Manila, Feb. 10 -- The government is studying the possible expansion of the government's Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program to cover pay wards in all Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals, Malacanang said Tuesday.

The proposal is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s goal of improving the country's healthcare system.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is now studying the issuance of a department memorandum circular to mandate all DOH hospitals to implement zero balance billing for pay wards for direct PhilHealth contributors.

"Ang mga pay wards ay iba pa sa basic accommodation na sa kasalukuyang sakop ng zero balance billing (Pay wards are different from basic acc...