The government is studying the possible expansion of the government’s Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program to cover pay wards in all Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals, Malacañang said Tuesday.
The proposal is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of improving the country’s healthcare system.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is now studying the issuance of a department memorandum circular to mandate all DOH hospitals to implement zero balance billing for pay wards for direct PhilHealth contributors.
“Ang mga pay wards ay iba pa sa basic accommodation na sa kasalukuyang sakop ng zero balance billing (Pay wards are different from basic accommodations, which are already covered under the current zero balance billing policy),” Castro said.
“Tututukan po natin ito. Nais ng Pangulo ang mas maganda at mas epektibong health care para sa mga Pilipino para sa Bagong Pilipinas (This will be closely monitored. The President desires better and more effective health care for Filipinos in the New Philippines),” she added.
Under the proposal, DOH hospitals would be required to allocate special areas or rooms for PhilHealth direct contributors availing themselves of zero balance billing.
The areas are intended to provide better amenities compared to common wards. (PNA)
