President Marcos: Zero-Balance Billing Program Benefiting Thousands of Filipinos
Quezon City, The Gulf Observer: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. affirmed on Tuesday that the government’s “Bayad na Bill Mo” or zero-balance billing program is “proceeding well,” as more Filipinos continue to receive free medical services in state-run hospitals.
During his visit to the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City, the President praised the initiative for ensuring that patients are discharged without paying out-of-pocket expenses. He also commended healthcare workers for their dedication and sacrifices, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’m happy to be able to report that the zero billing program is proceeding well,” Marcos said. He stressed the importance of an information campaign, not only for hospital personnel but also for patients. “I think we are succeeding with that,” he added.
The President noted that since his State of the Nation Address in July, more than 12,000 patients at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City and around 2,000 at EAMC have already benefitted from the program. He underscored that word of mouth is also helping to raise awareness, encouraging more Filipinos to seek medical treatment without hesitation.
Marcos recalled his own Covid-19 experience and acknowledged the critical role of health workers in saving lives. “I was one of the beneficiaries. If not for you, I would not be here,” he said.
The program is supported by funds from the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), and allocations to Department of Health hospitals. It also complements financial assistance provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The President reiterated his call to spread awareness of the program nationwide, assuring Filipinos that medical care in government hospitals can now be accessed without financial burden.
