Pangasinan: The health and local executives of the Pangasinan provincial government confirmed the implementation of the 'no balance billing' policy in the 14 government-run hospitals, in accordance with the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Vivian Villar-Espino stated that Pangasinenses could avail of zero balance billing once admitted in basic accommodation, provided that the required medical services are available in the hospital. She mentioned that ideally, patients should be members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), but non-members can also enroll while admitted.
Provincial Hospital Management Services Office head Dr. Tracy Lou Bitoy reported during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session that the implementation of the policy is being strictly monitored. The provincial government is continuously upgrading medical equipment and manpower while planning expansions to meet the people's needs. The hospitals currently have a Department of Health authorized bed capacity of 914, with an implementing capacity of 1,600. Plans are underway to add 200 to 300 more beds over the next three years.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, in a separate interview, emphasized that the no balance billing policy was instructed by Governor Ramon Guico III, highlighting healthcare as a top priority for the province. Lambino noted changes in the procurement process to prevent shortages or delays in the delivery and availability of medicines and hospital resources. He assured that healthcare remains a budgetary priority.
