THE new policy mandating zero-billing by state-run hospitals across the country gains traction as more than 12,000 patients in Eastern Visayas alone have benefited from the program.
Meanwhile, the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City has served about 2,000 patients under the zero-billing scheme, according to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
Nationwide, at least 83 hospitals have participated in the program, Herbosa disclosed.
President Marcos credited the success of the initiative to health workers, praising their dedication and service even beyond their regular duties.
“We must thank our healthcare workers. They are always there when needed, even outside of their duty hours. That is the heroism we saw during COVID, and we continue to see it today,” the President said, adding that he himself was a beneficiary of the medical workers’ service during the pandemic.
He urged the people to spread the word about the program so that more patients would benefit from it.
“Let’s spread the word, let’s instil it in everyone so they won’t hesitate to get checked, get treatment, and get well,” Marcos said.
During an inspection at East Avenue Medical Center, Marcos said the initiative, rolled out after his State of the Nation Address last month, is gaining ground both among health workers and the patients.
“This is our continuous inspection and assurance that our zero billing program is, first of all, being implemented by all of our hospitals, our staff, our doctors, our nurses, and that all our medical services understand what the program is and how medical services can be availed,” the President said.
“I’m happy to be able to report that the zero billing program is proceeding well,” he added.
Marcos also said the program combines support from PhilHealth contributions and Department of Health (DOH) resources, which ultimately results in zero out-of-pocket expenses for the patients.
The President also recalled that East Avenue Medical Center, first opened in 1978 during his father’s watch, has since been upgraded into a modern hospital under the DOH.
