When people hear “sustainability,” they often think only of the environment. But as defined by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainability goes far beyond nature. At its core is the commitment to ensure good health and wellbeing for all—recognizing that a healthy population, supported by a truly sustainable healthcare system, is fundamental to a thriving and resilient society.

This principle took center stage during the second Manila Bulletin Sustainability Focus Session, held on April 30 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. The event gathered health leaders, policy experts, and private sector stakeholders to shape a shared vision for the country’s healthcare future.

With the theme “Envisioning the Future of Healthcare,” the session emphasized that sustainability in healthcare isn’t just about infrastructure or technology—it’s fundamentally about people.

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, speaking via a recorded keynote message, set the tone by highlighting the role of proper nutrition and equitable access to medicine in achieving universal and sustainable healthcare. Secretary Herbosa described the enactment of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act as a historic milestone in affirming healthcare as a fundamental right for every Filipino.

“The UHC Act emphasizes the crucial role of primary care, defined as the initial contact, accessible, continuous, comprehensive, and coordinated care that includes a range of services for all presenting conditions,” he said.

The health chief also mentioned DOH Administrative Order No. 2023-0015, which outlines an eight-point action agenda aimed at making the Philippines one of the healthiest nations in Asia.

Key goals include ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all Filipinos, advancing medical technology, strengthening crisis preparedness, preventing illness, promoting mental and physical wellbeing, safeguarding the rights and safety of health workers, and enhancing protection against pandemics

“This strategy built on fast reforms is in response to the President’s and this administration’s priorities,” Sec. Herbosa said. “The strategic act envisions policy alignment and collaboration among stakeholders nationwide, aiming for the Philippines to rank amongst the healthiest nations by 2040.”

Echoing these priorities, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo called for a renewed commitment to sustainability not just in healthcare delivery, but in how future practitioners are trained. He urged educational institutions to embed sustainability principles into the core of medical and allied health education.

For ASec. Domingo, investing in a new generation of sustainability-aware health professionals is key to adapting to both environmental shifts and persistent resource constraints. “Envisioning the future of universal healthcare, proper nutrition, and equitable access to medicine would not be more timely or meaningful. Medical missions in small areas do not cut it yet. We have to deliver services at scale,” he said.

Complementing these insights, representatives from The Medical City, AC Health, Maxicare, UST, The Generics Pharmacy, and Watsons Philippines emphasized the growing role of the private sector in promoting accessible, affordable, and wellness-focused healthcare. Their collaborations showcased how industry partnerships can amplify public health outcomes and support government objectives.

Still, challenges loom large as many communities remain underserved. The country’s health workforce is under strain, and the exodus of skilled professionals continues. Too often, our systems are heavily centralized—failing to reach the rural, the remote, and the most vulnerable.

Yet, the forum offered glimpses of progress. A recurring message was the need to localize healthcare strategies—to design programs that are responsive to the specific needs of different communities. This pivot away from a Metro Manila-centric mindset is both timely and overdue.

In the end, sustainability, at its core, is about resilience. It is about creating systems that can absorb shocks—be they pandemics, natural disasters, or demographic shifts—and continue to serve.