The processing of requirements for the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law has been expedited despite the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The requirements include strengthening of the capacity of local government units (LGUs) to provide health services, improvement of the health system capacity, and boosting health promotion and health literacy campaign.
Department of Health (DOH) Asst. Secretary Kenneth Ronquillo said the current pandemic has served as a test case for the implementation of the UHC.
The pandemic has pushed for the need to repurpose funds, including training funds, to aid in the COVID-19 response. The official said the full implementation of the UHC Law may take up to 10 years if it will be based on the original plan of the healthcare law.
Meanwhile, he assured that the UHC has alternative funding sources in case the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is abolished amid alleged massive corruption.
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the law last February to provide all Filipinos access to comprehensive health services, including expanded PhilHealth coverage. It also aims to address the health issues being faced by the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of October 9, there are 334,770 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 275,307 recoveries, and 6,152 fatalities nationwide. – Report from Mark Fetalco
