3 Senate committees OK Universal Healthcare Medical Assistance Program Act

Three Senate committees have approved Senate Bill No. 1593, also known as the Universal Healthcare Medical Assistance Program Act, which seeks to institutionalize the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP).

This proposed program aims to provide medical assistance for various services to indigent and financially incapacitated individuals, consolidating four separate MAIFIP bills.

Despite public outrage over pork barrel-type funds, Congress has approved P51.6 billion for MAIFIP in 2026, an increase from the executive's proposed P24.2 billion.

MAIFIP beneficiaries are required to obtain 'guarantee letters' from lawmakers to access medical aid, a feature that has drawn criticism.

The current MAIFIP Program will be integrated into the UHC MAP within six months of the law's effectivity, ensuring continuity of assistance.

The proposed legislation explicitly prohibits public officials or candidates from using any part of the UHC MAP for political purposes or self-promotion.