Marcos says PH is 80% towards full UHC implementation

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced that the Philippines is nearing the full implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC), stating the country is already 80% of the way there.

Marcos made this statement while inspecting the zero balance billing system at the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Balanga, Bataan.

He commended the hospital's facilities and implementation of the zero-balance billing policy, noting that patients are now receiving their zero-billing statements before discharge.

The president expressed happiness in instituting the program, emphasizing that it has been a long time coming and is close to realization.

Marcos Jr. said more Filipinos are now seeking medical consultation because of the policy, adding that it is now up to the Department of Health and health workers "to pick up the pace".

He stated that many who previously hesitated to seek medical help due to cost concerns no longer face this problem.

Zero balance billing is now implemented in 78 government-run hospitals, with around 2,976 patients from the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center already benefiting from the program.

Marcos said achieving UHC is dependent on building the economy to afford it and establishing the necessary systems and industries.

In 2023, Marcos approved the formation of a coordinating council to address concerns related to the UHC law's implementation.