QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 578)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 578 is to change the limitations in the income of admitted patients in government hospitals and charity clinics to reflect the marked fluctuations of the standard of living, in accordance with Section 7 of Republic Act No. 747.
The President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested by Section 7 of Republic Act No. 747, has the authority to change the income limitations.
An indigent patient has a total income of not more than one hundred twenty pesos a month if not married. If married or head of family, the total income of the family must not exceed two hundred ten pesos a month.
Indigent patients are absolutely free from any and all charges incurred by the hospital during their confinement and have priority in accommodation in government hospitals and charity clinics.
A partial pay patient has a total income of more than one hundred twenty pesos but not more than two hundred ten pesos a month if not married; if married or head of family, the total income of the family should not be more than three hundred pesos a month.
Partial pay patients are entitled to free professional services but must pay only the cost of medicines used and the hospitalization fees.
A full pay patient is one who has an income of more than three hundred pesos a month, irrespective of marital status or family size.
Full pay patients must pay for medicines used, hospitalization charges, and the professional fees.
For indigent patients, each additional family member is given a thirty pesos allowance added to the total income limit, but overall family income must not exceed two hundred ten pesos. For partial pay patients, each additional member adds a thirty pesos allowance with a maximum family income limit of three hundred pesos.
The order took effect immediately upon its signing on March 24, 1953.
The powers are granted under Section 7 of Republic Act No. 747, which regulates fees charged against patients in government hospitals and charity clinics and classifies patients according to their financial condition.
The changes were made upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Health.