MANILA — More than one million Filipinos have benefited from the government’s zero-balance billing policy in just four months, the Palace said Tuesday, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand access to healthcare services nationwide.

“Bilang bahagi ng kampanya ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na palakasin ang healthcare sa bansa, umabot na sa higit 1,078,000 ang natulungan ng zero-balance billing program ng Department of Health matapos lamang ang apat na buwan,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

President Marcos announced in his Fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28 that the government was implementing the policy to ease the financial burden of patients.

Under the zero-balance billing policy, all treatment costs of patients admitted under basic or ward accommodation in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals are shouldered by the government.

Castro said the DOH, led by Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, has reinforced the continued implementation of the policy to ensure the public receives maximum health benefits.

She said the administration remains committed to keeping medical services accessible, especially for those most in need.

“Makakaasa ang mga kababayan natin na mananatiling abot-kamay ang maayos na kalidad ng serbisyo ng mga pampublikong ospital at libre ang pagpapagamot para sa mga lubos na nangangailangan,” Castro said.