October 7, 2023
The Visayas Primary Healthcare Services, together with the Coalition for People’s Right to Health – Cebu Chapter organized a forum on “The Universal Health Care Act and its Challenges and Implications to People’s Health” on October 6, 2023 at the Casino Espanol. More than 75 members of the health sector attended the forum which had Dr. Eleonor Jara of the Council for Health and Development as the resource person.
Dr. Jara extensively discussed about the UHC Act in the Philippines, enacted in 2019. It aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to all Filipinos. This landmark legislation is designed to expand access to essential health services and to protect citizens from financial hardship due to medical expenses. Under the UHC Act, all Filipinos are automatically enrolled in the PhilHealth Insurance Program, which includes both preventive and curative health services. The act emphasizes not only access to healthcare but also the quality and efficiency of services, aiming to address long-standing inequities in the healthcare system.
However, Dr. Jara said that one of the primary challenges in implementing the UHC Act is securing sustainable funding. The healthcare system has historically been underfunded, and the transition to universal coverage requires a significant increase in financial resources. The government has pledged to allocate a portion of its budget to health, but the reality often involves competing priorities. Moreover, the implementation of revenue-generating measures, such as taxes on tobacco and alcohol, has faced resistance, complicating efforts to raise the necessary funds for comprehensive healthcare.
She elaborated that geographic disparities further complicate the implementation of the UHC Act. Many rural and remote areas face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services. While the UHC Act aims to provide equitable access, healthcare facilities and providers are often concentrated in urban centers. This urban-rural divide can lead to inequalities, where those in more isolated regions may have limited access to essential services, forcing them to travel long distances or rely on inadequate local resources.
Administrative hurdles are another significant challenge. The transition to a more integrated and efficient healthcare system requires the coordination of multiple government agencies, health facilities, and local government units. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of clear guidelines can result in delays in implementation and confusion regarding the roles of various stakeholders. Training healthcare workers and improving their capacity to deliver services under the new system is also vital but often difficult to achieve amid these administrative complexities.
She also pointed out that public awareness and education about the UHC Act are crucial for its success but often remain lacking. Many Filipinos may not fully understand their rights and the benefits provided under the UHC Act, which can lead to underutilization of services.
She stressed that political will and sustained commitment from leadership are essential for the successful implementation of the UHC Act. The Philippine government must prioritize health issues and navigate the complex landscape of healthcare reform amid changing political dynamics. Strong leadership is needed to ensure that adequate resources are allocated and to foster collaboration among various stakeholders. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the UHC Act’s impact will be necessary to identify challenges and adapt policies, ultimately striving to achieve the overarching goal of equitable healthcare for all Filipinos.
