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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Banking & Finance devider President Marcos advances access to quality health care as PhilHealth, St. Luke's formalize landmark partnership

President Marcos advances access to quality health care as PhilHealth, St. Luke's formalize landmark partnership

Published Aug 27, 2026 11:42 am
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continues to push for expanded access to quality healthcare as PhilHealth and St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City formalize a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), backed by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
President Marcos Jr., DOH Secretary Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian graced the signing ceremony alongside PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho and St. Luke’s Medical Center President and CEO Dr. Dennis P. Serrano.
In his keynote address, President Marcos Jr. underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in broadening healthcare coverage. He noted that stronger ties with private institutions like St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City ensure Filipinos can access world-class care under PhilHealth’s No Co-Pay policy for basic accommodations.
“Walang pinipiling tao ang sakit. Anyone can suddenly face a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment or specialized care. This administration remains committed to making quality healthcare accessible and affordable to more Filipinos. Malinaw ang ating hangarin: hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kakulangan sa pera para makakuha ng kinakailangang atensiyong medikal,” President Marcos Jr. said.
The agreement will facilitate collaboration on key healthcare reforms, the establishment of performance-based incentive systems for healthcare providers, and the support of evidence-based policymaking and research. Additionally, St. Luke’s–Global City will reserve at least 10 percent of its total bed capacity for basic or ward accommodation, enabling eligible members to access advanced medical services with zero co-payment for covered cases.
“The Universal Health Care Act guarantees every Filipino immediate eligibility and access to necessary care whenever they need it. On our end, PhilHealth will ensure that shared commitments are not just admirable but sustainable through clearer benchmarks, recognition of efficiency, and appropriate payment design as intended by the UHC Act,” Dr. Ho said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Serrano stated: “We recognize the vital role that PhilHealth plays in providing financial protection and expanding access to healthcare. By working together, we can help eligible patients better understand and maximize their benefits while making their healthcare journey more seamless and responsive.”
The collaboration highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in shaping healthcare reforms, with both institutions working toward practical solutions that strengthen the National Health Insurance Program and improve overall health service delivery.

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Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)
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