SPREAD THE WORD ON ZERO BALANCE BILLING, PBBM URGES PUBLIC IN EAST AVENUE MEDICAL CENTER VISIT

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged the public to further spread awareness of the government’s zero balance billing policy, while noting the success of the information drive to encourage patients to seek medical care without hesitation.

“So, ikalat natin, ipaalam natin sa lahat ng tao para hindi na sila nagdadalawang-isip na magpatingin, magpagamot, at magpagaling,” President Marcos said during a visit the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City.

“Siyempre sa umpisa, we have to – information drive, hindi lamang sa mga hospital kung hindi pati sa pasyente. And I think we are succeeding in that,” the Chief Executive added.

The President has been personally checking the implementation of the zero balance billing policy in 87 Department of Health (DOH) hospitals nationwide.

“I’m happy to report that the zero billing program is proceeding well,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the latest hospital visit.

The President thanked the EAMC staff for the orderly implementation of the zero billing policy and encouraged the public to spread the word and raise awareness about the program meant to ease the financial burden of medical care.

Since the President announced the program during his fourth State of the Nation Address last July 28, the DOH said about 3,000 ward or basic accommodation patients have benefited from the zero billing program in EAMC alone.

At the East Avenue Medical Center, President Marcos interacted with patients and caregivers in the hospital’s ward, assuring them that they need not worry as the government will cover the expenses.

In the admitting area, President Marcos comforted a young boy, assuring him and his family that the hospital would provide his care at no cost.

The President was with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, EAMC chief Dr. Alfonso Nuñez, as well as other government and hospital officials.

President Marcos’ parents-the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos- inaugurated the EAMC on October 8, 1969.