President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to overhauling the national healthcare system, announcing a landmark budget allocation of at least ₱500 billion for 2024 to address systemic gaps in facilities, equipment, and medical personnel.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Allied Health Sciences Building on Friday, the President emphasized that no Filipino should suffer due to financial incapacity or geographical isolation.
The President detailed a comprehensive financial roadmap designed to fortify every level of the health sector:
| Sector/Agency | Allocated Amount |
| DOH & PhilHealth | Over ₱427 Billion |
| LGU Health Programs | Nearly ₱98 Billion |
| Specialty Hospitals | Over ₱13 Billion |
| DND & PNP Hospitals | Nearly ₱9 Billion |
| PGH Medical Assistance | ₱1.4 Billion |
| Medical Scholarships (SUCs) | Over ₱1 Billion |
President Marcos acknowledged the daily struggles of citizens in provincial areas who travel long distances for basic medical care. He vowed to eliminate these barriers by expanding the reach of modern technology and building more healthcare centers. “We will no longer allow our countrymen to suffer from illness simply because they lack the funds for treatment, nor will we allow families in the provinces to endure long travels just to reach a hospital,” President Marcos stated.
Demonstrating immediate action, the President turned over ₱15 million in financial assistance to Baseco Hospital to upgrade its facilities. He also visited the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC), praising the institution for recording the highest number of first-patient encounters under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) last September.
The President urged the public to actively utilize the government’s health programs and called for seamless cooperation between the national government and Local Government Units (LGUs). He highlighted that the ₱1.4 billion allocated for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) specifically targets the “zero balance billing” policy, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive care at no cost.
“These services are open to everyone—especially those who need them most,” the President concluded.
