Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Saturday expressed strong support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “zero-billing” initiative, a landmark healthcare program ensuring free medical services in 22 public hospitals nationwide, a press release from the House of Representatives said.
Launched on the President’s 67th birthday, September 13, the initiative represents a significant step toward making healthcare accessible to all Filipinos, according to the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives.
On the President’s directive, the Department of Health (DOH) has allocated P328 million to fund the zero-billing initiative, covering not only hospital bills but also drugs, medicines, and essential medical services such as chemotherapy, dialysis, dental services, and laboratory procedures.
The program has been implemented in key tertiary hospitals across the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Romualdez highlighted the life-changing impact of the initiative, stressing that it relieves Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable communities, from the burden of costly medical services.
“Whether it’s dialysis, chemotherapy, or emergency treatment, the government is stepping up to provide real, tangible relief to our people,” he said.
The zero-billing program includes eight major hospitals in the NCR, such as the National Kidney and Transplant Institute and the Philippine General Hospital, along with 14 other hospitals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The House chief also emphasized that this initiative is just the beginning, as the government continues to explore ways to expand healthcare services and make medical care more accessible and affordable for all.*
