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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Zero-balance billing in DOH hospitals pay wards under study—Palace

Zero-balance billing in DOH hospitals pay wards under study—Palace

Published Feb 10, 2026 05:49 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visits the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac, Ilocos Norte on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visits the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac, Ilocos Norte on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
Malacañang bared that the Department of Health (DOH) is studying the provision of free pay wards or shared rooms in DOH-run hospitals for direct contributors of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
"Libreng pay wards or shared room sa mga ospital ng Depart of Health (DOH), pinag-aaralan ng pamahalaan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (The government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is studying the provision of free pay wards or shared rooms in hospitals run by the DOH),"
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Castro also said that the DOH is looking into the issuance of a memorandum circular directing all DOH hospitals nationwide to cover under the zero balance billing policy the medical bills of patients who directly contribute to PhilHealth.
"Mag-uutos ito sa lahat ng DOH hospitals na maging zero balance billing ang mga pay wards para sa mga direct contributors ng PhilHealth (This will direct all DOH hospitals to implement zero-balance billing for pay wards for direct contributors of PhilHealth)," the Palace official said.
The initiative, Castro further said, is pursuant to President Marcos’ directive to ensure that Filipinos receive the best possible healthcare services.
At present, the zero balance billing policy is applicable only to basic or ward accommodation in DOH hospitals.  

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