Iloilo city: More than 15,000 patients from Western Visayas have availed of the zero balance billing program of the Department of Health (DOH). DOH Western Visayas Center for Health Development Regional Director Helen Tobias announced that the zero balance billing policy is specific to DOH hospitals, ensuring that indigent and financially vulnerable patients receive essential healthcare services without out-of-pocket expenses.

According to Philippines News Agency, the policy is implemented at several hospitals including the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital, and the Don Jose Monfort Medical Center. From January to May this year, approximately 11,000 patients benefited from the program at WVMC, and nearly 4,000 from the Don Jose Monfort Medical Center. The Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital has yet to release its data.

Dr. Carl Andre Diesca, supervising administrative officer of the billing and claims section at WVMC, explained that the zero balance billing is similar to the no balance billing policy, with nearly full implementation across DOH hospitals. As mandated by the Universal Health Care Act, patients admitted to basic or ward accommodations in DOH-run hospitals are covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth), with any remaining balance charged to the quantified free service.

The policy covers a range of medical services including diagnostics, laboratory tests, medicines, special tests, and professional fees.