President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public that the government can sustain its Zero Balance Billing Program, which enables patients to access free services in government hospitals.
In a televised interview on Tuesday, Marcos said the initiative is financially viable and will continue as long as funds are properly allocated.
“Yes. I don’t do anything that I cannot sustain. You know, I have the mind of a businessman. It has to be self-sustaining. Otherwise, it doesn’t work,” he said.
The president stressed that healthcare spending is among his top priorities, citing PhilHealth’s role in covering costly treatments such as dialysis.
“Healthcare is expensive. But what’s that money for? It’s not to be kept in the bank. It’s there to spend so that people can have healthcare for free or cheap,” he added.
Mr. Marcos said ensuring resources go to essential programs such as healthcare and subsidies guarantees long-term viability.
In recent weeks, he has inspected hospitals to check on implementation, including visits to Bataan General Hospital and Eastern Visayas Medical Center, where he reviewed billing statements showing patients incurred no charges.
