as directed by the Medical Social Services team. To learn more about consulting with PGH CI, watch this video below:
For further details and to confirm requirements or schedules, you may contact PGH at the same contact information provided above.