Manila, Aug. 23 -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed gratitude to the 22 hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, medical suppliers, and distributors of assistive devices for partnering with the agency to expand the reach of guarantee letters (GLs).

"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...