Health
From The Report: Philippines 2019
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The health sector in the Philippines is undergoing a period of development and reform. The long-awaited move to universal health care (UHC) is now within sight, with the government focused on improving the delivery of public health care and encouraging investment in the sector. While the health system is currently tackling multiple burdens and is limited by human resource constraints, the enactment of the UHC Bill will bring increased funding to the sector and provide greater coverage to the Filipino people. Through increased engagement with the growing private sector, progress is being made towards a more integrated and robust health system that is ready to take on these challenges. This chapter also contains an interview with Francisco Duque III, Secretary, Department of Health.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Ambitious reform: Updated policies aim to stimulate integration and improvement
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The health sector in the Philippines is undergoing a period of development and reform. The long-awaited move to universal health care (UHC) is now within sight, with the government focused on improving the delivery of public health care and encouraging investment in the sector. While the health system is currently tackling multiple burdens and is limited by human resource constraints, the enactment of the UHC Bill will bring increased funding to the sector and provide greater coverage to…

Analysis

Universal opportunity: Landmark bill promises to develop and enhance the private sector
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The Philippines has begun to roll out universal health care (UHC) since President Rodrigo Duterte signed the landmark UHC Bill in February 2019. This is a development that could provide ample opportunities for private sector investment. When the bill was signed into law, all Filipinos had immediate eligibility for the full spectrum of health care available in the country. Policy Changes Under UHC, all citizens are enrolled in the national health insurance programme either as direct contributors…

Interview

Synchronised structure: Francisco Duque III, Secretary of Health, on universal health care (UHC) and other initiatives
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Interview:Francisco Duque III How can the UHC Act provide quality services without straining the budget? FRANCISCO DUQUE III: The UHC Act aims to transform the current system towards primary health care, which entails prioritising preventive care, improving health literacy and treating patients at the earliest possible stage. These measures will not only improve Filipinos’ quality of life, but also facilitate the system’s sustainability. The Philippine Health Security Corporation (PHSC)…