ZERO BALANCE BILLING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visits the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City on Monday (Aug. 18, 2025) to check the implementation of the zero-balance billing policy in state-run hospitals. The President, in his visit to the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City on Tuesday (Aug. 19, 2025) expresses delight that Filipino patients in the government-run hospital are provided with services without paying a cent out of their pocket. (PCO photo)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the government's "Bayad na Bill Mo" program, also known as the zero-balance billing policy, is "proceeding well," noting that more Filipinos are availing of free medical services in state-run hospitals.
During his visit to the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City, Marcos lauded the initiative for ensuring that patients leave hospitals without paying out-of-pocket expenses, while also paying tribute to healthcare workers for their "heroism and dedication" to service.
Marcos emphasized the importance of informing both hospital personnel and patients about the program.
"I'm happy to be able to report that the zero billing program is proceeding well," Marcos said.
"Siyempre sa umpisa, (Of course at the start), we have to [do] information drive. Hindi lang sa mga ospital pati na rin sa mga pasyente (Not just for hospital personnel but also for the patients) and I think we are succeeding with that."
The President visited on Monday the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City, where he checked on patients benefiting from the program.
Since his State of the Nation Address in July, he said over 12,000 patients at EVMC and around 2,000 at EAMC have availed of the program.
Marcos also credited healthcare workers for their service beyond duty hours and recalled their sacrifices during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Isa na ako doon, I was one of the beneficiaries. Kung 'di sa inyo, wala na ako rito. Natangay na ako ng Covid (I was one of the beneficiaries. If not for you, I would not be here. I would have been taken by Covid)," he said.
Marcos said word of mouth is also helping spread awareness, encouraging Filipinos to seek treatment without hesitation.
"So ikalat natin, ipaalam natin sa lahat ng tao para hindi na sila nagdadalawang isip na magpatingin, magpagamot at magpagaling (Let's spread the word, let other's know so they will not hesitate to get treatment)," he added.
The medical assistance is funded by the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), and by the allocation to DOH hospitals.
The assistance is in addition to the financial support from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. (PNA)
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