MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday announced the government’s plan to implement a zero-balance billing policy in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals nationwide, aiming to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for patients receiving treatment in public healthcare facilities.
Speaking during a press briefing at Malacañang Palace, Marcos emphasized the need for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos. He said the initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers and provide relief to families burdened by medical costs.
“The goal is simple — no Filipino should leave a government hospital with a bill they cannot pay,” Marcos said.
The zero-balance billing policy will ensure that medical expenses in DOH-managed hospitals are covered through government subsidies or insurance programs, primarily through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The DOH expressed full support for the policy and committed to working with relevant agencies to ensure its effective implementation.
According to the President, the rollout will begin with pilot programs in select DOH hospitals before expanding nationwide. Marcos also called for increased investment in public healthcare infrastructure to support the initiative and improve service delivery.
The Department of Health will coordinate with PhilHealth and other stakeholders, including insurance providers and healthcare professionals, to streamline procedures and guarantee that patients benefit from the policy.