The Department of Health (DOH), World Health Organization (WHO), and key stakeholders are coming together to highlight the need to strengthen primary health care as the foundation for the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.
The event today corresponds with this year’s global celebration for World Health Day, which centers on the theme of universal health coverage, with a focus on primary health care.
Today, 6.4 million Filipinos are paying more than 10% of their income on health care, a level that WHO considers potentially catastrophic. The expense of caring for one person with a major or long-term illness can push entire families into a cycle of poverty which can be difficult to escape.
“We know that the fairest and most affordable path to universal health coverage is primary health care,” said WHO Representative in the Philippines Dr Gundo Weiler. “Primary health care means multiple sectors working together to bring care closer to home, with the involvement of the community. The UHC Act is just the beginning of our journey to health for all Filipinos.”
The event convenes all parties that will be instrumental to the successful implementation of UHC through robust primary health care, which includes government leaders, the health sector, and several private sector groups. It also recognizes the individuals and groups that supported the legislation of the UHC Act.
The event brings together members of the Senate, House of Representatives, local governments, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and WHO.
“Collaboration is key to make Universal Health Care a success in the Philippines. The Department of Health is committed to engage with all relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors. Everybody must be onboard towards our vision of ‘health for all’. No Filipino must be left behind,” said Health Secretary Dr Francisco Duque III.
In February, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the UHC Act into law, which will ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services, and protected against financial risk.