President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday commended the healthcare workers and staff of the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC), led by Chief Dr. Joseph Michael Jaro, for their effective and smooth implementation of the government’s zero balance billing policy.

This policy ensures that patients do not incur out-of-pocket expenses during hospitalization.

“Nandito tayo ngayon sa Eastern Visayas Medical Center at napunta lang ako dito because I wanted to see kung maganda naman ang patakbo sa ‘yung ating zero billing na ginagawa ngayon,” President Marcos said.

Despite early concerns about lengthy queues and procedural confusion, the President observed that hospital staff efficiently guide patients and their families through a simple process.

“Zero billing ang paglabas. Wala na sila … Walang dagdag na bayad, wala ng dokumento, wala ng kailangang gawin. Pipirma na lang, puwede na nilang iuwi ang kanilang pasyente,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos stressed the importance of replicating this success in all 87 accredited hospitals of the Department of Health (DOH) nationwide.

“We just have to make sure na lahat ng ospital sa buong Pilipinas alam nila ang procedure kasi bago ito eh. But I think kaya naman nila because maliwanag na maliwanag naman kung ano ‘yung PhilHealth, ano ‘yung sa DOH, at sinong qualified. Lahat naman halos qualified,” the President said.

The zero balance billing system, initiated by the Department of Health (DOH) and supported by PhilHealth, applies to patients who are admitted to basic or ward accommodations.

President Marcos has instructed DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to ensure that all public hospitals are completely familiar with the procedures, to guarantee a smooth and efficient nationwide rollout.

“Ito nga ang aking (utos) kay Secretary Ted Herbosa … and Dr. Jaro na make sure na hindi lamang dito alam ang gagawin. Ito kabisado na nila ang procedure na lahat ng mga ospital natin ng DOH make sure alam nila ‘yung gagawin nila para hindi naman masyadong mahirapan ang ating mga pasyente,” President Marcos said.

The President expressed confidence that with the continued dedication of healthcare workers, the policy will help strengthen and expand access to affordable healthcare for all Filipinos. | PND