Marcos: Zero-balance billing in DOH hospitals ‘succeeding’

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the zero-balance billing program in the Department of Health’s (DOH) hospitals has been “succeeding” and “proceeding well” since its implementation began in May.

READ: Marcos wants smoother zero balance implementation in DOH hospitals

“I’m happy to be able to report that the zero-billing program is proceeding well. Of course, in the beginning, we have to have an information drive, not only in hospitals but also for the patients, and I think we are succeeding,” Marcos said in a mix of Filipino and English.

He also expressed gratitude to the healthcare workers at EAMC for their role in the program.

“Thank you again to our doctors, our nurses, our medtechs, our non-medical staff. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you,” Marcos said.

READ: Marcos to doctors, nurses: Stay, serve in the Philippines

On Monday, the president visited the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City, Leyte, where he called for a more efficient implementation of the zero-balance billing program.

“We just have to make sure that all hospitals across the Philippines know the procedure since this is new,” he said.

Marcos said he has directed Herbosa to ensure that all 83 DOH-run hospitals and four government-owned or -controlled corporation hospitals nationwide are well-versed in the zero-balance billing process.

According to the DOH, zero-balance billing began on May 14, ahead of Marcos’ announcement in his fourth Sona.

Under the program, no additional documents or interviews are required, and all costs—including medicines and professional fees—are fully covered by the government.

The coverage, however, applies only to basic or ward accommodation./mcm

(2025/08/19-12:12)

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