Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) is seeking a PHP260.2-billion budget for 2026 to accelerate the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC) across the country, with a focus on hospital services expansion, health facilities improvement, and preventive care programs.
According to Philippines News Agency, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized during a budget hearing by the House of Representatives' Committee on Appropriations that Filipinos should have experienced the benefits of UHC since its enactment in 2019. However, the DOH is still in the process of enhancing systems and services in hospitals and communities. He stated that the proposed increase in the 2026 budget aims to make UHC a tangible reality, as mandated by the President.
The proposed budget includes allocations for the continued enforcement of Zero Balance Billing in over 80 DOH hospitals, ensuring that all patients receive basic accommodations without additional costs, irrespective of their financial status. This policy replaces the previous No Balance Billing program, which was limited to indigent patients identified through interviews.
Additionally, part of the budget will support the expansion of Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers, which provide outpatient services to communities. In just over a year, 53 BUCAS centers have been established nationwide, catering to patients who do not require hospital admission.
The DOH also plans to develop more specialty centers in all regions, focusing on cardiovascular, lung, and cancer care. Funding will be allocated for medical assistance to indigent and financially challenged patients with catastrophic illnesses. Herbosa noted that initiatives like Doctors to the Barrios and Espesyalista para sa Bayan have ensured that every municipality in the country now has a doctor.
Preventive health programs such as PuroKalusugan, targeting diseases like tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hypertension, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), will remain a priority to reduce hospitalizations and maximize public spending.
In addition to its main allocation, the DOH is proposing an extra PHP59.9 billion for its attached agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), including a PHP53.3-billion subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to cover premiums for indirect contributors such as indigents and senior citizens.
