The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is getting a P1.86-billion funding boost aimed at strengthening medical services and making essential care more accessible to patients.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the additional allocation will help PGH sustain critical operations, provide specialized treatment and reduce the financial burden faced by patients seeking care at the country’s major public referral hospital.
P800 Million Set for Zero Balance Billing
Of the additional funding, P1.04 billion will go to medical services, including P800 million for the Universal Health Care Fund’s Zero Balance Billing program.
The program seeks to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket hospital expenses for qualified patients, in line with Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act.
Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said the government’s goal is to ensure that families can focus on a loved one’s recovery instead of worrying about how to pay the hospital bill.
Funding to Support Specialized Treatment
The allocation also includes P15 million for the treatment of dystonia-parkinsonism, or Lubag Syndrome, helping ensure that patients with the condition can continue receiving specialized treatment and other necessary medical services.
As the country’s national university hospital and a key referral center, PGH handles complex and specialized cases referred from various parts of the Philippines.
The additional funding is expected to help the hospital maintain these services amid continued demand for specialized health care.
DBM: Funds Must Be Used Properly
The DBM said the release followed existing budget execution rules and requirements to ensure that the additional resources are used for their intended purposes.
De Leon said the move reflects the government’s continued focus on health care and other essential services despite limited fiscal resources.
The funding announcement came as the DBM submitted the proposed P7.2-trillion National Expenditure Program for next year to the House of Representatives.
The proposed budget also includes P26.53 billion for the University of the Philippines System, which includes PGH.
