Is Universal Healthcare a pipe dream for the Philippines ?

THE Department of Health (DOH) joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in celebrating its 75th anniversary in honor of the Philippines’ significant role as one of the founding states that came together to ensure that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest possible level of health. The Philippines joined WHO on July 9, 1948 , shortly after the Second World War.

As part of the celebration, the DOH and the WHO commemorated shared key milestones in improving health programs’ outcomes, as well as in increasing access to essential health services throughout the country. The DOH and the WHO likewise renewed their respective commitments and partnership to expand their collaborative engagements towards Universal Health Care (UHC).

“Right from the start, the Philippines, through the DOH, and the WHO have collaborated unwaveringly to safeguard the health of all Filipinos. Amid all the public health challenges and health emergencies that the country has faced, no other ally has been as consistent and reliable in supporting the country’s strategies as the WHO,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

Throughout the years, significant milestones in the country’s public health landscape have been reached as a result of the DOH and the WHO’s collaboration. Among these milestones were the eradication of smallpox and the elimination of polio in 2021; the significant decrease in the incidence of malaria by 87% from 2003 to 2020; and the passage and issuance of various legal and policy instruments supporting public health, including the UHC Law, the RH Law, various sin tax reform and tobacco control laws, and different national policies on health promotion, disease prevention and control, and health regulation.

Looking ahead, the DOH and the WHO committed to further fortify their partnership to respond to the demands of the evolving health landscape and address ongoing challenges. The two organizations likewise pledged to leverage the country’s successes in combating the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the Philippine health system.

“The considerable progress made by the partnership between the Philippine Government, the DOH, and WHO in the past 75 years is a testament to our commitment to attain the highest level of health and well-being for every Filipino. Despite the tremendous challenges posed by various health emergencies, we will continue to work beyond borders and break barriers to address health inequities and achieve ‘Health for All’ Filipinos,” said Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.

“The DOH expresses its gratitude to the WHO for its untiring support. Together, we have fortified the foundations of public health that not only benefited the Philippines but other countries as well. As we continue to confront health challenges locally and globally, the Philippines shall continue to stand with the WHO to ensure better health outcomes for everyone. May the WHO’s anniversary serve as a reminder that progress is achievable through shared accountability and collective action. With this in mind, I pray that we all continue striving to build a healthier future for our people, dahil sa Healthy Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga,” the Health Secretary affirmed.

DOH needs a RESET after the COVID pandemic with new leadership

DOH OIC USEC Rosario Vergeire said in April this year that It will take 12 years for PH to solve shortage of nurses, 23 years for doctors. The healthcare workers ‘ benefits and salaries should be improved. It’s a must. We can’t stop our dear lifesavers to seek greener pastures.

The government now owes frontline health workers in 26 private hospitals at least P2.27 billion in unpaid benefits provided by law, according to the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines (UPHUP).

The amount covers the health emergency allowance (HEA), One COVID-19 allowance (OCA), special risk allowance (SRA) as well as meals, accommodation and transportation allowance (MAT) from July 2021 to June this year for 20,723 medical frontliners, or those assigned in COVID-19 wards. This is a problem that spans four decades.

I believe the PBBM and Sec. Ted Herbosa are sincere in their efforts to address this huge problem. But it’s not going to be easy. It’s not a walk in the part.

Where are we going to get the budget given the competing need for budget for different government initiatives ? House Speaker Martin Romualdez should be able to help by reviewing the budget with DBM to allocate more funds for DOH and discuss sin taxes for junk food , sweetened sugary beverages and salty foods. The private sector with the government agencies through their corporate social responsibility programs can establish PPP to fund the following proposed programs.

The DOH had said it plans to streamline the distribution of HEA to make it “more efficient.”

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa made this statement in response to the commitment made by President Marcos in his second State of the Nation Address to continue the disbursement of pandemic benefits.

“We also promised that HEA shall be given … it’s in the budget. We’re just ironing out the efficiency on how to deliver them,” Herbosa said in the post-State of the Nation Address discussion on Wednesday with other Cabinet members. The health chief also stressed that he has discussed the matter with the Department of Budget and Management.

He noted that the previous process of disbursing the COVID-19 benefits was “slow” as it had to go through the regional health offices, known as the DOH’s Centers for Health Development, before it reached the concerned hospitals. In his proposed system, Herbosa said that the DOH may opt to just get the list of the recipients of HEA and send the payments directly to them through their ATMs, cutting red tape.

What are we going to do ?

Vision on the healthcare system

1. UHC implementation

2. Curb noncommunicable diseases ( heart attacks , strokes , cancers , diabetes ) – top killer diseases of the country

3. Philhealth efficiency and reduce out of pocket expenses

4. Building up of medical infrastructures in strategic areas of the country.

5. Address migration of HCWs by raising salaries , job security and providing benefits

6. Roll out preventive health education programs through the improvement of education system, workplace conditions and entire country. According to the CDC, schools can provide learning opportunities to reinforce these healthy behaviors by implementing wellness policies and practices and using an effective health education curriculum. Preventive health education is needed to empower every Filipino citizen to adopt healthy lifestyle. But we need a game plan.

7. Mobilize private sector and medical community to help with the DOH programs.

Genuine leadership needed : public and private sector

The latest book “The Leadership Challenge“ by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, 2023 has emphasized the “Characteristics of Admired Leaders “ globally.

They are the following :

1. Honest

2. Competent

3. Inspiring

4. Forward – looking

5. Dependable

Life is too short to live frustrated, upset over things that, many times, we have no control over. People have a right to have their biased opinion, but you have a right to ignore it and think of positive ways to help. People have a right to be complain, but you have a right to stay happy.

We need collaborative work through friendly and positive discussions over a cup of coffee in a table of brotherhood.

We have to do everything we can, we have to work our hardest, and if we do, if we stay positive, we have a shot at a silver lining.

Let’s be calm.

Let’s be patient.

Let’s be resilient.

Stillness is the key !

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Anthony C. Leachon, M. D.

Independent Health Reform Advocate

Past President ,
Philippine College of Physicians

Internist – Cardiologist
Manila Doctors Hospital