Manila, Aug. 19 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PHP1.855 billion in additional funding to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), including PHP800 million for the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB), to sustain the critical services of the country's premier state hospital and ease the medical expenses of Filipino families.

According to the DBM, the additional PHP800 million allocation for the ZBB will support PGH's implementation of the government's commitment to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket hospital expenses for eligible patients, consistent with Republic Act 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, and applicable guidelines.

Budget Acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said on Wednesday that the release puts ad...