Towards Health for All: Breakthroughs in Implementing Universal Health Care

Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Local Health System Universal Health Care (UHC) Learning Forum on December 10, 2024 gathered over 1,500 participants via Zoom and Facebook Live to discuss breakthroughs and challenges in implementing UHC across the country. The event marked the culmination of the Bayang Malusog Provincial Leadership Development Program (PLDP), one of the flagship initiatives of the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), implemented in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH)-Centers for Health Development.

Austere Panadero, President and Executive Director of ZFF, opened the forum by emphasizing the significance of the UHC Law, a landmark legislation that ensures every Filipino has access to affordable and quality healthcare. The Bayang Malusog PLDP, implemented in five regions (Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON and Eastern Visayas) and two provinces (Agusan del Sur and Aklan), aims to accelerate UHC implementation by equipping local leaders with the tools to improve health systems. Dr. Catherine Chung, ZFF’s Local Health Systems Portfolio Director, shared the key to the program’s success: collaboration and leadership. She said, “The Bayang Malusog Program and experience was a collaborative feat marked by the resourceful and leadership skills of dynamic regional and provincial health teams.”

DOH Undersecretary for UHC Health Cluster Services Abdullah B. Dumama Jr. acknowledged the program’s impact, sharing how participating LGUs significantly enhanced their health systems and service delivery. “If we wish to finish stronger, we need to work together. Collaboration is key,” he said.

Sharing Lessons and Breakthroughs

Participants shared insights and experiences during the panel discussion. Key speakers highlighted both successes and obstacles faced in advancing UHC.

Challenges in Health Systems

Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, Regional Director of DOH-Ilocos, shared the complexities of health financing, fragmented information systems, and low primary care facility accreditation rates, which limit UHC progress. Addressing these requires partnerships, she said, citing initiatives like the KONSULTA caravan with PhilHealth that provided primary care services while educating communities on UHC benefits.

For Aklan, Dr. Leslie Ann Luces-Sedillo, Provincial Health Officer II, underscored the importance of unity among municipalities. “If we don’t work together as one province, UHC cannot move forward,” she said. She also discussed innovations in patient navigation systems and the private sector’s role in improving electronic medical records (EMRs), leading to better health services for communities.

Local Leadership Driving Change

Leaders like Aklan Governor Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores and health workers in Aklan  were celebrated for adopting a whole-of-province approach. These efforts ensured that local governments, regardless of political affiliations, aligned their goals to improve health outcomes.

Janriel Lavadia, UHC Coordinator at DOH-Cagayan Valley, noted a shift in mindset among LGUs, from programmatic thinking to investing in long-term UHC pillars. “It’s only when we achieve the goals of the UHC law that we can truly create an impact,” he said.

Moving Forward: A Shared Responsibility

The reactors, Dr. Carlo Irwin Panelo, Professor at the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health, and Dr. Manuel Dayrit, former Secretary of Health and member of the ZFF Board of Trustees, stressed the importance of collaboration, proper fund management, and public communication. “Money is oxygen,” said Dr. Dayrit. “If we manage the Special Health Fund well, we can attract partners, investments, and workers to strengthen health systems.”

As the forum concluded, participants reflected on the importance of shared responsibility in achieving UHC. From local chief executives to community health workers, everyone has a role to play. The collective efforts of leaders, health workers, and partners, supported by ZFF, PhilHealth and DOH, continue to drive progress toward the vision of Health for All. As Dr. Dayrit aptly said, “This is a long journey. We have provinces leading the way. We must ensure no one is left behind.”

Watch the event livestream here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AcfMqEhvF/