Laoag city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH) in Ilocos Norte to inspect the implementation of government healthcare programs, including the Zero Balance Billing initiative. During his visit, Marcos toured various sections of the hospital, including the outpatient department, new dialysis center, and pediatric ward, and engaged with patients benefiting from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.'s Zero Balance Billing program.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) released a statement highlighting the administration's efforts to expand access to quality healthcare. The statement emphasized the upgrading of facilities, strengthening referral networks, and the implementation of programs such as Zero Balance Billing, Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), and Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP). These initiatives aim to provide affordable and reliable healthcare services to more Filipinos.
As of August 4, the hospital had served 970 individuals, including an average of 325 outpatients and 125 emergency room patients daily. It also reported having 95 admitted patients and 425 medical and non-medical personnel providing healthcare services. Malaca±ang announced plans to expand the hospital by constructing a new main building with a capacity of at least 150 beds.
