MANILA – Patients currently in Level 3 public hospitals nationwide no longer need to pay for their bills, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Friday, saying the government will shoulder their expenses as a present to them on his birthday.
Marcos, who is celebrating his 67th birthday, announced the free health and medical service during the launch of Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program in Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
“Layunin din po naming matulungan ang ating mga kababayan na may pangangailangang medikal. Kaya po sa araw na ito, sasagutin po natin ang lahat ng bayarin ng mga pasyente sa lahat ng pampublikong Level 3 hospital sa bansa (We also aim to help our countrymen who have medical needs. So today, we will cover all the fees of patients in all public level 3 hospitals in the country),” he said.
Marcos said there would also be mini trade fairs, business counselings and entrepreneurial trainings for those who want to become entrepreneurs.
Marcos said he wants Filipinos to feel the “real” change under his administration.
“Sa dinami-dami nang puwedeng ipagdiwang sa araw na ito, ang pinaka-espesyal ay ang pagkakataon na maglilingkod sa bawat Pilipino st mailapit ang gobyerno sa taumbayan (Of the many things that can be celebrated on this day, the most special is the opportunity to serve every Filipino and bring the government closer to the people),” Marcos said.
“Ang araw na ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagdiriwang kundi sa pagbibigay ng bagong simula at tunay na pagbabago sa huhay ng bawat Pilipino (This day is not only about celebrating but about giving a new beginning and real change in the life of every Filipino),” he added.
The Presidential Communications Office said the Department of Health would release PHP328 million to 22 tertiary hospitals nationwide to cover the free medical expenses of patients who are confined and undergoing treatment. (PNA)
