By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the Department of Health (DOH) to fast track the requests of patients for Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), stressing the need to ensure prompt delivery of services and treatment to cancer patients.
During the inauguration of the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) Cancer Institute in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, the President also directed the DOH to intensify its information drive on the CAF to boost the public’s awareness of such vital government assistance.
“Sana rin ay bilisan ang pagproseso sa mga request sa Cancer [Assistance] Fund. Siguraduhing alam na agad ng pasyente kung kailan niya makukuha ang sagot niya sa request, At huwag na natin patagalin at marami tayong—maraming nangyayari, nakakalimutan, hindi na naproseso, eh mamamatay na lang ‘yon [dahil] hindi na nagamot. Kaya time is of the essence when it comes to processing those requests.”
The Chief Executive pointed out that the cancer fund, which provides up to P150,000 in assistance for treatment and diagnostic tests, can be used in at least 34 DOH-accredited hospitals nationwide including R1MC.
Other accredited hospitals where the CAF is available include the Philippine General Hospital and Tondo Medical Center in Metro Manila; Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and Bicol Medical Center in Luzon; Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Visayas; and Zamboanga City Medical Center and Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Mindanao.
To avail of the health assistance, cancer patients must present their medical abstract, doctor’s prescription, or treatment plan to the social worker assigned to the accredited hospital for assessment and approval.
Marcos, reiterated his administration’s commitment to establish more specialty centers across the country to bring healthcare services closer to Filipinos. “Alam naman natin kung gaano kahirap ang bumiyahe, lalo na kapag may karamdaman. Kaya malaking bagay ang pagkakaroon ng kumpletong serbisyo dito sa lalawigan.”
As a designated comprehensive cancer center, the R1MC Cancer Institute features state-of-the-art facilities and advanced oncology services, including radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, brachytherapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care—positioning it as a regional cancer treatment hub in Northern Luzon.
Round-the-clock operations of BUCAS centers
Emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment, the President said the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers must be open 24/7 to provide immediate services to patients, “At ‘yan nais nating maging twenty-four hours, seven days a week itong bukas dahil ang sakit, eh wala namang pinipiling oras. Nais din nating dumami pa ito para mas maraming mabigyan ng dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan.”
These BUCAS centers, inspired by First Lady Liza Marcos’ “LAB for All” project, offer ambulatory medical and surgical care services, including minor surgeries, adult and pediatric immunizations, and dental services among others.
-jpv
