Taguig city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called upon hospitals across the Philippines to bolster the efforts of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in advancing universal health care by adopting its 'No Co-Payment Policy.'

According to Philippines News Agency, the President's appeal came during a ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement between PhilHealth and St. Luke's Medical Center-Global City, held at the hospital in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Marcos emphasized the importance of this initiative, urging hospitals nationwide to embrace the policy to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder any Filipino from receiving necessary medical care.

Highlighting the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors, Marcos stated that the government alone could not achieve its healthcare objectives. He praised the partnership between PhilHealth and St. Luke's as a model of public-private cooperation aimed at fortifying the nation's healthcare system. The President underscored that increased participation by private hospitals would enable more Filipinos to access specialized medical services without the burden of high costs.

Marcos further mentioned additional government efforts to mitigate the financial strain of medical care. These include the Zero Balance Billing Program in Department of Health hospitals and the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients Program. The expansion of PhilHealth's YAKAP Program, offering free consultations, laboratory tests, and cancer screening, was also noted as part of these efforts.

He also outlined plans for the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment Program and the establishment of more Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers. These initiatives aim to bring urgent care, outpatient services, and other medical services closer to communities.

Concluding his remarks, President Marcos stressed the need for compassionate and people-oriented reforms in healthcare financing, ensuring that all efforts remain focused on the welfare of the citizens. Following the signing ceremony, he visited the ward rooms on the sixth floor of St. Luke's, receiving a briefing on the implementation of the No Co-Payment Policy for PhilHealth members admitted to basic or ward accommodations.