“Through this collaboration, we continue to be channels of hope for those going through traumatic and crippling situations, aiding them with vital support so they can cope and get through their crises,” Gatchalian said in his message during the signing ceremony at the DSWD central office in Quezon City on Saturday.

The DSWD issues GLs to help indigent patients access medical care by assuring service providers that the government will cover part or all of their medical expenses.

The support of the new partners paves the way for greater convenience and faster access to medical and related services for crisis-hit Filipinos, Gatchalian said.

Under the partnership, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program beneficiaries can access services from the partner-institutions using DSWD-issued GLs.

“Thank you for all the services you are committing to provide to our clients in DSWD. We look forward to working with you as we serve our fellow Filipinos,” Gatchalian told the representatives of the various partners from the private and government sectors.

The DSWD chief noted that during the first half of 2025, the AICS program has already provided support to more than 6.2 million individuals.

To further improve efficiency, the DSWD is initiating the automation of AICS, which will cover both dispensing and billing processes to benefit both the AICS clients and partner institutions.

“Our objective is not only to facilitate swift and convenient service dispensing through our clients’ handheld devices, but also to ensure timely bill payments, so that we can pay you on time,” Gatchalian said.

The partner-hospitals include Allied Care Experts Medical Center Mandaluyong and Valenzuela, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, Medical Center Manila, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, and Valenzuela Medical Center.

The agency’s pharmaceutical industry partners are CGD Medical Depot Inc., E Chi’mes Pharmaceutical Inc., Generika Drugstore, GetMeds Philippines Inc., Jackpharma, Inc., MG Health Solutions, Vital Health Pharmaceutical Corporation and 2MG Inc.

The DSWD also strengthened support services by linking clients with therapy and learning centers like Grow Center for Therapy and Learning Programs and Leap of Grace Learning Center; and implant distributors Basemed Kare Inc. and OrthoHub Philippines Corp.

Dialysis provider B Braun Avitum Philippines, Inc. also signed up for the partnership.

PNA PHOTO