President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that patients receiving basic accommodation in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals will now benefit from zero balance billing, meaning they will no longer pay out of pocket for those services.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address, Marcos emphasized that this move is part of a broader push to strengthen the country’s health care system despite budget constraints.
He also highlighted expanded PhilHealth coverage, which now includes open-heart surgery, heart valve procedures, cancer assistance, HPV-related treatments, and free dialysis sessions three times a week for an entire year.
The President expressed hopes of eventually eliminating all patient contributions as the economy improves.
Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes praised the initiative, saying it gives the elderly hope and welcomes additional early childhood care centers for future generations.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 29, 2025
