President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing LGUs to help more Filipinos access free healthcare benefits, saying government programs already in place are wasted if patients do not know they can use them.
Speaking at the oath-taking of newly elected national and regional officers of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, May 20, Marcos said the national government has rolled out medical assistance, but public awareness remains a major gap. He urged local officials to bring the information directly to their communities.
“Maraming-marami tayong niro-roll out, pero ang problema, hindi pa alam ng ating mga kababayan na may ganoon,” Marcos said.
Marcos highlighted the Zero Balance Billing program, which provides free healthcare services to patients admitted to basic or ward accommodations in Department of Health hospitals, with no out-of-pocket cost for covered services. He said many Filipinos still do not know about the program despite repeated public reminders.
“Nagugulat ako hanggang ngayon, kasi panay ang sigaw ko ng Zero Balance Billing at hanggang ngayon, hindi pa alam ng marami,” he said.
The President also cited expanded PhilHealth benefits for dialysis, cancer treatment, and maternal healthcare. These are among the most expensive medical needs for ordinary families, making local information drives critical for patients who may already qualify for support.
Marcos also pointed to medicine assistance for eligible sectors, saying some community members may receive up to P20,000 worth of free medicines every year. He said patients still complain about high medicine costs even when government help is available.
“Pumupunta pa ako sa hospital, sasabihin sa akin, ‘Ay naku, kasi napakamahal ng gamot.’ Eh sabi namin, ‘Teka, hindi ka dapat nagbabayad ng gamot,’” Marcos said.
His message to LGUs was direct: free healthcare must be explained on the ground, or families who need it most may never claim it.
