President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has affirmed the active implementation of the zero billing policy for patients admitted to hospitals operated by the Department of Health (DOH).
To recall, during his State of the Nation Address on July 29, President Marcos announced that the government will cover all expenses for Filipinos confined in 83 DOH-accredited hospitals.
“We continue with our inspection to ensure that our zero billing program is implemented first of all by all our hospitals, our staff, our doctors, [and] our nurses, and that they understand what the program is and how to avail of the medical services,” Marcos Jr. said.
“Secondly, the patients and their families also need to know that there is now zero billing,” he added.
According to him, some 2,400 patients at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) have already benefited from the said policy.
“I’m happy [to report] that the zero billing program is proceeding well. Of course, in the beginning, we have to do an information drive, not just in the hospitals but also with the patients, and I think we are succeeding,” the President added.
Additionally, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa clarified that patients must be admitted to basic or wards accommodation in DOH-listed hospitals to qualify for the program.
Aiming to provide accessible hospitalization to Filipinos, the Zero Billing Policy Program is a jointly funded initiative by the DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (Maifip), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
