President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged more hospitals nationwide to support the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in advancing universal health care by adopting its “No Co-Payment Policy.”

Marcos made the call during the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between PhilHealth and St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City.

“We encourage more hospitals across the country to support PhilHealth in advancing Universal Health Care by embracing the No Co-Payment Policy,” he said.

“Together, let us ensure that no Filipino is denied the care that they need only because of financial hardship,” Marcos added.

Marcos said the government could not achieve its healthcare goals alone, stressing the importance of private sector participation in improving health outcomes and providing relief to patients and their families.

He described the PhilHealth-St. Luke’s partnership as an example of public-private cooperation aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system.

He said broader participation by private hospitals would allow more Filipinos to access specialized medical services without being deterred by treatment costs.

“Continue to ensure that our healthcare system becomes more responsive and affordable for Filipino families, especially those who are most in need,” Marcos said.

Marcos also cited other government programs aimed at reducing the financial burden of medical care, including the Zero Balance Billing Program in Department of Health hospitals and the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program.

He added that the government is expanding PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program, which provides free consultations, laboratory tests and cancer screening.

The President also cited the implementation of the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment Program, as well as plans to establish additional Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers to bring urgent care, outpatient services and other medical services closer to communities.

“It is a simple yet universal belief that we must all uphold. So, as we improve how we finance healthcare, we must make sure that our reforms remain compassionate and people-oriented,” Marcos said.

Following the signing ceremony, Marcos proceeded to the ward rooms on the sixth floor of St. Luke’s, where he was briefed on the implementation of the No Co-Payment Policy for PhilHealth members admitted to basic or ward accommodations. (PNA)