WHO lauds Philippines for Universal Healthcare Law

February 21, 2019

The World Health Organization lauded the Philippine government for the passage of the Universal Healthcare Bill into law which aims to provide Filipinos equal access to quality health care.

  "The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomes this development as it is excellent proof of commitment to improving access to high quality health services at the least cost to families," WHO said in a statement on Wednesday. 

  "We commend the Philippines for taking this step in the right direction," it added. 

  WHO said the newly-signed law will "facilitate major reforms to consolidate existing yet fragmented financial flows, increase the fiscal space for benefit delivery, improve the governance and performance of devolved local health systems, and institutionalize support mechanisms such as health technology assessment and health promotion."

  WHO said the law should be "adequately funded" for its "promises" to be implemented. 

  It also pledged its support to the Department of Health (DOH) and Ohilippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for the drafting of the law's implementing rules and regulations (IRR). 

  "It is crucial for the operational guidelines to properly demonstrate the political commitment for all Filipinos to know more about their health, be provided with healthy living conditions, be protected from hazards and risks that could affect their health while also avoiding financial hardship," WHO said. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS