In a strategic move towards fortifying partnerships between the public and private sectors in healthcare, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Thursday, Nov. 23, alongside Special Concerns Team (SCT) Undersecretary Maria Francia Miciano-Laxamana, spearheaded a Consultative Workshop at Tagaytay.
The workshop aimed to finalize the Administrative Order (AO) for the Framework on Private Sector Engagement (PSE) for Health within the DOH.
This AO seeks to standardize processes related to private sector engagements (PSEs) in the DOH, establishing a cohesive framework that recognizes shared responsibilities and strengthens collaborations between the public and private sectors in achieving universal health care, the health department noted.
Herbosa underscored the key points during the workshop, particularly emphasizing the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in hospital modernization.
He stressed the significance of maintaining high-quality standards within the private sector and emphasized the need for robust partnerships and social infrastructure.
The discussion, DOH said, aligned with the 8-Point Action Agenda, a cornerstone for achieving universal health care, encompassing specific goals such as immunization, nutrition improvement, maternal health, addressing TB and HIV, and promoting road safety.
To achieve these goals, the health agency highlighted that the proposal included the establishment of specialty centers with a focused approach to implementing universal health care.
Herbosa expressed gratitude for ongoing efforts and stressed the vital role of public-private partnerships, framing universal health care as a whole-of-society approach with a commitment to community sustainability.
He suggested leveraging PPP technology to attain this overarching goal.
The DOH said that the event showcased exemplary practices from both the public and private sectors in health-related projects, fostering engaging discussions and an exchange of insights aimed at enhancing the draft AO.
Notable private sector partners, including the United States Agency for International Development, the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, and the Philippine Nurses Association, attended the event.
Representatives from diverse DOH offices, bureaus, and health centers were also present.