By Ahikam Pasion
Public hospitals across Region I have begun implementing the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policy covering patients admitted in service or charity wards, including the Region 1 Medical Center and other government-run hospitals in the province.
The policy follows directives from the Department of Health requiring that patients confined in service wards should no longer pay hospital bills upon discharge.
According to Pangasinan fourth district board member Jerry Rosario, the earlier no-balance-billing policy was limited to indigent patients. Under the expanded implementation, all patients admitted to service wards are now covered regardless of income classification.
One of the major concerns discussed involved orthopedic procedures requiring steel plates and prosthetic materials. Representatives from Conrado F. Estrella Regional Medical Center and other DOH hospitals said steel plates used in surgeries are provided at no cost to patients, with funding sourced from PhilHealth, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Presidential Assistance to Indigent Patients Program.
Hospital officials at Region 1 Medical Center said systems are being strengthened so that patients will no longer need to purchase implants, medicines, or medical supplies outside the hospital. Partnerships with non-government organizations and additional funding sources are also being utilized to support treatment costs, particularly for financially vulnerable patients.
The zero balance billing policy applies only to regular and service wards. Patients who opt for private rooms remain subject to professional fees and other charges associated with private services.
Provincial officials noted that government hospitals in Pangasinan have previously adopted similar no-balance-billing practices to allow patients to leave hospitals without outstanding balances after confinement.
Health authorities emphasized that hospitals must continue complying with standards set by the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines to ensure the quality and safety of medical supplies used in patient care.