HOSPITAL VISIT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visits the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Balanga, Bataan on Tuesday (Sept. 2, 2025) to assess the implementation of the Zero Balance Billing program. Marcos commended the hospital for ensuring that patients are discharged without incurring additional fees. (Photo from Malacañang Press Corps Pool)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the country is "80 percent" closer to achieving universal healthcare for all Filipinos, citing progress in building a system for accessible, affordable, and quality medical services.
This, as Marcos visited Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Balanga, Bataan to assess the implementation of the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program.
"I'm very happy that we are instituting this program. I think it's been a long time coming. Malapit na tayong umabot talaga sa (We are very close to achieving) universal healthcare. We are 80 percent of the way. Kaunti na lang at matutupad na natin ang (Just a little more and we will achieve) universal healthcare," Marcos told reporters after the hospital visit.
Marcos said zero balance billing is now implemented in 78 government-run hospitals, adding that around 2,976 patients from Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center are already benefiting from the program.
He also lauded the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center for the successful implementation of zero balance billing by ensuring that patients are discharged without having to pay out of pocket.
"'Pag malapit na ma-discharge ang pasyente, hinahatid sa kanila ang zero billing (When the patient is about to be discharged, zero billing is delivered to them) –another added convenience which I think we should adopt all around the country," Marcos said.
"I'm very glad that we're able to do this. Talagang napakalaking bagay. Marami nang nagpupuntang ospital ngayon (It's really a big deal. Many people are going to the hospital now)."
Marcos said he is committed to fulfilling his aspiration for a successful universal healthcare system.
He also assured healthcare workers of continued government support.
"So' yun ang ating binubuo na sistema for the healthcare dito sa Pilipinas. Ipagpatuloy natin ito (This is the system we are building for healthcare in the Philippines. Let's continue this). My aspiration, of course, is to achieve the dream of universal healthcare for all our people)," Marcos said.
"It's just a question of building up the economy so we can afford it, number one, and putting in the systems. The systems are all in place."
Under the ZBB Program, all members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. admitted to basic or ward accommodations in Department of Health hospitals will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for their hospitalization. (PNA)
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