Manila, Sept. 21 -- Patients in private hospitals may receive assistance under the expanded Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, a Department of Health official said Monday.

DOH Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary for Hospital Systems Cluster Dr. Tagumpay Maniquis said the program covers patients who are indigent as well as those with incomes but unable to afford medical treatment.

"Meron po silang trabaho pero sa pagkakataon na sila ay nagkasakit eh dito talaga sila nahihirapan na bayaran kung ano man mga kailangan para sa pagpapagamot (They have jobs, but when they fall ill, they struggle to pay for the care they need)," he said in an interview with PTV's Sentro Balita.

The assista...