Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso has approved more than ₱32.3 million in financial assistance for 20 patients from the city who will undergo life-saving liver transplant surgeries in New Delhi, India.
The funding, amounting to ₱32,296,900.40, was released through the city government’s Kaagapay Program following a meeting between Domagoso and the patients’ families on March 6.
According to the Manila City government, 18 of the beneficiaries are children diagnosed with biliary atresia, while one patient has liver cirrhosis and another suffers from a chronic liver disease. Six patients are scheduled to undergo surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, while 14 others will receive treatment at Max Healthcare, both located in New Delhi.
During the dialogue, Domagoso recognized the challenges faced by families in raising funds for the expensive procedures and said the city stepped in to help shorten their struggle.
“Your long journey, it's now going to be shorter, and hopefully God will guide you and keep your child safe,” the mayor told the parents.
Domagoso emphasized that the assistance came from the taxpayers of Manila, stressing that the city government prioritizes programs that directly save lives.
“Hindi ako magdadalawang-isip gumastos ng milyon, mabuhay lang ang isang tao. 'Yung pera mawawala, kikitain ulit. Pero yung buhay, walang kapalit,” he said.
City officials added that hospitals in India have developed trust in Manila’s commitment to shoulder the costs of treatment, allowing some patients to be admitted once the local government provides financial guarantees.
With the latest funding, the Kaagapay Program has now released over ₱96 million for critical medical cases, including liver transplants, heart surgeries at the Philippine Heart Center, cochlear implants, and other major procedures.
