• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Indigent residents across Negros Occidental can now access free medical services across all nine provincial government-run hospitals, backed by a P150-million healthcare allocation from the Negros Occidental provincial government for this year 2026.
The funding initiative spans the entire province, extending from Cadiz City in the north down to the municipality of Hinoba-an in the south, ensuring that low-income patients receive critical medical treatment without the burden of hospital bills, according to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II.
To fund the comprehensive healthcare package, the provincial government initially allocated P70 million under the 2026 Appropriation Ordinance. To meet rising healthcare demands, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental, led by Vice Governor Joeben Alonso, approved an additional P80 million under Supplemental Budget No. 3, bringing the total commitment to P150 million.
To support the expanded coverage and eliminate delays, the provincial government Finance Teams have integrated a new Financial Management System (FMS) and Management Information System (MIS).
These digital upgrades enable real-time processing of financial aid requests and support a paperless discharge system for patients cleared to go home or transfer to lower-level care.
Diaz, who oversees the Hospital Operations Department, noted that the province remains focused on operational enhancements to improve patient outcomes while cutting through administrative delays.
With free medical care now active for indigent residents, Diaz further said that the provincial government is turning their attention to expanding similar healthcare benefits to taxpaying residents seeking care at PGNO-operated facilities. | GPB
