PBBM INAUGURATES CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN CLARK

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday inaugurated the Department of Health-Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center (DOH-JBL CMC) inside Clark Freeport in Pampanga, marking another step in the administration’s push to bring specialized healthcare closer to Filipinos outside Metro Manila.

The children’s hospital is the first completed facility under the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center complex.

The Chief Executive announced that the state-of-the-art pediatric hospital will begin accepting patients on August 1, offering free, high-quality specialized medical services to children and families from Regions I, II, III and neighboring areas.

“Today, we have progressed towards that vision with the completion of the first phase of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center: the Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center,” President Marcos said during the inauguration.

Recalling the groundbreaking in July 2023, President Marcos said the project was envisioned to bring specialized healthcare closer to Filipino families, especially those who previously had to travel to Metro Manila for treatment.

The new pediatric hospital, according to the President, is expected to ease the financial and emotional burden on parents by making specialized services more accessible.

“This state-of-the-art pediatric facility will provide free, high-quality care to children and families from Regions I, II, and III, and neighboring areas,” President Marcos said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to universal access to healthcare, the Chief Executive stressed that no Filipino should be denied medical treatment because of financial limitations.

The hospital will continue implementing the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) Program alongside the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program and the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program.

President Marcos also highlighted the expansion of PhilHealth benefits, including the enhanced newborn care package that covers screening tests, vaccinations, and treatment for premature and low-birth-weight infants.

“Here in this hospital, I am happy to announce that the ZBB will continue. This way, no individual will be denied care simply because they do not have the capacity to pay,” President Marcos said.

The Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center serves as the first phase of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center, with additional specialty facilities such as a Renal Center, Cardiovascular Center, and Cancer Center planned within the complex.

Underscoring the administration’s long-term healthcare agenda, President Marcos said the government will continue establishing regional specialty hospitals to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and improve access to quality healthcare across the country.

President Marcos also acknowledged the contributions of the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc., the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Clark Development Corporation, saying their partnership with the national government helped transform the project from a plan into a fully operational children’s hospital.

The Chief Executive assured the public that the administration would continue working to ensure every Filipino child has access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.

President Marcos said the new medical center represents hope not only for young patients but also for their families, noting that every child who recovers in the facility brings renewed hope for the country’s future.

“Sa bawat batang gagaling dito, may bagong pag-asa na sumisibol para sa kaniyang pamilya at para sa ating Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said.