Marcos: New Children's Medical Center in Clark to offer free, quality care for kids

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday committed to providing free and high-quality care for children and families from northern and central Luzon, with the establishment of a new pediatric hospital inside Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

During the inauguration of the Department of Health-Jose B. Lingad Children's Medical Center, the President announced that the hospital will open its doors to patients starting August 1, making specialized pediatric services more accessible.

“This state-of-the-art pediatric facility will provide free, high-quality care for children and families from Regions I, II, and III, and other neighboring areas as well,” Marcos said in his speech.

The Jose B. Lingad Children's Medical Center serves as the first phase of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center.

The government plans to build more specialty facilities within the complex, like a renal center, cardiovascular center, and cancer center

“Ladies and gentlemen, this hope that this hospital will bring…hope and relief for countless Filipino families here in Luzon. Parents seeking specialized treatment for their children will no longer have to make difficult trips to Metro Manila, sometimes even having to go abroad,” Marcos said.

“They will be spared the financial and emotional toll of a long journey, of lost income, and time away from home, all while caring for a sick child. Instead, they can focus on their child’s healing, recovery, and well-being,” he added.

The President also said that the new hospital will implement the Zero Balance Billing Program and offer the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients and the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program.

“That way, no individual will be denied care simply because they do not have the capacity to pay,” he emphasized.

Marcos also noted the expansion of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) benefits, which include enhanced newborn care packages that cover screening tests, vaccinations, and treatment for premature and low-birth-weight infants.

“One by one, we are building a better healthcare system that serves every Filipino with dignity,” he said.

The President also vowed that the government will continue working to give every Filipino child the chance to grow up healthy and strong.

“It is certainly a comforting thought that somewhere in Luzon, a child who is sick today will visit this facility and will leave feeling better. And that child will grow up, and who knows, that child might prove to be the next leader that this country needs,” he said. —LDF, GMA News