At the International Conference on Primary Health Care, held in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Alma-Ata declaration and the fifth anniversary of the Astana declaration, the Philippines reflects on the role of PhilHealth in achieving universal health coverage for the country.
Excepts from article published in Inquirer.net
In the context of the event, titled “Primary health care policy and practice: implementing for better results,” the role of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is instrumental in the implementation of UHC and the promotion of primary health care in the Philippines.
Like many other nations, the Philippines faces challenges in ensuring that its citizens have access to quality health care. While the country has made notable strides in expanding health services and improving access, there is still work to be done to achieve UHC. Primary health care is at the core of this effort, serving as the foundation for accessible and comprehensive health-care services.
One of the fundamental mechanisms through which PhilHealth supports primary health care is its sponsorship/financing of various health programs and packages. These packages encompass a range of services, including maternal care, child health, and outpatient consultations. By covering these services, PhilHealth plays a significant role in making primary health care services more affordable and accessible to the population. Additionally, the corporation has been actively promoting preventive and primary care services, aligning with the principles of the Alma-Ata declaration.
