1.9K indigents get P14-M medical aid in 2 days: PCSO

In a statement Thursday, PCSO general manager Royina Garma said the agency has approved PHP7,394,146 worth of medical assistance to 974 beneficiaries on Tuesday and PHP6,978,789 to 960 beneficiaries on Wednesday. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has released over PHP14 million in medical assistance to almost 2,000 eligible indigent beneficiaries nationwide in just two days.

In a statement Thursday, PCSO general manager Royina Garma said the agency has approved PHP7,394,146 worth of medical assistance to 974 beneficiaries on Tuesday and PHP6,978,789 to 960 beneficiaries on Wednesday.

The Medical Access Program (MAP), formerly known as the Individual Medical Assistance Program or (IMAP), is designed to augment the medical needs of indigent Filipinos, particularly hospital confinement, chemotherapy, dialysis, and post-transplant medicines. The program is funded by revenues from PCSO games nationwide.

Garma said amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis, the agency is continuing to provide medical assistance to the increasing number of indigents seeking help from PCSO.

“Rest assured that the agency will find ways to meet the medical and health-related needs of all Filipinos, especially the marginalized,” Garma said.

She, meanwhile, said a total of PHP18.7-million financial assistance will be given to 6,241 individual lotto and Keno agents nationwide.

Garma said that the agency understands the burden of the Lotto and Keno agents as the PCSO games were suspended due to the health crisis.

“That’s why, as our partners in raising revenues, we also have to look after their welfare during this global pandemic,” she said.

Garma has directed all branch managers and all other concerned officials to immediately facilitate the release of the assistance.

The grant of financial assistance was approved through PCSO Board Resolution 109 s. 2020 which was subsequently approved by the Office of the President.