Palace orders adoption of PH Health Facility Dev’t Plan 2020-2040

FILE: Facade of the Malacañang Palace as seen from Pasig River. (Photo by Architect Jorge Ramos (d. 2015) for the underlying copyrighted work (Malacañang Palace). Image is by Official Gazette of the Philippines, originally uploaded on Commons by User:P-JR – Commons:File:Malacañang Palace (Cropped).jpg, Public Domain)

MANILA – Malacañang has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 26, mandating the adoption of the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020-2040, which will serve as the country’s overall infrastructure and medical investment.

“To ensure the success of the PHFDP 2020-2040, it is necessary for all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, and local government units to support and cooperate in the implementation of the PHFDP 2020-2040,” according to MC 26 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 25.

“In accordance with their respective mandates, all concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to undertake efforts in support of the implementation of the PHFDP, and the plans and programs specified therein,” the circular added.

MC 26 directs the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to facilitate the dissemination and ensure the effective implementation of the PHFDP at the local level.

The DOH is also instructed to assist and support LGUs in translating the PHFDP into long-term local health facility development plan which will be reflected in their respective Local Investment Plans for Health and Local Development Investment Programs.

It is also tasked to coordinate with LGUs in formulating policies for the establishment of primary care provider networks and health care providers networks.

MC 26 likewise orders the DOH to monitor the implementation of the PHFDP 2020-2040 and the development of local health facilities by encouraging the LGUs to enter into public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address the gaps in the development plan, with the assistance of the PPP Center.

The department is mandated to issue guidelines for the effective implementation of the PHFDP 2020-2050 and submit annual reports to the Office of the Executive Secretary on the progress of the development plan.

“Moreover, the DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments and the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, shall study, formulate, and implement policies that will encourage both domestic and international enterprises from the private sector to invest in health facilities aimed at addressing gaps in the PHFDP,” the MC 26 read.

The funding requirements for the implementation of PHFDP 2020-2040 will be charged against the existing appropriations of respective agencies and LGUs.

The DOH crafted the PHFDP 2020-2040 to serve as the country’s overall strategy for infrastructure and medical investment with the end in view of ensuring a strong primary care and integrated health system for every Filipino, consistent with the Republic Act (RA) 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

RA 11223 provides that the State shall adopt a framework that fosters a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach in the development and implementation of health policies, programs and plans to ensure people-oriented approach in the delivery of health services.

The health development plan operationalizes one of the strategies under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly on the promotion of human and social development by boosting health through an accessible, efficient, and strengthened healthcare system.

MC 26 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.