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10October
BARMM launches region's 1st major hospital with 'zero billing' policy
- Oct 10, 2025
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 841
Hailed as the largest and first well-equipped hospital of its kind in the autonomous region, the BRHMC will operate under a crucial "zero billing policy" for all patients, ensuring free access to its services.
The new facility replaces and upgrades the 52-year-old Maguindanao Provincial Hospital, using the same compound. It was established through the passage of Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 74, which was unanimously approved by the 80-member Bangsamoro parliament on May 26. The key authors of the legislation were lawmakers Kadil Sinolinding Jr., Sittie Fahanie Oyod, and Baintan Ampatuan.
"The setting up of Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center is a big help for residents of the Bangsamoro region," said Dr. Mohammad Ariff A. Baguindali, Chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao (IPHO-Maguindanao) and the official who will oversee the new hospital.
Baguindali expressed gratitude to the regional parliament and Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua for signing the bill into law without hesitation.
BARMM’s deputy health minister, Zul Qarneyn Abas, joined lawmakers Ampatuan and Uy-Oyod, along with other regional and provincial officials, in leading the inauguration ceremony.
Ampatuan confirmed that the BRHMC has been allocated an initial budget of P50 million from the regional government's coffers for its first year of operation, with succeeding allocations to be phased into the regional government's annual expenditure appropriations.
Health Minister Sinolinding Jr. pledged extensive support from the Ministry of Health-BARMM to ensure the success and effective operation of the new medical center. The BRHMC is expected to significantly enhance healthcare access for residents of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte provinces.
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