Understanding the Universal Health Care Act
Dr. Jose P. Santiago, Jr.
President, Philippine Hospital AssociationHealthcare AdvocateDr. Jose P. Santiago, Jr.
(Left) Dr. Jose P. Santiago, Jr. is the current president of the Philippine Hospital Association and past president of the Philippine Medical Association - continues his advocacies for the Filipino.
The Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act No. 11223), signed into law in February 2019, is a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring that all Filipinos have access to affordable and quality healthcare. This Act represents a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage in the Philippines, addressing long-standing issues in the healthcare system and promoting health equity across the nation.
Key Provisions
Integrated and Comprehensive Approach: The Act adopts an integrated approach to healthcare, ensuring that all Filipinos are health literate, provided with healthy living conditions, and protected from health hazards. It emphasizes preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.
Healthcare Model: The Act mandates a healthcare model that provides all Filipinos access to a comprehensive set of quality and cost-effective health services without causing financial hardship. It prioritizes the needs of the population who cannot afford such services.
Whole-of-System Approach: The Act fosters a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health policies, programs, and plans. This ensures that all stakeholders work together towards a common goal of improving health outcomes.
People-Oriented Approach: The Act emphasizes a people-oriented approach for the delivery of health services, centered on people’s needs and well-being. It takes into account cultural, social, and economic differences among the population.
Equitable Access: The Act seeks to ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services, and are protected against financial risk.
Implementation and Impact
The implementation of the Universal Health Care Act is overseen by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The Act has led to the expansion of PhilHealth coverage, making it more inclusive and accessible to all Filipinos. It has also resulted in the establishment of more healthcare facilities and the improvement of existing ones, particularly in underserved areas.
The Act has been instrumental in addressing the disparities in healthcare access and quality, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations. By providing comprehensive and affordable healthcare, the Act aims to improve the overall health and well-being of the Filipino people.
The Philippine Hospital Association
The Universal Health Care Act is a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving universal health coverage in the Philippines. The hospitals in the Philippines, being pillars of healthcare, is closely engaged for the shared interests of healthcare providers and patients. It represents a commitment to ensuring that every Filipino has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their socio-economic status. We have several examples of PhilHealth packages expanding coverage, and even some increased services in public health institutions. As the Act continues to be implemented, it is expected to bring about positive changes in the healthcare system, promoting health equity and improving the lives of millions of Filipinos.