Cotabato City ---The Ayudang Medical mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBaG) program of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reported on Friday that more than 18,000 individuals received medical financial assistance in 24 partner hospitals.

Over P118 million has been disbursed to partner hospitals to assist Bangsamoro patients’ needs that are not covered by other medical assistance programs since Novermber 2019.

Mohd Asnin Pendatun, AMBaG program head, said that the program prioritizes indigent and low-income families in BARMM.

“While we have priority groups, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim reminded the implementors to also accept claims from other qualified individuals,” Pendatun said.

The program aims to provide assistance to partially or fully cover hospital bills of qualified Bangsamoro residents funded by the Office of the Chief Minister.

Out of 18,163 beneficiaries, 12,879 were “zero balance” or did not have any outstanding hospital debt upon discharge.

Based on the released report, some 789 Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients were assisted under AMBaG program.

The program also announced that five new partner hospitals will sign an agreement with the Bangsamoro government under the AMBaG program which include Davao Medical Regional Medical Center in Davao City; Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital in Mati City; Wao District Hospital in Wao, Lanao Del Sur; Iranun District Hospital in Parang, Maguindanao; and Zamboanga Del Sur Medical Center in Pagadian City.