Philippines expands zero-balance hospital billing program

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced the expansion of the zero-balance hospital billing program across the Philippines. The initiative, which previously focused on hospital ward patients, now covers those admitted to regular hospital rooms in 132 partner hospitals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

To commemorate his birthday, the administration conducted the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ outreach program, reaching 175,565 beneficiaries across 282 sites nationwide. The program provided comprehensive medical support, including checkups, medicine distribution, and mobility aids like wheelchairs. Other services included employment and livelihood assistance, support for farmers and fisherfolk, and various multi-agency frontline assistance booths designed to bring government services directly to local communities.