Manila: Senator Erwin Tulfo has introduced a bill in the Senate requiring health providers to disclose charges, including professional fees, in an itemized format. Senate Bill 1987 aims to mandate hospitals to issue a complete statement of account that covers facility charges, medicines and supplies, laboratory and diagnostic services, and professional fees, along with the names, specialties, and services rendered by attending health workers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo highlighted that many patients continue to receive hospital bills that are not fully itemized, making it difficult for families to verify and understand the actual cost of care. He emphasized the need for higher standards in medical institutions, acknowledging that while hospitals need to operate within financial constraints, accountability in billing should never be compromised.

The proposed bill also assigns the Department of Health, in coordination with PhilHealth, the task of establishing a uniform billing format to ensure transparency and accountability across healthcare providers. Tulfo pointed out that the lack of a standardized billing system weakens patient protection and limits regulators' ability to assess hospital charges and align them with PhilHealth coverage.

Tulfo added that the measure seeks to address complaints over unclear billing practices that continue to burden Filipino patients, especially amid rising healthcare costs. He concluded by stating that the true measure of a healthcare system is found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.