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Pasig plans deal with The Medical City for zero-balance billing
Philippines
Metro Manila
Pasig plans deal with The Medical City for zero-balance billing
Pasig plans deal with The Medical City for zero-balance billing
Published Apr 25, 2026 09:56 am
The local government of Pasig plans to propose a formal agreement with The Medical City to further support its existing zero-balance billing system by covering additional costs for patients in its 51-bed PhilHealth ward.
Mayor Vico Sotto, together with Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, visits the 51-bed PhilHealth ward of The Medical City. (Photo from Mayor Vico Sotto)
Recently, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Health Secretary Ted Herbosa visited the TMC's Philhealth Ward, or the Bengzon Patient Access Ward.
“Alam niyo bang may 51-bed PhilHealth Ward na rin ang The Medical City Pasig? Depending on the patient's eligibility and condition, they are also already implementing zero-balance billing,” he said.
On Friday, April 24, following the visit to the hospital, Sotto said the local government would propose an agreement to shoulder additional costs not covered by PhilHealth or the Department of Health (DOH) to achieve zero-balance billing for its patients.
He noted that countries with more advanced Universal Health Care (UHC) systems rely heavily on services from the private sector, but patients still pay minimal costs.
Citing Japan and the Netherlands, he said hospitals are mostly private but patients’ out-of-pocket expenses remain very low.
“Lalo na ngayon na gumaganda na ang mga coverage at proseso ng Philhealth, dapat ganito na rin tayo mag-isip dito (Especially now that the coverage and processes of PhilHealth are improving, this is the kind of approach that should also be embraced here),” the mayor said.
“Suportahan natin ang mga private na may ganitong efforts, at palakasin natin ang ating health care provider network (We should support private institutions with similar initiatives and further strengthen the health care provider network),” he added.
Sotto also noted the improvements in TMC’s Emergency Department, recognizing enhancements that contribute to more efficient and responsive patient care.
Herbosa also expressed his appreciation for The Medical City’s ongoing partnership with the government, saying that the hospital’s initiatives serve as a model he hopes to see adopted by private hospitals across the country to improve access to and delivery of healthcare services.
“The visit underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring that quality care remains within reach for more Filipinos,” the hospital said.