Quezon city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the government's 'Bayad na Bill Mo' program, also known as the zero-balance billing policy, is making significant progress, with an increasing number of Filipinos benefiting from free medical services in state-run hospitals.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a visit to the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City, Marcos praised the initiative for ensuring patients can leave hospitals without incurring out-of-pocket expenses. He also expressed gratitude to healthcare workers, acknowledging their dedication and heroism in providing essential services.
Marcos stressed the need to educate both hospital staff and patients about the program. "I'm happy to be able to report that the zero billing program is proceeding well," he stated. He highlighted the importance of an information campaign targeting not only hospital personnel but also patients, and expressed satisfaction with the progress of these efforts.
The President also visited the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City, where he observed patients benefiting from the program. Since his State of the Nation Address in July, over 12,000 patients at EVMC and around 2,000 at EAMC have utilized the program.
Marcos acknowledged the dedication of healthcare workers who have gone beyond their duty hours, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Recalling his own experience as a beneficiary during the pandemic, he emphasized the critical role healthcare workers played in his recovery.
Word-of-mouth recommendations, Marcos noted, are also facilitating awareness, encouraging more Filipinos to seek medical treatment without hesitation. "Let's spread the word, let others know so they will not hesitate to get treatment," he urged.
The medical assistance under this program is funded by the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), along with allocations to Department of Health (DOH) hospitals. This assistance is further supplemented by financial support from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
