BACOLOD City – Residents of this city may continue to avail themselves of the benefits of the Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP) even without a membership card, according to the program’s focal person.
Atty. Marty Go, who also serves as secretary-to-the-mayor, assured the public that while card issuance is temporarily on hold, services remain accessible.
“Even if you don’t have a membership card yet, if you get admitted to any partner hospital, just approach the personnel at the BacCHP desk — they can register you on the spot,“ Go said.
Under the previous administration of then Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, registration was made widely accessible through BacCHP desks located at malls, including the Bacolod Express Service Office (BESO) at Ayala Malls Capitol Central and the Government Service Express (GSE) at SM City Bacolod.
However, Go explained that due to a shortage of personnel, the printing and distribution of new membership cards have been temporarily suspended.
With Mayor Greg Gasataya assuming office on June 30, the city government plans to issue new BacCHP cards bearing his signature. Nonetheless, Go clarified that existing cards issued under the previous administration remain valid and may still be used.
“The old cards are still honored. The only difference is that new registrants will receive cards signed by Mayor Gasataya,” he said.
Even those who have not yet secured their cards can still benefit from the program, provided they meet the qualifications. Go emphasized that the delay affects only the card issuance, not the availability of the health services.
The BacCHP, implemented under City Ordinance No. 1014, aims to provide preventive and curative healthcare services to qualified PhilHealth members who are residents of Bacolod.
To ensure wider coverage and accessibility, the city government has partnered with seven hospitals in Bacolod to provide in-patient services. These include Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, South Bacolod General Hospital, Riverside Medical Center, Bacolod Adventist Medical Center, The Doctor’s Hospital, and Metro Bacolod Hospital.)
To further strengthen the program, Gasataya met with hospital administrators and health officials on July 17. The meeting focused on improving coordination, expediting funding processes, and expanding access to critical medical services under BacCHP./PN
