KORONADA CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – A proposed ordinance seeking to institutionalize the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) Program for all admitted patients in provincial government-managed hospitals was presented during a public hearing held in South Cotabato.
The discussion focused on strengthening access to hospital care while easing the financial burden of patients availing services in government health facilities across the province.
Stakeholders and health representatives underscored the need for a more responsive system that ensures medical treatment is not delayed or limited by a patient’s financial capacity.
Dr. Conrado Braña, Provincial Health Officer, said the reimbursement of PhilHealth will be backed up the proposed ordinance.
“I believe ma sustain sang PGSC ang zero balance biling bangod sang trust fund naton from the Philhealth reimbursement,” Dr. Braña said.
The proposed measure aligns with Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act and Republic Act No. 9502 or the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008, reinforcing efforts to expand affordable healthcare services at the local level.
If approved, the ordinance will allow qualified admitted patients to benefit from a zero-balance billing arrangement through the maximization of PhilHealth coverage and other government medical assistance programs.
Provincial officials said the initiative supports the broader health reform agenda of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., which prioritizes accessible and inclusive healthcare services for all residents of South Cotabato.
The proposal will be subject to further deliberations before it is finalized for approval.
