Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 747)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 747 is to regulate the fees charged against patients in government hospitals and charity clinics by classifying patients according to their financial condition.
Indigent patients are those whose total income is less than seventy-five pesos a month if not married. If married or a head of a family, the total income of the family, with allowances for each additional member, should not exceed one hundred and thirty-five pesos a month.
Indigent patients are absolutely free from any and all charges incurred by the hospital during their confinement and have priority in accommodation.
Partial pay patients are those whose total income is between seventy-five pesos to one hundred and thirty-five pesos a month if not married. For married patients or heads of families, the total family income should not be more than two hundred pesos a month, including allowances for additional members.
Partial pay patients shall pay only the cost of medicines used and hospitalization fees.
Full pay patients are those whose total income is more than two hundred pesos a month, whether single or married or heads of families.
Full pay patients must pay not only for medicines used and hospitalization charges but also for professional fees.
Hospitalization fee includes payments for rooms such as delivery room, nursery room, patient’s room, and other fees excluding professional services.
Professional services refer to medical and nursing services.
Government employees and their families are given a reduction of twenty percent from all hospital fees.
Any misrepresentation regarding a patient's true assets by the patient or authorized representative shall be fined double the total fees charged.
Violators shall be fined up to five hundred pesos and held responsible for any damages incurred, in addition to possible administrative actions.
The President may change the income limitations by executive order, subject to changes in the standard of living.
The Act took effect upon its approval on June 18, 1952.
Yes, any laws or provisions contrary to Republic Act No. 747 are repealed.