PhilHealth holds consultation to improve Universal Health Care

The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) recently conducted a public consultation on Universal Health Care (UHC), gathering key stakeholders to provide 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 and 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, systematic approach to reviewing and updating its implementing rules and regulations (IRRs).

This structured process ensures that each set of rules is rigorously evaluated, carefully refined, and aligned with legal mandates, national policy directions, and operational requirements.

The corporation emphasized the importance of inclusive and participatory governance in advancing UHC.

“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,” said Lazaro T. Tabsing, acting PhilHealth Region 6 head.

Participants from Regions 6, 7, and 8 were encouraged to share their experiences and propose solutions to address challenges in service delivery, benefit utilization, and health system integration.

The consultation on the UHC IRR was presided over by Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Francis E. Domingo, chairperson of the IRR Technical Working Group (IRR-TWG), alongside teams from PhilHealth and the Department of Health (DOH), and was organized by PhilHealth’s Corporate Planning Department.

For more information on PhilHealth programs and activities, visit www.philhealth.gov.ph or follow PhilHealth Region VI on Facebook.