BARMM grants record P60M for free indigent healthcare

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government has allocated PHP60 million to expand healthcare access for indigent patients, marking the largest single donation under its Ayudang Medikal Mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBaG) program.

BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua (right) presents a PHP60 million check to CRMC’s Dr. Ishmael Dimaren on March 27, 2025. (Bangsamoro Information Office)

Newly appointed BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua personally handed the funding check to Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) chief Dr. Ishmael Dimaren during Thursday’s ceremonial turnover.

The grant will enable the hospital to implement a zero-balance billing system, ensuring free medical services for qualified patients across the region.

"This historic allocation reflects our commitment to equitable healthcare," Macacua said in a Friday statement, noting the funds will cover treatments at CRMC and 30 partner hospitals. The initiative follows Macacua’s earlier administrative order granting PHP10,000 financial aid to all BARMM government employees.

CRMC, serving an average of 1,200 indigent patients monthly, will use the funds to subsidize surgeries, dialysis, and emergency care.
"This unprecedented support will save countless lives," said Dimaren, acknowledging the hospital’s previous struggles with unpaid patient bills.

The AMBaG program has assisted over 25,000 patients since 2022, with plans to extend partnerships to hospitals outside BARMM. (Edwin Fernandez)