Malasakit Centers Act

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 11463 (Malasakit Centers Act)

Establishment of Malasakit Centers
- Malasakit Centers shall be established in all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals and the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to serve as a one-stop shop for medical and financial assistance. (Section 6)
- The centers shall provide patient navigation, information on health insurance, document patient experiences, provide capacity-building, and conduct health promotion activities. (Section 6)
- Special lanes shall be provided for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. (Section 6)
- Other public hospitals may establish Malasakit Centers if they meet certain standards and criteria set by the DOH. (Section 6)

Administration and Personnel
- The Medical Director or Chief of Hospital shall be designated as the Malasakit Centers Director, overseeing the management and operation of the center. (Section 7)
- The Head of the Medical Social Work Office shall be the Malasakit Center Operations Manager, handling day-to-day operations. (Section 7)
- The centers shall be staffed by medical social workers, support staff, and representatives from the DOH, DSWD, PCSO, and PhilHealth. (Section 8)

Medical and Financial Assistance
- The centers shall facilitate access to medical assistance from the DOH for indigent patients, financial assistance from the DSWD, medical assistance from the PCSO, and assistance from other agencies, LGUs, NGOs, and private entities. (Section 9)
- The medical social worker shall assess the patient's eligibility and provide information on available assistance. (Section 9)
- Patients admitted to other public hospitals may also receive assistance through the Malasakit Centers or directly from the agencies concerned. (Section 9)
- The DOH, DSWD, PhilHealth, and PCSO shall issue uniform guidelines for the implementation of medical and financial assistance. (Section 9)

Monitoring and Evaluation
- The DOH shall conduct monitoring and evaluation, including a client satisfaction survey, to assess the responsiveness of Malasakit Centers. (Section 10)

Penal Provisions
- Public officials or employees who commit unethical or fraudulent acts, abuse of authority, or misappropriate funds shall face administrative penalties, including suspension or dismissal, and may also face criminal charges. (Section 11)
- Individuals who commit fraud or misrepresentation regarding their indigency or financial incapacity shall be liable for twice the amount of assistance provided and face imprisonment. (Section 11)
- Individuals who aid or abet the commission of such offenses shall face imprisonment. (Section 11)

Reporting and Appropriations
- The DOH, DSWD, PCSO, and PhilHealth shall jointly submit an annual report on the implementation of the Act. (Section 12)
- Funds necessary for the establishment and operation of Malasakit Centers shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. (Section 13)
- Amounts earmarked for medical assistance under the National Internal Revenue Code shall be appropriated to the DOH, with a portion allotted for DOH hospitals and the PGH. (Section 13)

Implementing Rules and Regulations
- The DOH, PhilHealth, DSWD, and PCSO shall jointly issue the implementing rules and regulations within 90 days from the approval of the Act. (Section 14)