THOUSANDS of patients have been receiving free medical care through government’s Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program at Eversley Child Sanitarium and General Hospital in Barangay Jagobiao, Mandaue City.
In an interview, Eversley hospital chief Dr. Pythagoras Zerna said the zero billing policy that has long been practiced by the hospital has transformed access to public healthcare in the area.
Eversley is among the 87 hospitals, managed by the Department of Health (DOH) nationwide, recognized for the full implementation of the ZBB policy.
The program gained renewed attention after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., during his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, 2025, announced that all DOH-run hospitals in the country are now expected to treat patients in ward-type accommodations at zero cost to the patient.
Zerna said Eversley has been practicing ZBB for years, well before it became a national directive.
He said the initiative has been part of their commitment to help indigent Filipinos gain access to quality healthcare without the burden of financial worries.
Wards
Zerna said patients admitted in wards, which are air-conditioned at Eversley, do not spend for anything out of pocket. Those who opt for private rooms or additional services beyond the basic healthcare package would have to pay some fees.
“Practically, there’s nothing to pay for if you’re admitted under basic accommodation. What sets us apart is that our wards are air-conditioned, so patients still experience comfort even without the extra cost,” he said in Cebuano.
While the hospital strives to provide comprehensive care, Zerna acknowledged that some specialized diagnostic procedures or surgeries are still not available on-site.
In such cases, Eversley refers patients to other facilities, but continues to cover the cost as long as the patient remains admitted under its care.
He explained that while there are certain services that are not offered at Eversley such as specific laboratory tests or surgeries, the hospital still covers the expenses if the patient is under its care, regardless of where the procedure needs to be performed.
He said all services, including surgical operations, are covered under the zero billing program as long as the patient does not hire private doctors or private consultants.
Zerna explained that the ZBB does not operate in isolation. It is supported by various government medical assistance initiatives, including the Malasakit Program, which has now been fully integrated into the ZBB framework.
He said all health and medical assistance programs are integrated into the ZBB with various government agencies contributing to the system until the patient no longer has fees to pay.
RA 10606
The roots of the ZBB policy can be traced to the No Balance Billing (NBB) mandate introduced in 2011 and institutionalized under Republic Act 10606 ,or the National Health Insurance Act of 2013, under President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
This law ensures that eligible Philhealth members, especially indigents, are not charged beyond what is covered by their insurance.
Eversley, a Level 2 DOH hospital with over 200 beds, primarily serves patients from Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City and the northern towns of Cebu.
Its full implementation of the ZBB program stands as a model for how public hospitals can deliver patient-centered, inclusive care without the financial burden. / CAV