THE PHILIPPINE Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recently conducted a Universal Health Care (UHC) Public Consultation, bringing together key stakeholders to gather insights, recommendations, and feedback aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.
The consultation served as a platform for dialogue among representatives from national and local government units, health care providers, civil society organizations, patient groups, employers, media, and members of the public. Discussions focused on improving access to quality health services, enhancing benefit packages, provider payment mechanisms, and ensuring the sustainability of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) under the UHC framework.
Recognizing the complexity and evolving nature of the country’s health regulatory environment, PhilHealth has adopted a phased and systematic approach to the review and updating of all its implementing rules and regulations (IRRs). This structured process ensures that each set of rules is rigorously evaluated, carefully refined, and fully aligned with prevailing legal mandates, policy directions, and operational requirements.
The corporation emphasizes the importance of inclusive and participatory governance in advancing Universal Health Care.
“This consultation reflects PhilHealth’s commitment to transparency and collaboration. The perspectives shared by our stakeholders are vital in shaping policies that are responsive to the needs of every Filipino,” according to PhilHealth Region 6 acting head Lazaro T. Tabsing.
Participants from regions 6, 7 and 8 were encouraged to share experiences and propose solutions to address challenges in service delivery, benefit utilization, and health system integration.
The public consultation of the Universal Health Care IRR was presided by ASEC Dr. Albert Francis E. Domingo, chairperson IRR-TWG, together with the team from PhilHealth and the Department of Health (DOH) organized by the PhilHealth Corporate Planning Department.
For more information on PhilHealth programs and activities, visit www.philhealth.gov.ph or follow PhilHealth Region VI on Facebook./PN
