The Department of Health (DOH) expressed its appreciation to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., for including in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) the programs and milestones of the Department that are anchored on the promises of Universal Health Care (UHC).
“We are grateful for the guidance and support of President Marcos to the Department in bolstering our healthcare programs, resulting in strengthened healthcare systems in the country,” Health Secretary Teddy Herbosa said.
“We are grateful for the guidance and support of President Marcos to the Department in bolstering our healthcare programs.”
“The DOH will continue to further realize the true meaning of Universal Health Care to continue to serve the Filipinos with the quality health service that they deserve,” Herbosa added.
In the SONA, the President highlighted several crucial points that resonate with the DOH’s mission and goals, and demonstrate alignment between the government’s health agenda and the Department of Health’s vision:
1. Refocusing Health Priorities: The DOH recognizes the significance of recalibrating health priorities to ensure the well-being of every Filipino. Towards this, the DOH will continue to bolster healthcare reforms that address social determinants of health.
2. Healthier Communities and Lifestyle: The Department encourages healthier lifestyles and creates health-promoting environments as essential in preventing diseases and promoting overall well-being.
3. Convergent Programs to Address Hunger and Nutrition: The DOH understands that nutrition plays a vital role in the overall health of Filipinos, and concerted efforts are essential to combat hunger and malnutrition effectively.
4. Pilot of Food Stamp Program: The DOH welcomes the implementation of the Food Stamp Program, which complements the nutrition continuity efforts, especially the First 1000 Days initiative.
5. School-based Feeding Program: The DOH fully supports the School-based Feeding Program, aimed at addressing stunting among children attending daycare and K-6 grade school.
6. Catching Up on Routine Vaccination: The DOH echoes the President’s call for parents to complete and bring their children to the nearest health centers for vaccinations, ensuring that they are protected from preventable diseases.
7. Addressing TB and HIV: The DOH commits to intensifying efforts for early diagnosis and treatment of TB and HIV to reduce their impact on Filipino communities.
8. Structural Changes in Health Facilities: The DOH is pleased with the increase in public health facilities, specialized treatments integrated into government hospitals, and the establishment of specialty centers to cater to specific medical needs.
9. Efficient Primary Care Providers Network: The DOH will continuously create avenues to establish the creation of more integrated primary care provider networks, backed by a more efficient Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), to provide improved healthcare access to local communities, even to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
10. Affordable Medicines: The DOH will continue to ensure the implementation of the maximum retail price for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and mental illness medicines, ensuring that essential medications are accessible to all.
11. Increased PhilHealth Coverage: The DOH celebrates the achievement of 93% PhilHealth coverage, which brings us closer to universal health care for every Filipino.
12. Konsulta Package and Expanded Dialysis Services: The DOH is committed to making quality healthcare accessible to all, exemplified by the 2k Konsulta centers and the significant increase in dialysis services, which are now offered for free to Filipino patients.
13. Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients: The DOH continues to provide support to indigent patients, as exemplified by the assistance given to 3.4 million individuals in need through the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients.
14. Health Education Reforms: The DOH welcomes the government’s efforts to enhance the education of health workers, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver quality care.
15. Healthcare Facilities in Municipalities: The DOH supports the provision of doctors to 200 municipalities and the establishment of healthcare centers in 19 underserved areas
16. Recognition of Healthcare Workers’ Efforts During the Pandemic: The DOH acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices of healthcare workers during the pandemic, and welcomes the distribution of COVID allowance and expedited benefits.
In addition to the health-related measures outlined in the SONA, the DOH also expresses support for the “BIDA Program” to combat drug abuse and the call for the enactment of the “Tatak Pinoy Program”.
The DOH, together with its partners in the healthcare sector, reiterates its commitment to work hand-in-hand with the government in pursuing these essential health initiatives. By uniting as a nation and recognizing that “Kalusugan, Pangalawang Armas ng mga Pilipino,” we can build a healthier, more resilient, and more progressive Philippines.
“Hindi po titigil ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa pagpaparamdam ng totoong kahulugan ng kalinga.”
“Hindi po titigil ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa pagpaparamdam ng totoong kahulugan ng kalinga sa pamamagitan ng paghahatid ng serbisyong pangkalusugan saanmang sulok ng bansa, dahil sa Healthy Pilipinas, bawat buhay ay mahalaga,” Herbosa concluded.
