‘Zero balance billing’ in DOH hospitals now operational

MANILA, Philippines — Patients of hospitals managed by the Department of Health (DOH) need not spend a single centavo for basic accommodation as part of the government’s efforts to enhance its health programs, President Marcos said yesterday.

“We pushed through with the zero balance billing. It’s free,” Marcos said in his fourth State of the Nation Address delivered at the Batasang Pambansa.

“That means the service in the basic accommodation in our DOH hospitals will no longer be paid by patients because their bill has been settled. I repeat, patients no longer need to pay because your bill has been paid,” he added.

Marcos also touted the programs of state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp., which have been expanded for the benefit of those afflicted with illnesses that are common in the country.

He said PhilHealth now covers open-heart surgery, as well as heart valve repair and replacement.

“We also have a cancer assistance fund for the treatment of our cancer patients. We also have funds for human papilloma virus that causes many kinds of cancer,” the Chief Executive said.

“For those undergoing dialysis, your thrice a week sessions are free for the entire year. Even the medicines are free.”

Earlier this month, Marcos said he wanted patients to incur zero or minimal hospitalization costs and to improve the country’s health system, which he said, is still constrained by lack of funds.

“If we fix the economy well, we can probably do away with the contributions of the patients,” the President said.

“At the moment, our system is not sufficient to do that. Of course, the funding is always lacking. But we are working, we are managing the budget well so we can fast-track the improvement of health services for our countrymen.”

Reacting to the announcement, Seniors Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said the aging population is “filled with hope.”

“We are overjoyed by the President’s announcement that PhilHealth dialysis coverage will be expanded to one whole year and the over P2 million ceiling on kidney transplants. We are glad our grandchildren will have 300 more ECCD (Early Childhood Care and Development) centers, Bulilit Centers, and day care centers. We will support the items for these in the national budget,” he said. — Jose Rodel Clapano