March 29, 2024

Health Sec. Francisco T. Duque III signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law or the Republic Act 11223, which was enacted last Feb. 20.

The IRR will pave the way for the implementation of the UHC Law, which ensures holistic health care for everyone by reorienting health care towards health promotion and preventive care, from a curative care focused system.

“The health system must actively improve the health literacy, the built environment, and the social determinants of health of every Filipino. It should be a system that seeks out and cares for Juan and Juana every day throughout their lives, not just when they are sick,” Duque said.

Each Filipino will be assigned to a primary care provider (health worker) who shall be the first contact of health care. Primary care providers will deliver free essential health services and will guide patients through the different health care facilities.

All Filipinos will also be automatic members of PhilHealth as direct or indirect contributors and shall be eligible to the “no balance billing” once admitted to basic or ward accommodations in hospitals. Availability of basic ward accommodation in all facilities will be ensured through prescribed basic private bed ratios – 90:10 for public health facilities, 70:30 for public specialty health facilities, and a minimum of 10:90 for private health facilities. – DOH release