Malacañang has issued a memorandum directing and encouraging all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to set up health facilities for their constituents.

Malacañang file photos

This developed after Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued, by the authority of President Marcos, Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 26, adopting the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020-2040.

Based on the MC, all concerned national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and LGUs, are encouraged to undertake efforts to support the implementation of the PHFDP and the plans and programs specified in it.

It also 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.

In addition, the DOH must assist and support LGUs in translating the plan into long-term local health facility development plans and coordinate with LGUs in formulating policies for establishing primary care provider networks and health care providers networks.

The DOH will also monitor the implementation of the development plan of local health facilities and encourage LGUs to enter into public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address the gaps in the PHFDP with the assistance of the PPP Center.

At the same time, the DOH will issue guidelines to effectively implement the circular and may request the assistance of other relevant government agencies and offices in formulating the guidelines.

“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 circular further states.

The circular’s implementation will be funded by the existing appropriations of respective agencies and LGUs.

The DOH crafted the PHFDP to serve as the country’s overall strategy for infrastructure and medical investment to ensure a strong primary care and integrated health system for every Filipino, consistent with the Republic Act (RA) No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

RA No. 11223 provides that the State shall adopt a framework that fosters a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach in developing and implementing health policies, programs, and plans to ensure a people-oriented approach in delivering health services.

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