Ramon Pedro P. Paterno, Manuel M. Dayrit, Alvin Valeriano Marcelo, Emerito Jose Faraon, Anthony Rosendo Faraon, Ernesto Gregorio, Jr., Ricardo P. Ramos, Fely Marilyn Lorenzo, Leizel Lagrada, Cecilia S. Acuin, Adrienne Natalie Ebillo, Ernesto O. Domingo
https://doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2026.6356
Abstract
The implementation of the Universal Health Care Law in the Philippines has significantly stalled, with health financing and service coverage remaining heavily skewed toward expensive hospital-based care rather than costeffective primary care. Despite increased government spending on health, out-of-pocket health expenditures remain high at 43 percent. Even with PhilHealth’s Konsulta (recently rebranded as YAKAP), primary care utilization remains strikingly low. To jump-start UHC implementation, we assert that the strategic way forward is the immediate rollout of a comprehensive primary care services package. The way to do this was proposed during the 2013 DOH KP assessment, six years before the enactment of the UHC Law. All we need now is for the DOH and PHIC to have the political will to implement it. And the Filipino people, having experienced how their primary care needs have been met comprehensively and compassionately, consistent with health as a right rather than a politicized ayuda [assistance], will now demand the same quality care at all levels of the health system and call for UHC Ngayon Na [Right Now]!