Marcos Orders Strict Implementation of Zero Billing Policy in All Public Hospitals

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa to ensure that the Zero Billing or No Balance Billing Policy is strictly implemented in all public hospitals nationwide.

The President made the directive during his visit to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City, where he inspected the enforcement of the policy that guarantees patients no out-of-pocket expenses for confinement and treatment in government hospitals.

Marcos acknowledged reports of long queues in some facilities but said he was satisfied with what he witnessed in Tacloban, noting that hospital staff appeared to have mastered the required procedures.

“My instruction to Secretary Herbosa is to make sure that it’s not only here where the process is clear. All DOH hospitals must know exactly what to do so patients won’t have to suffer unnecessary hardships,” Marcos said.

Under the Zero Billing Policy, confined patients are not required to pay additional charges or submit extra documents. Before discharge, they only need to sign the necessary forms.

Meanwhile, patients who do not require confinement are referred to BUCAS centers, where they also receive free medical services.

“Zero means zero billing. Patients don’t have to pay anything. This is the contribution of PhilHealth and the DOH. That’s exactly how it should be,” the President stressed.

The administration has been pushing for the full implementation of the Zero Billing Policy to strengthen access to healthcare services, particularly for poor and marginalized Filipinos who often struggle with hospital expenses.