Law Summary

Overview

Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act, was enacted on December 3, 2019, aiming to establish Malasakit Centers in all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to provide medical and financial assistance to patients.

Declaration of Policies

• Legal Principle: The Act affirms the State's commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring patient access to medical and financial aid.
• Key Objectives:
  • Adopt a multi-sectoral approach to health issues.
  • Ensure patients receive compassionate care.
  • Create a streamlined one-stop shop for assistance.

Definition of Terms

• Key Definitions:
  • DOH Hospital: Hospitals managed by the DOH, including specific corporate hospitals.
  • Financial Assistance: Monetary aid for medical expenses, burial, and transportation.
  • Indigent Patient: A patient with no means of income.
  • Financially Incapacitated Patient: A patient unable to afford medical expenses despite not being classified as indigent.
  • Malasakit Center: A facility providing integrated medical and financial support.

Malasakit Program

• Legal Principle: Establishment of a structured Malasakit Program in all DOH hospitals and PGH.
• Objectives:
  • Ensure a responsive healthcare culture.
  • Provide financial risk protection for indigent patients.
• Implementation: DOH to issue guidelines in consultation with relevant agencies.

Malasakit Centers

• Structure & Function:
  • Serve as one-stop shops for assistance.
  • Provide patient navigation and referral networks.
  • Offer information on health insurance coverage.
  • Conduct health promotion activities.
• Accessibility: Centers must be free, non-partisan, and accessible, with special provisions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Administration of Malasakit Centers

• Management: Led by the Medical Director or Chief of Hospital, designated as Malasakit Center Director.
• Responsibilities:
  • Ensure proper facilities and coordination among agencies.
  • Assign a Medical Social Work Office head as Operations Manager.

Personnel Complement

• Staffing Requirements: Malasakit Centers must be staffed by medical social workers and support staff.
• Assessment & Approval: Representatives from DOH, DSWD, PCSO, and PhilHealth will process requests for assistance.

Medical and Financial Assistance

• Scope of Assistance:
  • Medical assistance based on patient need.
  • Financial assistance from DSWD and PCSO.
  • Access to services from other government and private entities.
• Eligibility Assessment: Conducted by medical social workers.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• DOH Responsibilities: Conduct regular evaluations to assess service responsiveness and patient satisfaction.

Penal Provisions

• Penalties for Misconduct:
  • Public officials engaging in unethical practices may face suspension or dismissal.
  • Misappropriation of funds results in fines and possible criminal charges.
  • Fraudulent claims can lead to penalties, including imprisonment.

Annual Report

• Reporting Requirement: DOH, DSWD, PCSO, and PhilHealth must report to the President and relevant congressional committees annually.

Appropriations

• Funding Sources: Necessary funds for Malasakit Centers will be included in the General Appropriations Act.

Implementing Rules and Regulations

• Deadline for Issuance: Implementing rules must be issued within 90 days of the law’s approval.

Separability Clause

• Provision: Any unconstitutional parts of the Act do not nullify the remaining provisions.

Repealing Clause

• Effect: Inconsistent laws or regulations are repealed or modified.

Effectivity

• Implementation Timeline: The Act takes effect 15 days after publication.

Key Takeaways

• The Malasakit Centers Act establishes a framework for integrated healthcare support in the Philippines, enhancing accessibility to medical and financial assistance for indigent and financially incapacitated patients.
• It delineates the roles of various government agencies in providing assistance, emphasizes the importance of compassionate care, and mandates the establishment of centers in public hospitals.
• The Act includes strict penalties for abuse and misappropriation of funds, reinforcing accountability in the delivery of healthcare services.