The Philippine government has embarked on one of the most ambitious and transformative health care reforms in its history with the enactment of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. This move, lauded by public health experts, is seen as a crucial step toward improving the health and well-being of all Filipinos while ensuring that no citizen is left behind due to the high cost of medical care.

Currently, around 55% of health spending in the Philippines is out-of-pocket, a situation that has pushed many families into poverty as they struggle to afford life-saving treatments. The UHC Act aims to reverse this trend by reducing the financial burden on households, ensuring that every Filipino has access to the health services they need, regardless of their socioeconomic status. However, experts caution that achieving universal health coverage will require significant investment and structural reforms in the country’s health system.

The Importance of Primary Health Care

At the heart of the UHC Act is the emphasis on primary health care, which is widely recognized as the most efficient and effective way to deliver health services. Primary health care is designed to bring essential services closer to the people, ensuring that communities have access to health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment at all stages of life. This model not only improves access but also helps reduce the strain on hospitals, allowing them to focus on more complex cases.

Dr. Gundo Weiler, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative in the Philippines, emphasized that primary health care should be the foundation of the country’s health system. “Investing in primary health care is the best buy for the Philippines,” he said. “It ensures that health services are integrated, comprehensive, and coordinated, and it allows for the engagement of communities in addressing their own health needs.”

The Urgency of Investment

The need for investment in health care has never been more urgent. The Philippines is facing a myriad of challenges, including the rise of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, which now account for 6 out of every 10 deaths in the country. The aging population, combined with unhealthy lifestyles and environmental factors, has further compounded the burden on the health system.

Moreover, the country remains vulnerable to infectious diseases, malnutrition, and maternal and child health problems, particularly in rural and underserved areas. These issues, coupled with the growing impact of climate change, have made it clear that the health of the population is intricately linked to the country’s long-term development prospects.

A Call to Action

As the government works to implement the provisions of the UHC Act, there is a growing consensus among health experts, policymakers, and the private sector that now is the time for bold action. The UHC Act provides a roadmap for strengthening primary health care, but its success will depend on the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including national leaders, local governments, civil society, and the private sector.

“Health for all must be by all,” Dr. Weiler stated. “We must all commit to strengthening primary health care as the foundation for universal health coverage in the Philippines.”

With these challenges ahead, the question is no longer whether the Philippines can afford to invest in health care but whether it can afford not to. As the country continues to grow and evolve, the health of its people will be the cornerstone of its prosperity and stability. Universal health care, with primary health care at its core, represents the best investment the Philippines can make in securing a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Conclusion

The UHC Act is a bold and necessary step in ensuring that every Filipino has access to quality health care. By investing in primary health care and addressing the pressing health challenges facing the country, the Philippine government is not only improving the well-being of its citizens but also laying the foundation for long-term economic and social progress. The road ahead is not without obstacles, but with strong leadership and coordinated action, universal health coverage in the Philippines can become a reality.