Emphasizing that financial constraints can prevent families from accessing appropriate and better treatment, President Marcos called on healthcare institutions to ensure that no Filipino is denied treatment due to financial limitations.

"We encourage more hospitals across the country to support PhilHealth in advancing Universal Health Care by embracing the No Co-Payment Policy. Together, let us ensure that no Filipino is denied the care that they need only because of financial hardship," Marcos said in his speech on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The President witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between PhilHealth and St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City for the implementation of benefit packages and policies for PhilHealth members.

Under the agreement, St. Luke's allocated 53 beds, allowing PhilHealth members to seek specialized treatment at the hospital under the no-balance billing program.

With the agreement, Marcos said patients "will no longer be scared" to seek treatment at private hospitals.

"Kaya kahit na yung dati na hindi nakakapunta sa private hospital kagaya ng St. Luke's ay matutulungan na makapunta rito at bibigyan natin ng suporta galing—yung kagaya ng dati sa PhilHealth, sa DOH, at sa kung minsan kahit sa Office of the President (So, those who previously cannot go to private hospitals like St. Luke's, will be able to seek treatment at will be given support from PhilHealth, Department of Health, and from the Office of the President)," Marcos said in an interview after the signing ceremony.

"Pero ito ay para hindi na matatakot ang mga nagkakasakit na pumunta sa private hospital dahil wala silang pambayad (This is so that patients will no longer be scared to go to private hospital because they cannot afford it)," Marcos added.

According to Marcos, the partnership between the governent and private hospitals will be further expanded.

"Paparamihin pa natin ‘yan para lahat na talaga ng ating mga facilities, healthcare facilities ay kasama na sa mga programa natin para kahit na hindi lang yung mga may kaya ang makakapunta sa ating mga private hospital para makakuha sila nung specialized na healthcare na kung minsan ay kinakailangan nila ngunit wala silang pambayad kaya hindi sila lumalapit at hindi sila nagpapatingin sa ating mga private hospital (We will expand this further so that all of our healthcare facilities will be included in our programs, ensuring that specialized healthcare is accessible not only to those who can afford it, but also to those who need it but cannot afford to pay. Sometimes, people do not seek consultation or treatment at private hospitals because they cannot afford the cost)," Marcos said.

The President said the MOA between PhilHealth and St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City "sends an important message that quality care in leading private hospitals can be made more accessible to qualified PhilHealth members, and that both government and the private sector have a role in making Universal Health Care work."

"Malinaw ang ating hangarin. Hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kakulangan sa pera para makakuha ang kinakailangang atensiyong medical (Our objective is clear. Financial limitations should not hinder someone to get the needed medical attention)," Marcos said.

"It is a simple yet universal belief that we must all uphold," he added.

The Chief Executive further called on healthcatre institutions to continue to ensure that the country's healthcare system "becomes more responsive and affordable for Filipino families, especially those who are most in need."

He called on them to continue removing the financial, geographic, and institutional barriers that keep patients from getting the assistance that they need.