The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has extended PHP643 million worth of medical assistance to 33,032 patients in April.

“The PHP643 million is 25.53 percent increase in spending and 26.16 percent increase in the beneficiaries compared with the same period last year,” PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan said in statement Sunday.

According to Balutan, the top three natures of requests were confinement with 12,458 beneficiaries at PHP272 million, requests for medicines with 10,899 beneficiaries at PHP106 million, and chemotherapy with 3,553 beneficiaries at PHP114 million.

“Compared with the same period last year, confinement increased at 11.94 percent in cases and 14.77 percent in spending; requests for medicines increased at 25.36 percent in cases and 20.82 percent in spending; and chemotherapy increased at 20.65 percent in beneficiaries and 17.31 percent in spending,” Balutan said.

To avoid processing delays, he advised patients to submit complete documentary requirements, which include a personal letter to the PCSO Chairman or General Manager, original/certified true copy of medical abstract signed by the doctor with license number, final hospital billing, endorsement from the hospital to accept PCSO guarantee letter, and photocopies of patient’s ID and immediate relative who will process the documents.

If a patient is discharged from the hospital and has a remaining balance, a notarized promissory note is needed. Additional documents will be required for laboratory procedures, requests for chemo drugs or medicines, implant/prosthesis, and hemodialysis.

“Sadly, the number of people in need of medical and financial assistance continues to increase annually. But we would like to assure you that we choose no one, whether rich or poor, as long as you are Filipino. That’s why we are encouraging you to patronize our products. Just think about it, you just place your bet, you win and you are able to help. Even if you do not win, at least you can help,” Balutan said.

Under the PCSO charter, 55 percent of its revenues should be allocated for prizes, 15 percent for operational expenses, and 30 percent for its charity fund.