Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
3rd Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ERWIN T. TULFO 
EDVIC G. YAP, ERIC GO YAP AND RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) TO ENSURE THE 
AVAILABILITY OF MEDICINES AND PROCUREMENT OF MEDICAL 
EQUIPMENT IN ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF 
THE 
MEDICAL 
ASSISTANCE 
TO 
INDIGENT 
AND 
FINANCIALLY 
INCAPACITATED PATIENTS (MAIFIP) FUND, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This Act, known as the "Universal Medical Access and Equipment Act of 2025", 
addresses the persistent challenge of inadequate access to essential medicines and 
diagnostic equipment in public hospitals across the Philippines. Recognizing that 
access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, this bill mandates the Department 
of Health (DOH) to provide adequate medicines and procure essential medical 
equipment for all government hospitals, utilizing the Medical Assistance to Indigent 
and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Fund. 
Currently, many public hospitals, particularly in underserved and remote areas, face 
significant shortages of essential medicines and lack basic diagnostic equipment such 
as X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, and ECG machines. These shortages often 
force patients, especially indigent and financially incapacitated individuals, to forgo 
necessary medical care, leading to delayed diagnoses, poorer health outcomes, and 
increased financial burden. This situation perpetuates health disparities and 
undermines the government's efforts to provide universal healthcare. 
11444
February 5, 2025
3:21 pm


 
This bill is not merely about providing medicines and equipment; it is about 
strengthening the entire public healthcare system and ensuring that every Filipino, 
regardless of financial status or location, has access to quality medical care. By 
investing in essential medicines and diagnostic equipment, this bill aims to improve 
health outcomes, reduce healthcare disparities, and promote the overall well-being of 
the Filipino people. This bill is a crucial step towards achieving universal healthcare 
and fulfilling the State's commitment to protecting the right to health for all 
citizens.  
 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HON. ERWIN T. TULFO 
    HON. EDVIC G. YAP 
 
 
 
HON. ERIC GO YAP 
 
 
 
  HON. RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO  
 
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
3rd Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ERWIN T. TULFO, 
EDVIC G. YAP, ERIC GO YAP AND RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) TO ENSURE THE 
AVAILABILITY OF MEDICINES AND PROCUREMENT OF MEDICAL 
EQUIPMENT IN ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF 
THE 
MEDICAL 
ASSISTANCE 
TO 
INDIGENT 
AND 
FINANCIALLY 
INCAPACITATED PATIENTS (MAIFIP) FUND, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Universal Medical Access 
and Equipment Act of 2025." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote and 
protect the right to health of every Filipino by ensuring universal access to essential 
medicines and quality healthcare services. In line with this, the State shall mandate 
the Department of Health (DOH) to provide adequate medicines and procure 
essential medical equipment for all government hospitals using the Medical 
Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) Fund. 
SECTION 3. Definitions. - For the purposes of this Act, the following 
definitions shall apply: 
a. Essential Medicines: Refers to the list of medicines identified
by the DOH as essential for the treatment of prevalent
diseases and health conditions in the Philippines, as well as
medicines included in the Philippine National Formulary.
11444


 
b. Essential Medical Equipment: Refers to X-ray machines, 
ultrasound machines, ECG machines, and other diagnostic 
equipment deemed necessary by the DOH for basic 
diagnostic services in public hospitals. 
 
c. Public Hospitals: Refers to all hospitals owned and operated 
by the national government, including, but not limited to, 
national hospitals, regional hospitals, provincial hospitals, 
city hospitals, and municipal hospitals. 
 
d. MAIFIP Fund: Refers to the Medical Assistance to Indigent 
and Financially Incapacitated Patients Fund. 
SECTION 4. Availability of Essential Medicines. -  The DOH shall ensure 
the continuous and adequate supply of essential medicines in all public 
hospitals nationwide. This includes: 
a.  Procurement: The DOH shall establish a streamlined 
procurement process for essential medicines, ensuring 
competitive pricing and timely delivery. Bulk purchasing 
and strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies 
shall be explored to maximize cost-effectiveness. Preference 
shall be given to locally manufactured medicines that meet 
quality standards. 
b.  Inventory Management: Public hospitals shall implement 
efficient inventory management systems to prevent 
stockouts and wastage of medicines. The DOH shall provide 
technical assistance and training to hospital personnel on 
inventory management best practices. 
c.  Storage: Public hospitals shall ensure proper storage of 
medicines, adhering to prescribed temperature and 
humidity requirements to maintain their efficacy and safety. 
d.  Dispensing: The DOH shall develop guidelines for the 
efficient and equitable dispensing of medicines to patients in 
public hospitals, prioritizing indigent and financially 
incapacitated patients. 


 
SECTION 5. Provision of Essential Medical Equipment. - The DOH shall 
ensure that all public hospitals are equipped with essential medical 
equipment, including, but not limited to: 
a. For X-ray Machines: Every public hospital shall have at least 
one functional X-ray machine capable of performing basic 
radiographic examinations. 
 
b. Ultrasound Machines: Every public hospital shall have at least 
one functional ultrasound machine capable of performing 
basic ultrasound examinations. 
 
c. Electro Cardiogram Machines: Every public hospital shall have 
at least one functional ECG machine capable of performing 
electrocardiograms. 
 
d. Other Equipment: The DOH shall conduct a needs assessment 
to determine the need for other essential medical equipment 
in public hospitals and prioritize their procurement based on 
the assessment results, taking into consideration the needs of 
indigent and financially incapacitated patients. 
 
SECTION 6. Funding. - The funding for the procurement of essential medicines 
and medical equipment under this Act shall be sourced primarily from the MAIFIP 
Fund. The DOH shall: 
 
a. MAIFIP Allocation: At least twenty-five percent (25%) of the annual 
MAIFIP fund shall exclusively be utilized for the procurement of 
essential medicines and medical equipment as mandated by this Act. 
This allocation shall be prioritized and protected from other uses. 
 
b. Annual Appropriations: While the primary funding source is the 
MAIFIP, sufficient funds may also be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act to supplement the MAIFIP allocation and ensure 
the long-term sustainability of the program. 
 
c. Other Sources: The DOH is authorized to explore other funding 
sources, including grants and donations, to further supplement the 
funds allocated under this Act, provided that such funds are aligned 
with the objectives of the MAIFIP and this Act. 
 
SECTION 7. MAIFIP Fund Management and Transparency. – The DOH shall 
develop clear and transparent guidelines for the utilization of the MAIFIP fund for 
the purposes of this Act, ensuring accountability and preventing misuse of funds. 


 
Implement a robust monitoring system to track the utilization of MAIFIP funds for 
the procurement of medicines and equipment and to assess the impact of this Act on 
access to healthcare for indigent and financially incapacitated patients. Publish 
regular reports on the utilization of the MAIFIP fund, including details on the 
procurement of medicines and equipment, the number of patients served, and the 
overall impact on public health. 
 
SECTION 8. Implementation and Monitoring. – The DOH shall be the lead 
implementing agency for this Act. It shall develop implementing rules and regulations 
within sixty (60) days of the effectivity of this Act. Conduct regular monitoring and 
evaluation of the implementation of this Act to ensure its effectiveness. Submit an 
annual report to Congress on the progress of the implementation of this Act, including 
data on the availability of medicines and equipment in public hospitals, the utilization 
of funds, the number of indigent and financially incapacitated patients served, and 
any challenges encountered. 
 
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in 
full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules 
and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,