PH among lowest spenders on health

The Ultimate Guide to Prioritizing Public Health in the Philippines A Call for Action among Lowest Spenders on Health

A recent World Bank study has shed light on a pressing concern in the Philippines public health spending. With a mere 2.2% allocation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) towards public health, the country ranks near the bottom of the region, making it one of the lowest spenders on health in East Asia and the Pacific.

The Importance of Primary Healthcare

The report, A Healthy Future Primary Healthcare (PHC) and the Chronic Disease Epidemic in East Asia and the Pacific, highlights the significance of investing in primary healthcare (PHC) to prevent and manage chronic diseases. This is crucial for building a healthier future for Filipinos.

Low Ranking

At 2.2%, the Philippines' public health spending is lower than that of Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam. In fact, some lower- and middle-income neighbors allocate a larger share of their economies to public health, with countries such as Tuvalu investing as much as 17.1%, Kiribati investing 13.3%, and the Marshall Islands investing 11.5%.

Navigating the Way Forward

Just as an astrolabe helps navigators chart their course, it's essential to understand that investing in PHC is a crucial step towards building a healthier future for Filipinos.

Challenges Faced

This low level of spending has significant implications for public health, including

High out-of-pocket costs
Strained public hospitals
* Gaps in preventive and primary care services

A Good Example PHC Provider Payment System

While the Philippines may be lagging behind in terms of health spending, its PHC provider payment system is a good example in the region. This system includes contractual arrangements with the private sector that include explicit performance-linked payments.

Economic Benefits

As Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, vice president of the East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank, emphasized The promise of primary health care is its ability to deliver services that are effective, efficient, and equitable. Investment in primary health care yields some of the highest economic returns in the health sector.

Chronic Diseases on the Rise

While people in the region are living longer, they are not necessarily living healthier lives. Chronic diseases are increasingly affecting working-age adults, imposing high costs on families, health systems, and national economies.

Innovative Reforms Needed

The report calls for innovative, country-tailored reforms and stronger partnerships between governments, communities, care providers, and the private sector. It urges policymakers to prioritize primary health care, invest in prevention, and support individuals in adopting healthier behaviors.

Conclusion A Healthy Future Ahead

In conclusion, it's essential for policymakers to take decisive action to address the chronic disease epidemic and ensure a healthy future for Filipinos. By prioritizing PHC and investing in prevention, we can reduce out-of-pocket costs, improve health outcomes, and create a more sustainable healthcare system.

Keywords Primary Healthcare (PHC), Public Health Spending, Chronic Diseases, Astrolabe, Healthcare Reform

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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