Marcos visits Tacloban to assess zero-balance billing issues

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. expressed his intention to address issues with the implementation of the zero balance billing system during a speech in Ormoc City, Leyte.

Marcos mentioned hearing challenges from patients, including long lines at hospitals and difficulties accessing services, and on Monday flew to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City to personally assess the situation.

The president emphasized the need for improvements so that out-patients can receive prescriptions and medications without delays or additional costs, highlighting ongoing efforts by the government to accredit pharmacies to cover patients' medicine expenses.

PhilHealth has stated that no additional documentation is required from patients in DOH hospitals when using zero-balance billing.

Marcos assured during his State of the Nation Address last July 28 that Filipinos admitted to basic accommodation in a Department of Health hospital will no longer bear the financial burden of essential medical care under the Bayad na Bill Mo program.