Marcos announces 'zero balance billing' at DOH hospitals

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. announced a new 'zero balance billing' initiative at all 87 DOH-run hospitals nationwide.

Patients will receive free basic accommodation and services in these hospitals with their bills covered by the government, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

Marcos highlighted improvements in PhilHealth benefits, including expanded coverage for heart attacks, open-heart surgery, cancer treatments, kidney transplants, and dengue fever.

The President announced a P1.7 billion budget under the Cancer Assistance Fund to cover cancer treatments not previously covered by PhilHealth, as well as free HPV immunization for Filipinos.

PhilHealth has also increased its allocation for kidney dialysis, medication after kidney transplant operations, and outpatient services, ensuring comprehensive coverage for patients.