The Malasakit Center is the Philippine government's one-stop shop for medical financial assistance. It combines PhilHealth, PCSO, DSWD, and DOH assistance in a single visit — and can reduce your hospital bill to near zero. Here is exactly how to use it.
The Malasakit Center (Republic Act 11463) is a one-stop medical assistance center located in every DOH-retained hospital in the Philippines. It was created to eliminate the need for patients to go to multiple government offices to apply for financial assistance.
Before the Malasakit Center, a family with a hospitalized child had to separately apply at PhilHealth, PCSO, DSWD, and DOH — often in different buildings, with different requirements, and different processing times. The Malasakit Center does all of this in one place, in one visit.
PhilHealth
Case rate deduction from hospital bill
PCSO
Cash assistance up to ₱50,000
DSWD
Social welfare assistance for indigent families
DOH
Medical assistance fund for remaining balance
Get Admitted to a DOH-Retained Hospital
Malasakit Centers are located in DOH-retained hospitals. When your child is admitted, ask the admitting nurse or social worker about the Malasakit Center.
Go to the Malasakit Center Desk
The Malasakit Center is usually located near the hospital entrance or social welfare office. Look for the green Malasakit Center signage. It is open during regular hospital hours.
Bring Required Documents
Bring your PhilHealth card (or PhilHealth number), valid government ID, hospital bill or statement of account, and a certificate of indigency from your barangay if available.
Malasakit Staff Coordinates Assistance
The Malasakit Center staff will simultaneously process your PhilHealth claim, PCSO medical assistance, DSWD assistance, and DOH assistance — all in one visit.
Receive Assistance and Pay Reduced Bill
After all assistance is applied, your remaining balance is significantly reduced. For indigent patients, the total bill can be reduced to near zero.
Scenario: 4-year-old child admitted for dengue fever at Philippine General Hospital, 5-day stay
* This is an illustrative example. Actual assistance amounts vary by case, hospital, and availability of funds.
All DOH-retained hospitals nationwide are required to have a Malasakit Center. Here are the major ones in Metro Manila.
Philippine General Hospital (PGH)
Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC)
Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City
East Avenue Medical Center
East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center
Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila
National Children's Hospital
Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Quirino Memorial Medical Center
Project 4, Quezon City
Tondo Medical Center
Balut, Tondo, Manila
Ospital ng Maynila
Malate, Manila
Valenzuela Medical Center
Tongco Street, Valenzuela City
Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center
Sumulong Highway, Marikina City
San Lazaro Hospital
Quiricada Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Rizal Medical Center
Pasig Boulevard, Pasig City
For the complete list of Malasakit Centers nationwide, visit doh.gov.ph or call the DOH hotline at 1555.
Q: Who qualifies for Malasakit Center assistance?
A: Any Filipino patient admitted to a DOH-retained hospital can apply. Priority is given to indigent patients, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and 4Ps beneficiaries. However, even non-indigent patients can benefit from the PhilHealth coordination services.
Q: How much can the Malasakit Center reduce my hospital bill?
A: For indigent patients, the Malasakit Center can reduce the bill to near zero by combining PhilHealth case rates, PCSO assistance (up to ₱10,000–₱50,000 depending on the case), DSWD assistance, and DOH assistance. For non-indigent patients, at minimum the PhilHealth case rate is applied.
Q: Do I need a certificate of indigency?
A: A certificate of indigency from your barangay strengthens your application and increases the assistance amount. However, it is not strictly required to access the Malasakit Center. The staff will assess your situation and apply available assistance accordingly.
Q: Can I apply at the Malasakit Center after discharge?
A: It is best to apply while your child is still admitted. However, some hospitals allow post-discharge applications within a limited period. Ask the Malasakit Center staff about their specific policy.
Q: Is the Malasakit Center available in private hospitals?
A: No. Malasakit Centers are only in DOH-retained government hospitals. If your child is admitted to a private hospital, you can still apply for PCSO and DSWD assistance separately, but the one-stop coordination is not available.
Q: What if the hospital says there is no Malasakit Center?
A: All DOH-retained hospitals are required by law (RA 11463) to have a Malasakit Center. If you cannot find it, ask the hospital administrator or call the DOH hotline at 1555.
Q: Can OFW families use the Malasakit Center?
A: Yes. OFW families whose children are admitted to DOH-retained hospitals can use the Malasakit Center. The OFW parent does not need to be present — the caregiver or family member accompanying the child can apply.
Q: What documents should I bring?
A: Bring: (1) PhilHealth card or PhilHealth number, (2) valid government ID of the patient or guardian, (3) hospital bill or statement of account, (4) barangay certificate of indigency if available, (5) 4Ps ID if applicable, (6) senior citizen or PWD ID if applicable.
🆘 Emergency Child Health Advisor
MAIA AI · Available 24/7 · Not a substitute for emergency care
LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY? Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Do not wait for AI guidance.
What's happening right now?
MAIA AI · For emergencies call 911 · KidSafe PH