Manila: The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. its proposed healthcare reforms, emphasizing the need for improved accessibility, expanded facilities, and strengthened Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) benefits.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the PSAC Healthcare Sector Meeting at Malaca±an Palace on Thursday, key policy recommendations were discussed, including updating hospital licensing standards to fast-track the construction of new healthcare facilities. The PSAC, in collaboration with industry leaders and the government, is driving healthcare reforms aimed at expanding healthcare facilities and pharmacies, improving access to medicines, and strengthening PhilHealth's support value to curb out-of-pocket healthcare spending.

The council noted that the President recognized PSAC's proposals, as they play a role in driving healthcare reforms for the benefit of Filipinos. The council also proposed a shift to outcome-based regulations to streamline hospital renewals and promote network-based healthcare models for better resource distribution. It emphasized the importance of this reform as the country faces a hospital bed deficit amid increasing demand.

The group raised concerns over the shortage of 27,500 registered pharmacists, advocating for a regulatory sandbox approach to enable licensed pharmacists to oversee multiple pharmacies remotely using telepharmacy services. It is working closely with PhilHealth to expand benefit packages, upgrade its information technology systems, and enhance financial transparency.

The PhilHealth's 'Konsulta' (Consult) Program, which provides free outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests, has grown steadily with over 21 percent of Filipinos now covered, up from 0.37 percent in 2021. PSAC also advocated for fast-track approvals of 14 essential medicines targeting diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers.