What is Universal Health Care Act Philippines?

The Universal Health Care Act Philippines, officially designated as Republic Act No. 11223, is the nation’s most significant health sector reform aimed at ensuring that all Filipinos can access quality, affordable, and comprehensive health services without experiencing financial hardship. Enacted in February 2019, this act represents a transformative policy for the Philippine health care system.

Legal Foundation and Objectives 

• Republic Act No. 11223 (UHC Act): Signed into law in February 2019.
• Main Purpose: Guarantee that every Filipino is automatically included in the National Health Insurance Program and can access the full spectrum of health services—from health promotion and prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
• Mandate: Prescribes reforms in health financing, regulation, service delivery, access to medicines, and integration across national and local health systems.

Key Provisions of the UHC Act 

1. Automatic National Health Insurance Enrolment
   
   1. All Filipinos become automatic members of PhilHealth (National Health Insurance Program) either as direct or indirect contributors, ensuring universal coverage.
2. Comprehensive Health Service Access
   
   1. The law covers all aspects of care: health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
   2. Emphasizes a people-centered approach, integrating health services across different levels and providers.
3. Financial Risk Protection
   
   1. The goal is to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for basic health services and reduce financial barriers.
   2. Funds are drawn from governmental sources, social health insurance, and special health funds.
4. Service Delivery Network Integration
   
   1. Health facilities and providers are organized into service delivery networks for better coordination of care.
   2. Encourages provincial-wide and city-wide health systems.
5. Improved Health System Governance
   
   1. Strengthens Department of Health (DOH) leadership for system-wide governance.
   2. Mandates the integration of local healthcare systems for efficiency and continuity of care.
6. Access to Medicines and Health Products
   
   1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tasked to ensure the availability, quality, and safety of medicines and health products.
7. Health Human Resources
   
   1. The Act requires the equitable deployment and distribution of health professionals and workforce development.

Roles of Major Agencies 

• Department of Health Philippines (DOH): Policy direction, Regulatory oversight, and system stewardship.
• PhilHealth: Administrator of the National Health Insurance Program, benefit payments, and provider accreditation.
• FDA: Ensures safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical and health products.

Relationship with Other Health Laws 

• The UHC Act works in synergy with laws like RA 9502 (Cheaper Medicines Act), aiming for affordability and access.
• Supported and further clarified by multiple DOH Administrative Orders (e.g., AO 2020-0017).

Expected Outcomes of the UHC Act 

• Universal health coverage for all Filipinos.
• Improved service delivery, efficiency, and patient experiences.
• Reduced health inequity and financial hardship due to healthcare spending.

Summary 

Conclusion

The Universal Health Care Act Philippines represents a decisive step toward equitable, integrated, and financially protected healthcare.

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