Manila: Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero on Monday emphasized the need for stability at the Department of Health (DOH) to sustain reforms under the Universal Health Care (UHC) program and expand access to medical services nationwide. This development comes on the heels of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s appointment of Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new health secretary, following the resignation of Dr. Jose 'Brix' Pujalte Jr. due to health reasons, as reported by Malaca±ang.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pujalte, who had assumed the role of DOH chief only in July, became the subject of a complaint filed with Malaca±ang's Presidential Complaint Center, alleging his involvement in gambling activities, which is prohibited for government officials. Pujalte has denied these allegations. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that Mercado, previously the president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), will be succeeded by Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, the Chief Health Officer of Ayala Healthcare Holdings and a former DOH official.
In a statement, Escudero highlighted the essential role of continuity at the DOH as the government strives to bridge gaps in UHC implementation. He stressed the importance of focusing efforts on strengthening preventive healthcare, enhancing emergency responses in remote areas, and addressing disparities in UHC implementation among local government units.
Escudero noted that PhilHealth currently has nearly 70 million registered members and more than 38 million dependents, bringing total coverage to over 108 million Filipinos. "PhilHealth does not lack funds. It has sufficient funds. What really needs to be fixed is the system so coverage can be expanded," Escudero asserted. He also emphasized improving support for barangay health workers and addressing long-standing gaps in healthcare delivery.
Expanded PhilHealth benefits
Meanwhile, Sen. JV Ejercito remarked that the new leadership at the DOH and PhilHealth presents a chance to accelerate UHC reforms, particularly by expanding benefits and reducing patients' out-of-pocket expenses. In a separate statement, Ejercito expressed optimism that Mercado and Ho's experience will aid in advancing unfinished reforms within the healthcare system.
"We are optimistic that he will bring his valuable expertise as a physician and healthcare executive to the DOH at a time when we need to push our health reforms even further," Ejercito said regarding Mercado. He also acknowledged his previous collaboration with Ho during the formulation of the UHC law and praised her dedication to enhancing healthcare services.
"There is still much work to be done. We need to expand Zero Balance Billing, improve PhilHealth packages including PhilHealth's participation in hospital bills, and lower out-of-pocket expenses," Ejercito said. He expressed hope that with Secretary Mercado and Dr. Ho at the helm of these two critical institutions, the objectives of the UHC law-to provide quality and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos-can be achieved. He added that he looks forward to collaborating with the new health officials as he plans a review of UHC implementation ahead of the law's 10th anniversary.
