Arelle Valla

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While my dad was at the Emergency Room of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in May 8, 2006, I noticed that there was a line of seats with people waiting at the back entrance hall. Upon inquiry with the guard, I was told that it’s the queue of applicants for Social Service. I approached one of those lining up and I learned from him that he is a Leukemia Patient for the past ten (10 years) and had been benefiting from the said service. He told me that one could avail as much as 80% discount on Medicines and Laboratory bills. Wow!

To apply, one has to first secure a referral from his or her doctor of the diagnosis. Then seek for an endorsement from the Hospital’s billing department and apply at the Social Service section of the hospital. One has to seriously consider applying especially if the treatment is going to be prolonged and medical expenses will be heavy. Most patients at the NKTI are Renal Failure patients and apparently, dialysis may be 2-3x a week costing a regular rate of at least P5, 000.00 per treatment, gee…that’s a whopping P10K-15K a week or a P40K-P60K a month expense less the medicines for maintenance. With a social service benefit, it can go down to as low as P2K per dialysis. But of course, Social Service is meant to be for indigents and not the rich citizens who can afford to pay.

With the referral from the doctor and endorsement from the hospital in hand, one must come early like before 7am bring some snack coz the line can be long and waiting can be like a day (not bad for up to 80% less on your bills) right? After the interview, the Social worker will give instructions of what to do next and what requirements to submit as supporting document.

Requirements may include (1) a Baranggay Clearance proving that he or she {doesn’t live in Ayala Alabang hehe} is less fortunate. Because a Social Worker conducts an ocular visits of the patients’ home and does an interview with housemates or neighbors. (2) A Certificate of No Real Estate Property from the local City Hall proving that one doesn’t have solid as assets that can be sold or mortgaged {obviously if you own property, you are not an indigent and disqualifies you for social service benefit}. Also, (3) a Certificate of Employment and Payslips of the patients spouse or children, to show that the salary is too small to pay medical bills. The rest are Identification Cards proving the patient is who he says he is.

The applicant is given seven (7) days to complete the requirements, btw, the Clearances may be requested free of charge from the Baranggay Hall and the City Hall, isn’t that nice? And after submission and final interviews, the patient is released a card that must be shown to the Hospital Cashier or Pharmacy to avail of the discounts. Level of Discount will be determined by the Social Worker according to the supporting documents presented.

Should you know anyone who has needs like the above, kindly pass the word that the Government is willing to extend help.