Advisory council pitches healthcare reforms to Marcos

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

PITCHING IN. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday (March 6, 2025). PSAC presented its proposals to improve the country’s healthcare system. (Photo from Presidential Photojournalists Association)

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 facilitie and strengthened Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) benefits.

During the PSAC Healthcare Sector Meeting at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, key policy recommendations were discussed, including updating hospital licensing standards to fast-track the construction of new healthcare facilities.

“The Private Sector Advisory Council Healthcare Sector, in collaboration with industry leaders and the government, is driving key 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 PSAC said in a press release Saturday.

It added that the President recognized PSAC’s proposals, as it plays a vital role in driving healthcare reforms for the benefit of the 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.

“This reform is crucial as the country faces a hospital bed deficit amid increasing demand,” it said.

The group also 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 said it is also 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.