Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday visited the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH and MC) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte to examine the implementation of the government's Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policy.
According to Philippines News Agency, the President interacted with health personnel and patients during his visit to the hospital's charity wards, emergency room, critical care services, and neonatal and intensive care units. Marcos observed the discharge of patients whose hospitalization costs were completely covered under the ZBB policy.
Dr. Jose Orosa III, officer-in-charge medical center chief of MMMH and MC, mentioned in a media interview that the hospital has been following the ZBB policy for six years, despite it not being highlighted in the President's State of the Nation Address. This initiative is separate from the Medical Assistance for Indigent Program (MAIP), which has benefited approximately 40,200 patients, amounting to PHP104 million in bills from February to September this year.
As per data from the Department of Health released in early September, the ZBB policy has benefited 298,221 patients, resulting in PHP26.4 billion in combined billing for patients admitted for basic accommodation in DOH hospitals. MMMH and MC, a Level III tertiary hospital with a 400-bed capacity, serves as a primary referral center for Ilocos Norte and neighboring provinces such as Ilocos Sur, Abra, Cagayan, and Apayao.
The ZBB policy aims to provide equitable and accessible healthcare, ensuring that no Filipino seeking treatment in public hospitals will be financially burdened. Lucresia Tolentino, whose husband is one of the patients at MMMH and MC, expressed gratitude towards President Marcos for the ZBB policy. She emphasized that they no longer worry about treatment costs, as expenses including room charges, laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, professional fees, and medicines are covered.
During the President's visit, the Office of the President distributed 2,076 meals to patients, guardians, and hospital staff, with additional meals reserved for new admissions and volunteers. The provincial government supplied 1,800 food packs, while House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Sandro Marcos provided 750 sacks of 10-kilo rice to patients and their families.
