Bacolod City Launches Comprehensive Health Program for 35,000 Families

BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Bacolod has issued family health membership cards to approximately 35,000 families, enabling them to access services under the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP), officials reported Wednesday. This program, spearheaded by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, is designed to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly for indigent residents, through partnerships with major hospitals in the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mae Cuaycong, BacCHP focal person, noted that the program is receiving daily applications from 150 to 200 families, indicating a strong community interest in the initiative. The family card covers all children below 21 years of age and features a QR code for quick verification of dependents.

Since its commencement in May 2023, the BacCHP has facilitated hospital services for 1,096 patients, with 305 patients served in January alone. The program allows members and non-members alike to receive immediate assistance at partner hospitals, with the potential for on-site enrollment to ensure that no one is denied necessary healthcare due to lack of membership.

The BacCHP Ordinance guarantees a PHP15,000 coverage per family for hospital bills, with additional support from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and other national government agencies for further financial assistance. This initiative has significantly reduced the financial burden on patients, with some cases resulting in zero out-of-pocket expenses.

The program’s success is attributed to collaborations with five private hospitals and the Department of Health-retained Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, underscoring the city government’s commitment to improving health outcomes for its residents.