Abstract
This study examined the difficulties in the availment of PCSO Medical Assistance, analyzing variations across age, sex, and average family monthly income within the framework of the Equity in Health and Healthcare Access Framework, and individuals’ access to health services and the administrative conditions that shape the efficiency of public-assistance programs. Using a quantitative descriptive design, the research assessed three domains: Hospitalization, Diagnostics, and Medicines (Special Medicines & Chemo Drugs) of the PCSO Medical Assistance Program. Overall, respondents reported low to very low difficulty in accessing PCSO Medical Assistance across hospitalization, diagnostics, and medicines, with diagnostics and medicines rated least difficult and hospitalization most difficult. The most common barriers were the need to leave patients in health facilities to process requirements and the burden of traveling between health facilities and the PCSO office, including repeat visits due to documentation errors. Difficulties did not significantly differ by age, sex, or average monthly family income. The study concludes that barriers to accessing PCSO Medical Assistance do not reach a level of high perceived difficulty among respondents.
To improve service, the study advocates for establishing PCSO offices closer to major hospitals and pharmacies. Furthermore, appointing LGU liaison officers to process applications could significantly reduce out-of-pocket overhead expenses and ensure that family members remain with patients, ultimately fostering more equitable access to quality healthcare.
Keywords: PCSO medical assistance, difficulties, availment.