Metro Manila, Philippines – July 8, 2025 — The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) has confirmed that some of its member hospitals are declining guarantee letters for indigent patients due to long-standing delays in payment reimbursements.
These guarantee letters—commonly issued by local officials such as governors, senators, and members of Congress—serve as a form of financial aid for patients unable to pay hospital bills. The payments are sourced from the Department of Health’s (DOH) Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program and require a promissory note to process.
PHAPI President Dr. Jose Rene De Grano revealed that in the CALABARZON region alone, unpaid claims tied to these guarantee letters have already reached an estimated ₱400 million. He emphasized that the delayed reimbursements significantly strain the operational budgets of private hospitals, affecting their ability to provide consistent services.
Despite these challenges, the Department of Health has assured hospital administrators that there are sufficient funds available to cover outstanding claims. The agency is reportedly working to streamline disbursement procedures and address the backlog to restore confidence among healthcare providers.
PHAPI continues to call for faster processing and release of payments to ensure that medical institutions can sustain operations and continue offering aid to indigent patients in need.
