Quezon showcases success at national Universal Health Care Summit

By Nimfa L. Estrellado DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Quezon Province Governor Dr. Angelina "Helen" Tan, and other government off...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Quezon Province Governor Dr. Angelina "Helen" Tan, and other government officials address attendees at the National UHC Summit in Manila. (Doktora Helen Tan)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Health for all Filipinos is no longer just an aspiration but a strategic priority, as evidenced by the first-ever National Universal Health Care (UHC) Summit, which brought together the nation's key leaders to accelerate the implementation of its landmark law. The summit, held at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters, convened top health officials, policymakers, and medical professionals to address implementation challenges and highlight best practices in UHC rollout.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, in his keynote address, emphasized the government's commitment to the UHC law, which is designed to guarantee comprehensive and equitable healthcare for all Filipinos. While acknowledging progress, he also noted that significant gaps remain in health financing, service delivery, and governance.

To address this, Secretary Herbosa announced a proposal for a Universal Health Care Coordinating Council. This new oversight body would be tasked with monitoring the utilization of the Special Health Fund (SHF) by LGUs. The SHF is a key component of the UHC Act, pooling various health resources—including PhilHealth payments and DOH grants—into a single fund to finance integrated health services. 

Herbosa affirmed that this council would ensure transparency and accountability, helping to bridge the gap between national policy and local implementation. In his remarks, Secretary Herbosa provided a candid assessment of the current state of UHC implementation. "Only a third of our [local government units] have fully organized their health-care provider networks," he said, highlighting a major challenge.

He also addressed the broader implications of these gaps, noting that they are not just technical issues. "Gaps in financing and service delivery continue to affect many of our countrymen. These are not just technical issues, but they are also equity issues, and they demand urgent and united action," he added.

A significant focus of the summit was the presentation by the Provincial Government of Quezon, led by Governor Dr. Helen Tan, a principal author of the UHC Law. The province was recognized as a model for "meaningful and confident health reform," a commendation attributed to its robust and well-funded approach. As a testament to its commitment, Quezon has allocated a notable 46.09% of its LGU budget to healthcare, establishing resilient and long-term reforms.

It can be recalled that Governor Tan's authorship of Republic Act No. 11223, the Universal Health Care Act, during her tenure as a congresswoman and Chairperson of the House Committee on Health, provided her with a deep understanding of its foundational principles. This has allowed the provincial government to implement UHC with a clear, strategic vision from its inception.

The province's Health Navigation and Referral System, for instance, operates as a 24/7 command center that provides real-time patient referrals and assistance. This system, which also includes medical transportation and financial aid inquiries, has been a cornerstone of their efforts to ensure access for all residents.

Quezon's early implementation of its Special Health Fund has been instrumental in its success by effectively pooling resources, the provincial government has streamlined healthcare financing and reduced the fragmentation that often hinders service delivery. This financial integration, combined with the expansion of its telemedicine services and strong partnerships with apex referral hospitals, has been vital to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for its more than two million residents.

The province's approach demonstrates that with proper leadership and investment, the goals of the UHC Act are not only attainable but can be a catalyst for comprehensive health system reform. According to Governor Tan, Quezon's success demonstrates that local leadership with a clear vision is essential for achieving Universal Health Care.

The summit served as a critical platform for strategic dialogue, reinforcing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to building a more resilient health system for the nation. The insights and partnerships forged at this event are expected to guide future policy and implementation efforts across the archipelago.