UNFPA, PhilHealth boost maternal care access

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PASIG CITY — The United Nations Population Fund in the Philippines and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. have signed a partnership to improve maternal health, family planning, and health care access for millions of Filipino women and families.

UNFPA is the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency, while PhilHealth administers the country’s national health insurance program.

The agreement follows PhilHealth’s expansion of maternity benefits, which took effect April 30 and raised coverage for normal delivery to PHP 29,000 from PHP 9,750.

Coverage for cesarean section deliveries also increased to PHP 58,000 to PHP 62,000 from PHP 37,000.

The expanded benefits include the recommended number of prenatal and postnatal checkups, strengthening support for women, adolescents, and indigent Filipinos.

The agreement sets a long-term plan for UNFPA and PhilHealth to support the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, Universal Health Care, and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The partnership focuses on reducing maternal mortality and improving access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, through smart investments and innovative solutions.

“The PhilHealth is an indispensable partner for making universal healthcare a reality in the country,” says Neus Bernabeu, UNFPA country representative.

“This partnership is about expanding access to quality care, supporting healthier communities, and securing the lifelong wellbeing of every Filipino family. It is more than just reducing out-of-pocket costs, it’s for a life-saving cause,” she adds.

PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Edwin M. Mercado emphasizes the corporation’s dedication to making health care more accessible for every Filipino, particularly those who need it most.

“Our ultimate goal is to remove costs and financial barriers, within reach, for every Filipino,” Mercado states.

“Through this partnership with UNFPA, and alongside our expanded maternity benefits, we are making healthcare more inclusive so that financial hardship never stops a mother from getting proper medical care.”

UNFPA Asia and the Pacific Regional Director Aleksandar “Sasha” Bodiroza witnessed the signing ceremony and congratulated the Philippines on the agreement.

Bodiroza said the partnership is a powerful example in the region of how collaboration can turn sound policies into life-saving realities on the ground.

Under the renewed partnership, UNFPA and PhilHealth will work together to ensure health policies reach patients and benefit communities.

The agencies will strengthen coordination with health care providers and local government units to encourage effective and strategic investment of local funds in sustainable health programs.

They are also designing more affordable health packages to make maternal care more accessible.

The partnership will integrate family planning and counseling into training programs for health workers.

The initiative marks a major step in protecting the health, dignity, and rights of Filipino women while moving the country toward a fairer health care system.