PBBM to Herbosa: Ensure implementation of ‘zero balance billing’ in all DOH hospitals

By Brian Campued

President Ferdinand R. Marcos instructed Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Teodoro Herbosa to ensure that all DOH hospitals are well-versed in implementing the “Bayad na Bill Mo” Program for eligible patients.

Marcos Jr. made the directive during his visit at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City, Leyte on Monday, accompanied by Herbosa and EVMC Chief Dr. Joseph Michael Jaro, where he oversaw the implementation of the “zero balance billing” policy for patients admitted in basic wards and assessed the program’s impact on Filipinos.

“Ito nga ang aking ano kay Secretary Ted Herbosa, make sure—and Dr. Jaro—na make sure na hindi lamang dito alam ang gagawin. Ito kabisado na nila ang procedure na lahat ng mga ospital natin ng DOH make sure alam nila ‘yong gagawin nila para hindi naman masyado mahirapan ang ating mga pasyente,” he said.

The President’s statement echoed a declaration he made in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), ensuring that patients receive essential medical care without out-of-pocket expenses.

“I wanted to see kung maganda naman ang patakbo sa ‘yong ating zero billing na ginagawa ngayon… Nakikita ko naman, everybody knows what they are supposed to do,” he said.

“Patuloy lang. Pagagandahin pa natin. This is one good thing pero marami pa naman kailangang gawin for the healthcare system and magagawa naman natin. May makikita tayong improvement talaga,” he added.

Aside from funding by DOH and support from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the zero balance billing program is also funded by the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapable Patients (MAIFIP), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

According to DOH, a total of 12,357 patients who were admitted through basic accommodation at the EVMC have benefited from the program as of July 31 this year.

A Level 3 tertiary hospital with an authorized bed capacity of 1,100, the EVMC provides critical health services in Region VIII and also functions as a key referral center for complex and high-risk cases.

The Chief Executive also noted that patients who do not need confinement may also go to Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) Centers, where they can get outpatient health services such as CT scan, ultrasound, X-ray, as well as laboratory and diagnostic tests.

“Kung ano ‘yong reklamo nila baka maayos naman sa BUCAS center. Pero kung hindi kaya ng BUCAS Center, papupuntahin naman sila sa ospital at aalagaan din sila, and again, zero billing ang paglabas… Walang dagdag na bayad, wala ng dokumento, wala nang kailangang gawin. Pipirma na lang, puwede na lang nilang iuwi ang kanilang pasyente,” he explained.

Prior to the hospital visit, the President also led the ceremonial distribution of patient transport vehicles (PTVs) to various local government units in Eastern Visayas as well as the inspection of R.M. Tan Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP), both in Ormoc City, Leyte.

-jpv