PGH gets P1.86 billion additional funding

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.86 billion in additional funding to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to sustain critical medical and specialized services as well as help ease patients’ financial burden.

Of the amount, P1.04 billion will support the medical services at PGH, including P800 million for the Universal Health Care Fund for Zero Balance Billing, the government’s commitment to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket hospital expenses for eligible patients.

This was consistent with Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act and applicable guidelines.

“When a family member gets sick, the first thing they should worry about is getting better, not where to find money to pay the hospital bill. That is why we are putting P800 million behind Zero Balance Billing at PGH. Government must help ensure that needing medical care does not become a financial crisis for Filipino families,” Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said.

The additional funding also includes P15 million for the treatment of dystonia-parkinsonism or Lubag Syndrome, to ensure continued access to specialized treatment and related medical requirements for patients affected by the condition.

The allocation comes as PGH, the country’s national university hospital and a major referral center, continues to handle complex and specialized cases from across the country.

De Leon said the funding release aligns with President Marcos’ order to prioritize health care and other essential services despite competing demands on limited fiscal resources.

“The release was undertaken in accordance with applicable budget execution rules and requirements, ensuring that additional resources for PGH are made available for their intended purposes while maintaining safeguards for the responsible use of public funds,” the DBM said.

As the DBM turned over the proposed P7.2-trillion National Expenditure Program for next year to the House of Representatives, the University of the Philippines System is expected to receive P26.53 billion.