By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The government has released an additional P1.855 billion for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), with P800 million earmarked for its Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program as authorities move to ease the financial burden of patients and keep critical hospital services running.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the fresh funding will strengthen PGH’s capacity to provide medical care, including assistance intended to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket hospital expenses for qualified patients.
The P800-million ZBB allocation supports the government’s commitment under Republic Act 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, and existing implementing guidelines.
DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the funding is designed to address one of the most pressing problems confronting families when a loved one requires hospitalization.
“Government must help make sure that needing medical care does not become a financial crisis for Filipino families,” De Leon said.
Part of the additional funding will also go toward specialized medical requirements.
The DBM said P15 million has been allocated for the treatment of Dystonia-Parkinsonism, or Lubag Syndrome, supporting continued access to specialized care for patients affected by the condition.
The remaining funds will support PGH’s other medical services and operational requirements.
As the country’s national university hospital and a major referral center, PGH treats patients with a wide range of conditions, including complex and highly specialized cases referred from different parts of the Philippines.
De Leon emphasized that the additional allocation should translate into tangible assistance for patients rather than remain merely as a budgetary figure.
“Every peso we release for health must ultimately reach the patient. This PHP1.855 billion is not simply additional funding on paper – it means more resources for treatment, less financial pressure on families, and continued support for patients who depend on PGH for critical and specialized care,” he said.
The DBM said the release is consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to keep health care and other essential public services among the government’s priorities despite competing demands on limited public resources.
For thousands of Filipinos who rely on PGH for critical and specialized treatment, the additional funding is expected to provide greater support at a time when medical costs remain a major burden on families.
ia/xf
