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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH: It's time to 'unbundle' hospital charges amid proposed fee hikes

DOH: It's time to 'unbundle' hospital charges amid proposed fee hikes

Published Mar 27, 2026 03:42 pm
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, March 27, said it is time for hospitals to "break down" charges, as some private hospitals are considering increasing fees due to rising fuel and operating costs.
DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said hospitals should itemize expenses rather than present lump-sum rates, noting that across-the-board increases are difficult to validate without a clear computation.
“It’s time to ‘unbundle’ or ‘break down’ the charges of hospitals and health facilities. Don’t just say ‘room rate’—how much is charged for electricity? For gasoline/diesel? For nurses’ salaries?” he said in a statement.
As such, he said a detailed breakdown would help determine whether higher health service costs are truly driven by oil price hikes.
“So we can see if the price of health services is really affected by the increase in oil prices. And it’s hard to give a number right away like 5, 4, 3, 2, or even 1 percent—how was that calculated?” the DOH spokesperson stated.
Domingo said clearer billing would also allow government support through programs such as Zero Balance Billing and PhilHealth benefits.
“People will understand if it’s unbundled or broken down and clear, and even DOH through Zero Balance Billing and PhilHealth through the right benefits can help,” he said.
Recently, the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) said some private hospitals are considering a five-percent increase in fees due to rising fuel and supply costs.
PHAPI president Jose Rene De Grano said the move aims to offset higher expenses for fuel, medicines, transportation, and utilities, noting hospitals rely on generator sets to sustain operations.

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DOH time to unbundle hospital charges proposed fee hikes fuel breakdown PHAPI
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