The Department of Health (DOH) has reported significant strides in ensuring more accessible healthcare services toward the full implementation of the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) Act of 2019.
In his first 100 days since his appointment in June, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said he has focused on ensuring healthcare services are accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of socio-economic status.
The DOH said it has employed the principle of “No One Gets Left Behind” aligned with the department’s 8-Point Action Agenda, which encompasses safe, and quality service delivery, preparedness against pandemics and crises, as well as ensuring the welfare and rights of healthcare workers—key aspects that underscore the much-needed transformation in the country’s health sector.
The 8-Point Action Agenda include Bawat Pilipino, Ramdam ang Kalusugan; Ligtas, dekalidad, at mapagkalingang serbisyo; Teknolohiya para sa mabilis na serbisyong pangkalusugan; Handa sa Krisis; Pag-iwas sa sakit; Ginhawa sa Isip at Damdamin; Kapakanan at Karapatan ng Health Workers; and, Proteksyon sa anumang pandemya.
For 2023, the health department has sustained a one-stop shop program that provides government health services for indigent patients by putting up more Malasakit Centers across the country.
As of September, there are already 159 Malasakit Centers, with the latest inaugurated at the Bislig District Hospital in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
The DOH said it has also continued to engage with stakeholders through various meetings, seminars, and conferences that would help strengthen the implementation of UHC.
The DOH also said it has taken President Marcos’ directive to pursue a whole-of-society approach in combating tuberculosis, or TB, and HIV/AIDS.
The agency also reported on its preparedness to assist local government units in times of crises, through its participation in earthquake drills, and presence in areas under emergencies such as disasters and calamities.
Herbosa said the DOH also made sure to look after the welfare of healthcare workers, especially in pushing for the release of past-due obligations to healthcare workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.
