Free Services 2026

Free Government Health Services for Children Philippines 2026

A complete guide to every free health service available to Filipino children — from vaccines and nutrition programs to TB treatment and hospital financial assistance. Most Filipino families are not using all the services they are entitled to.

Updated April 2026 7 min read Nationwide Philippines

Your Barangay Health Center Is More Powerful Than You Think

Every Filipino child is entitled to free vaccines, nutrition supplements, TB treatment, and basic health consultations at their nearest Barangay Health Center (BHC). These services are funded by your taxes — use them. The BHC is open Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm, and no appointment is needed for most services.

Free Health Services by Category

Immunization (Bakuna)

Available at: Barangay Health Center (BHC)

FREE
  • BCG vaccine (tuberculosis protection at birth)
  • Pentavalent vaccine (DPT-HepB-Hib) — 3 doses
  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) — 3 doses
  • Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) — 1 dose
  • Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) — 3 doses
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
  • Rotavirus vaccine — 2 doses
  • Hepatitis B birth dose
All EPI vaccines are 100% free at every Barangay Health Center nationwide. Bring your child's immunization card (yellow card) to every visit.

Newborn Care

Available at: Government Hospitals, BHC

FREE
  • Newborn Screening (NBS) — 6 conditions including G6PD, congenital hypothyroidism
  • Newborn Hearing Screening
  • Vitamin K injection at birth
  • Eye prophylaxis (erythromycin eye drops)
  • Hepatitis B birth dose
  • BCG vaccine at birth
Newborn Screening is mandated by RA 9288. It is free at all government hospitals. Private hospitals charge ₱1,500–₱3,000 for the same test.

Nutrition Programs

Available at: Barangay Health Center, Barangay Nutrition Post

FREE
  • Monthly weight and height monitoring (Operation Timbang Plus)
  • Vitamin A supplementation every 6 months (ages 6 months–5 years)
  • Iron supplementation for children 6–59 months
  • Deworming tablets twice yearly (ages 1–12 years)
  • Micronutrient powder (MNP) for children 6–23 months
  • Therapeutic feeding for severely malnourished children
Operation Timbang Plus happens every April and October. Bring your child to your barangay nutrition post for free weight and height assessment.

Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment

Available at: Barangay Health Center, RHU, Government Hospitals

FREE
  • TB diagnosis — tuberculin skin test (TST) free at BHC
  • Chest X-ray — free at government hospitals
  • Complete 6-month TB treatment medicines (DOTS program)
  • Preventive therapy for child contacts of TB patients
  • Sputum microscopy and GeneXpert testing
The DOH DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) program provides all TB medicines completely free. Never pay for TB medicines — if asked to pay, report to the DOH.

Maternal and Child Health

Available at: Barangay Health Center, Rural Health Unit

FREE
  • Prenatal check-ups (at least 8 visits recommended)
  • Tetanus toxoid vaccine for pregnant women
  • Iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy
  • Postpartum care visits
  • Family planning counseling and methods
  • Breastfeeding support and counseling
All prenatal services at government facilities are free. PhilHealth covers normal delivery at accredited facilities under the Maternity Care Package.

Dental Services

Available at: Rural Health Unit, Government Hospitals

FREE
  • Tooth extraction
  • Oral prophylaxis (cleaning)
  • Fluoride application for children
  • Dental consultation
  • School dental programs (DepEd)
Free dental services are available at most Rural Health Units. School dental programs provide free oral health services to public school students.

Barangay Health Center Quick Reference

Everything that is free at your nearest Barangay Health Center (BHC).

ServiceCost
Consultation with nurse or midwifeFree
Blood pressure monitoringFree
Weight and height measurementFree
All EPI vaccinesFree
Vitamin A supplementationFree
Iron supplementsFree
Deworming tabletsFree
TB skin test (TST)Free
TB medicines (DOTS)Free
Family planning counselingFree
Prenatal check-upFree
Referral letter to government hospitalFree

Government Financial Assistance Programs

When your child needs hospital admission and you cannot afford the bill, these programs can help reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs.

Malasakit Center

One-stop shop for medical assistance at DOH-retained hospitals. Coordinates PhilHealth, PCSO, DSWD, and DOH assistance to reduce hospital bills to near zero for qualified patients.

Where:All DOH-retained hospitals (PGH, PCMC, East Avenue, etc.)
How to apply:Go to the Malasakit Center desk at the hospital. Bring valid ID, PhilHealth card, and hospital bill.
Learn more

PCSO Medical Assistance

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office provides cash assistance for hospitalized patients who cannot afford medical bills.

Where:PCSO main office (Mandaluyong) and regional offices
How to apply:Apply through the hospital social worker or directly at PCSO. Bring medical abstract, hospital bill, and certificate of indigency.

DSWD Medical Assistance

Department of Social Welfare and Development provides medical assistance for indigent families. Amount varies by case.

Where:DSWD regional and field offices, barangay social workers
How to apply:Contact your barangay social worker or DSWD field office. Bring proof of indigency and medical documents.

4Ps / Pantawid Pamilya

Conditional cash transfer program for poorest families. Includes health grants and access to free health services at government facilities.

Where:DSWD offices, barangay
How to apply:Enrollment is through DSWD community targeting. If already enrolled, present your 4Ps ID at government health facilities.

How to Find Your Nearest Barangay Health Center

Option 1: Ask Your Barangay

Go to your barangay hall and ask for the location of the Barangay Health Center. Every barangay in the Philippines has one.

Option 2: DOH Facility Finder

Visit the DOH website (doh.gov.ph) and use the Health Facility Finder to locate the nearest BHC, RHU, or government hospital.

Option 3: Call 1555

The DOH hotline 1555 can direct you to the nearest government health facility and answer questions about free services.

Related Healthcare Cost Guides

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed Filipino pediatrician for your child's specific health concerns. In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

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