BACOLOD CITY – The local government here launched on Tuesday the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Insurance Program (BacCHIP) to boost the delivery of healthcare services, particularly to indigent families.
The launch coincided with the start of the city’s five-day medical mission at the lobby of the Government Center.
“I have asked the City Council to pass an ordinance that will provide appropriate funding for the BacCHIP,” Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said.
As one of the administration’s flagship programs, the BacCHIP covers an array of health services that can be availed by every resident in times of emergency or health distress.
“It has at its core a component that shall answer a very common concern for every citizen for quite some time now. BacCHIP shall allay the worry of every family who may be denied admission in a health institution should they fail to offer an initial down payment,” the City Health Office said in the program briefer.
Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, city health officer, led the orientation for the village chiefs of all 61 barangays for the identification and registration of the initial 50 indigent beneficiaries from each village.
As part of the implementation, the city government will partner with various private hospitals, with the technical working group drafting the provisions of the partnership.
Benitez said he wants the BacCHIP established as soon as possible as part of his first 100 days’ agenda.
“I have the commitment of our City Council to expedite the approval of the enabling ordinances and the necessary funding to activate this program,” the mayor earlier said. (PNA)