Groups oppose MAIFIP funding boost, urge stronger PhilHealth budget

MANILA — A House budget panel's plan to expand funding for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program has drawn fire from healthcare professionals, budget watchdogs, labor organizations and civil society groups who say the resources would be better invested in strengthening the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The groups argue that PhilHealth, as the country's primary health insurer covering millions of Filipinos, requires substantial budget increases to improve its operational capacity and expand coverage. They contend that redirecting MAIFIP funds toward PhilHealth would create a more efficient, sustainable healthcare financing system and reduce fragmentation in assistance programs.

The timing of the debate comes as the health sector grapples with persistent challenges in access to medical services and insurance adequacy. Advocates emphasize that bolstering PhilHealth's core funding would address root causes of healthcare inequity rather than relying on supplementary assistance mechanisms.

The House budget panel has not yet provided a detailed justification for the proposed MAIFIP increase. The matter is expected to proceed through legislative discussions as lawmakers prepare the national budget for the coming fiscal year.