In his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. placed healthcare high on the national agenda, outlining a series of new and expanded initiatives aimed at improving access, affordability, and quality of care for all Filipinos. His speech struck a hopeful tone, signaling the administration’s readiness to invest political capital and financial resources in one of the country’s sectors that need most urgent attention.
The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), which represents the biopharmaceutical industry, welcomes these developments. The President’s focus on healthcare reform is both timely and necessary. However, while the direction is encouraging, the road ahead will require careful execution, close collaboration, and a strong commitment to sustainable reforms.
Among the key measures announced is the year-round provision of free dialysis for patients with kidney disease. For those in need of a transplant, the government has increased coverage to P2.1 million from the previous P600,000. PhilHealth will now also cover post-operative services and essential medicines for transplant patients starting this year.
Expanded PhilHealth benefits were also highlighted. These include increased financial coverage for critical procedures such as open-heart surgeries and heart valve interventions, greater support for patients with severe dengue, and enhanced coverage for cataract removal — now up to P187,000. Access to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is also set to expand.
In addition, the allocation of P1.7 billion for cancer medicines not currently covered by PhilHealth is a noteworthy development. The President also cited alternative sources of assistance for patients, such as the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF), the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).
These initiatives signal that the government is listening, both to the healthcare community and, more importantly, to the families struggling with high out-of-pocket health expenses.
The plan to establish a network of 53 Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers across 32 provinces adds to the momentum. These facilities, offering free consultations, X-rays, and laboratory tests, have the potential to bring timely care to underserved communities provided they are adequately staffed and equipped. Complementing this is the PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) program, which aims to strengthen primary care delivery at the community level.
Taken together, these initiatives reflect a more holistic view of health, one that spans prevention, early detection, treatment, and recovery. However, as with any reform agenda, the ultimate test will lie in execution.
Sustainability is another key consideration. This is where effective public-private collaboration becomes vital. PHAP has expressed its readiness to support government efforts in implementing and strengthening these reforms.
The biopharmaceutical sector plays a central role in ensuring access to life-saving medicines and health technologies. But achieving this requires regulatory agility, particularly in improving the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process. Delays in HTA decisions can hinder timely access to innovative treatments, especially in a rapidly evolving landscape of scientific breakthroughs.
Streamlining the HTA process does not mean compromising scientific rigor. It means ensuring that assessments are timely, transparent, and responsive to patients’ needs. Striking this balance is essential if the healthcare system is to remain adaptive and relevant.
Equity must also remain front and center. While the reforms address major causes of illness and death such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure, efforts must continue to ensure that the benefits reach those who need them most.
The President’s pronouncements represent a positive and much-needed step forward. But healthcare systems are complex ecosystems that thrive only through coordinated action. Ultimately, what matters most is whether these reforms translate into real, measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Filipinos by reducing financial hardship and improving health outcomes.
As the Philippines enters a new chapter in healthcare reform, it is clear that no single sector can do it alone. Real progress will require the active collaboration of government, industry, healthcare professionals, and patients united by a shared vision of a future where every Filipino, regardless of income or location, has access to quality, affordable care.
PHAP and the biopharmaceutical industry remain committed to being part of this collective effort. Whether by accelerating access to innovative treatments, supporting regulatory reform, or strengthening health systems, the private sector stands ready to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of every Filipino.
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
