President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered concerned government agencies to ensure that all Filipinos are covered by medical benefits and are not burdened by hospital expenses.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the directive was issued as part of efforts to expand and improve Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) services.
Castro said the goal is to make sure patients can access treatment without worrying about costs, noting that healthcare should be accessible to all Filipinos.
On May 11, Marcos visited The Medical City in Pasig City to inspect the implementation of expanded PhilHealth benefits. He was accompanied by PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado.
During the visit, the President checked hospital facilities and the use of PhilHealth benefits by patients.
The administration is also pushing for expanded outpatient coverage to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for indigent and financially vulnerable patients.
Among the existing and expanded programs cited were Zero Balance Billing, the Medical Assistance to Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program, Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, and the Expanded Maternity Care Package.
Marcos also inspected the newly renovated RA Bengzon Patient Access Ward at the hospital, which includes an emergency department, a 51-bed ward, isolation rooms, and maternal and newborn care facilities.IMT
