By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lauded the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) for ensuring that patients are discharged without paying any out-of-pocket expenses under the “Bayad na Bill Mo” program of the Department of Health (DOH).
During his visit at the BGHMC in Balanga City on Tuesday, the President noted that at least 2,976 patients have benefitted from the “zero balance billing” policy at the said DOH hospital since its implementation in July, amounting to almost P113 million worth of medical services provided.
He also highlighted that the hospital brings the bill to patients themselves before they get discharged from basic accommodation, eliminating the need for family members or relatives to wait in line at cashiers.
“Another added convenience which I think we should adopt all around the country,” Marcos said in a media statement.
“I’m very happy that we are able to do this at talagang napakalaking bagay na makita mo naman na people have come kaya ang dami nang pumupunta sa ospital ngayon,” he added.
The BGHMC also operates a Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) Center, which provides outpatient medical and urgent care services such as diagnostic and laboratory tests to walk-in patients.
“Kung kaya sa BUCAS, ‘di doon na lang gagamutin ‘yong pasyente. Ngunit kung kailangan magpa-confine, dadalhin din sila ng BUCAS [sa ospital] bilang sila naman magsasabi kailangan mong magpa-confine,” the President said.
These health programs are in line with the continued efforts of the government to fully implement the Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, with the country already 80% closer to achieving UHC for all Filipinos.
“Malapit na tayong umabot talaga sa universal health care. We are 80% of the way… kaunti na lang at matutupad na natin ‘yong universal health care,” Marcos said.
“Ipagpatuloy natin ito… my aspiration, of course, is to achieve the dream of universal health care for all our people,” he added.
The President also visited the 1Bataan Bagong Pilipinas Integrated Action Center, a one-stop shop for residents seeking social protection and crisis assistance. (with report from Clay Pardilla / PTV News)
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