The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) called on the need for strategic national investments to promote human and social development in rebuilding a resilient, post-pandemic health sector.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said on Tuesday, Sept. 5, that there is a need to fast-track investments in early warning systems for health crises and emergencies, and the need for a whole-of-government approach towards rebuilding the country’s health sector.

Balicasan said the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of key sectors in the economy, particularly the health sector.

“We learned that there are limits to government resources and capabilities in delivering needed interventions to vulnerable sectors,” Balicasan said during a meeting between the government and the World Bank on Health Sector Rebuilding.

“Therefore, collaboration with local government units and partnerships with the private sectors and civil society is crucial,” he added.

The NEDA chief emphasized that in crafting the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 (PDP), careful consideration was given to the valuable lessons from the previous administration, particularly the challenges faced during the pandemic.

Additionally, the formulation process took into account global and regional trends expected in the medium term, as well as the national and global development agenda.

Furthermore, the long-term vision encapsulated by AmBisyon Natin 2040 served as a guiding principle throughout the planning process.

The PDP, which seeks to address the progress in childhood nutrition and immunization as well as the obstacles faced in the implementation of major health sector reforms, calls for the collaborative effort of all government agencies and instrumentalities in fulfilling these target outcomes.

“The PDP strategy framework for boosting health is built on the vision of a holistic approach to improve health outcomes, reduce health inequities where they exist, and achieve universal healthcare,” Balisacan said.

“The plan highlights the contribution of non-health government agencies and non-government health systems stakeholders to attain societal health objectives,” the NEDA chief added.

He also cited the list of priority bills in the 19th Congress that are targeted to boost health in the country and are aligned with the PDP.

These bills include the Elimination of Trans Fatty Acids, the Establishment of a Medical Reserve Corps, the Establishment of Regional Specialty Centers, the creation of the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, and the creation of the Virology Institute of the Philippines. (Xander Dave G. Cebellos)