DOH and PhilHealth Gearing Up for Universal Health Care

The Department of Health and PhilHealth are gearing up full speed for the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC). Secretary of Health Francisco T. Duque III led the 4th National Health Sector Meeting conducted this 25-27 June 2019 at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi, Albay to mobilize and align resources towards achieving the shared vision of UHC.

The three-day event is a quarterly gathering of all key stakeholders in the Health Sector, to convey strategic direction, share best practices, and plan the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act. Anchored on the theme “Ensuring Equitable Health Care and Financial Sustainability,” speakers from the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), other Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and the academe discussed the strategic and policy directions for the sector.

“As we are drafting the IRR of UHC, we are here at the National Health Sector Meeting to convene key stakeholders and recalibrate our efforts in preparation for the various changes we must make to implement UHC. We are zooming in on key health financing aspects of the UHC Act — comprehensive membership, rational investments, and quality primary care services,” the Health Secretary declared.

This event also marks the first public appearance of newly-appointed Board Member, Ret. Gen. Ricardo C. Morales, who is set to take on the PhilHealth leadership. Secretary Duque shares the faith placed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Gen. Morales’s ability to implement his marching orders to boost the image of PhilHealth, effectively communicate our benefits to the Filipino people, and revitalize its anti-fraud campaign.

“Philhealth is in high gear towards achieving universal health care. We are one with our health sector partners in this unified effort to attain our UHC goals” Rt. Gen. Morales remarked.

“We rally all stakeholders to march together undeterred in our mission to actualize this landmark health reform.” Secretary Duque concluded. (DOH)