President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism that the Philippines is closing in on the full realization of universal health care, stating the country is already “80 percent of the way” to achieving it.
During his visit to the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center on September 2, the President cited the ongoing rollout of essential systems and services as key factors in making universal health care more accessible to Filipinos.
“Malapit na tayong umabot talaga sa universal health care. We are 80 percent of the way,” Marcos said, emphasizing that economic growth and efficient implementation are crucial to making it fully possible.
He praised Bataan General’s new approach to zero-balance billing, noting that the hospital has adopted a more patient-friendly process. “Instead of the patient lining up at the cashier before being discharged, their zero billing is brought to them,” he explained.
This added convenience, according to Marcos, should be replicated in other hospitals nationwide. He reiterated his belief that when hospital bills are no longer a burden, more people are willing to seek the medical help they need. “Ang dami nang pumupunta sa ospital ngayon,” he said, highlighting the increasing number of patients seeking treatment.
The President also pointed to the progress of the zero-balance billing policy, first highlighted during his fourth State of the Nation Address, as a major step toward inclusive health care. He acknowledged that previously, many Filipinos hesitated to get medical attention due to costs.
Marcos also stressed the importance of the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers, which offer various outpatient services. He said the establishment of these centers is part of a broader strategy to make health care more efficient and accessible.
“So yun ang ating binubuo na sistema for the healthcare dito sa Pilipinas. And ipagpatuloy natin ito,” he said.
