President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday underscored his administration’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for all Filipinos as he inspected the zero balance billing policy and personally witnessed the clearing of more than ₱1.4 million in hospital bills at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital (DJFMH) in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
During his visit, the President led the turnover of six incubators and six phototherapy light units to hospital officials before heading to the billing section, where he saw firsthand how the zero balance billing program eased the financial burden of patients.
Among the beneficiaries were Asniyah Monar, mother of twins Khalil and Khalid, whose bill reached ₱774,723.64; Mary Jane Lorenzo, mother of Chrishanna Balbido, with a bill of ₱507,749.70; and Rubily Flor Llaneta, mother of Zander Llaneta, who incurred ₱167,038.47. All their expenses were fully covered through the government’s program.
The zero balance billing policy ensures that patients admitted to Department of Health (DOH) hospitals, particularly those in ward or basic accommodation, receive treatment without out-of-pocket expenses for covered services.
“Mukha namang maayos ‘yung pagpatakbo ng zero billing na programa ng pamahalaan. Patuloy lang naman. So again, we have to congratulate all our health workers because we know that you all are very hardworking and dedicated,” Marcos said in his remarks.
The President also toured key hospital facilities, including the pediatric ward, young mother care ward, kangaroo mother care ward, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
According to Dr. Estrella Jusi, Chief Medical Professional Staff II of DJFMH, the hospital cleared a total of ₱104,226,650 in medical bills from July to September 2025 under the zero balance billing program. She thanked the President for supporting a policy that continues to help countless patients in need.
“Siyempre po, malaking pasasalamat ito ng hospital… dahil malaking tulong po ito sa ating mga pasyente, sa ating mga kababayan,” Jusi said.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
