The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has intensified its program to reach more indigent Bangsamoro across the region by providing the needed medical assistance through its partner agencies.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) handed over some PHP53 million worth of checks to its partner agencies in a ceremony here.

The MSSD, headed by Minister Raissa Jajurie, through its Bangsamoro Critical Assistance for Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES) program, provided PHP40 million worth of checks to Mercury Drug Pharmacy.

Ann Zigra Ykutanen, Mercury Drug’s main branch manager here, received the check from Jajurie.

“This is to expedite the claims process and ensure that patients can immediately receive the medicines they need,” the MSSD said in a statement Monday.

Meanwhile, another PHP10 million was turned over to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center for continued access by BARMM indigents for hospitalization and other medical support assistance.

Through its Older Persons and Persons with Disability Welfare Program, the MSSD also partnered with the Glang Eyecare Clinic here and received PHP300,000 to support the visual health needs of disadvantaged elders, especially eyeglasses.

Jajurie said three orphanages also received checks from the MSSD. These are the Insani Yardim Vakfi which received PHP1.9 million; the Matanog Orphanage Center (PHP480,000); and the Ribat Islamic Center Orphanage (PHP468,000).

She said the assistance aims to ensure that children in the orphanages have access to balanced nutrition, education, healthy lifestyles, and secure and caring alternative care arrangements.

In addition, emergency go-bags were also distributed to 10 vulnerable families in Sultan Kudarat town to ensure their readiness for any disaster. (PNA)