Manila: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a USD750-million loan aimed at bolstering the Philippines' universal healthcare program. This financial boost is set to support the country's initiative to ensure more comprehensive access to health services.

According to Philippines News Agency, the loan will specifically fund subprogram 3 of the Build Universal Health Care Program. The decision to increase the financing by USD250 million comes as a response to the heightened financial demands faced by the government due to oil price and supply disruptions.

The expansion is part of a broader commitment by ADB, as President Masato Kanda had previously pledged up to USD1.75 billion in additional support during discussions with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in May. The Japan International Cooperation Agency is also contributing approximately USD188 million in parallel cofinancing, an increase from the initial USD130 million.

The program aims to enhance equitable access to quality health services for all Filipinos, with a focus on services that address women's health needs and the health impacts of extreme weather conditions. Subprogram 3 is designed to ensure universal enrollment in PhilHealth while expanding benefit packages to include primary care, emergency services, and additional medicines. It also aims to increase no-copayment beds in both public and private healthcare facilities and deploy mobile health units, emergency medical assistance teams, and community health teams under the PuroKalusugan initiative in underserved areas.

ADB President Kanda emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, "Conflict does not have to cross a border to enter a family's home. It arrives in the price of medicine and in whether the lights stay on. ADB is acting so Filipinos can get the health care they need, and people in Maldives can count on electricity and water, even as a distant crisis drives up costs."