Malacañang has instructed all government agencies and local government units to implement the health facility plan to create medical establishments in various communities.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 26 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Malacañang said all government agencies and local government units are required to embrace the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan 2020-2040.
This plan mandates that government entities establish health facilities to cater to the healthcare needs of their respective constituents.
“In accordance with their respective mandates, all concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to undertake efforts in support of the implementation of the PHFDP, and the plans and programs specified therein,” the MC read.
MC No. 26 mandates that the Department of Health should collaborate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to facilitate the distribution and ensure the successful execution of the PHFDP at the local level.
Additionally, the DOH is responsible for aiding LGUs in translating the plan into a comprehensive long-term local health facility development strategy, and coordinating with LGUs in devising policies for the establishment of primary care provider networks and health care provider networks.
The DOH will closely monitor the implementation of the local health facility development plan and promote the engagement of LGUs in public-private partnerships to address any gaps in the PHFDP.
It will have to issue guidelines to effectively carry out the circular, and if necessary, seek assistance from other relevant government agencies and offices in developing these guidelines.
“Moreover, the DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments and the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, shall study, formulate, and implement policies that will encourage both domestic and international enterprises from the private sector to invest in health facilities aimed at addressing gaps in the PHFDP,” the circular furthered.
The circular’s execution will be funded using the existing allocations of the respective agencies and LGUs.
MC No. 26 acknowledged that the DOH formulated the PHFDP to serve as the nation’s comprehensive strategy for investing in medical infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of establishing a robust primary care and integrated health system accessible to all Filipinos. This aligns with the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.
Section 3 of Republic Act No. 11223 emphasizes the State’s commitment to adopt a framework that encourages a collaborative approach involving all sectors — government, society and individuals — in the development and execution of health policies, programs and plans aimed at providing people-centric health services.
The health plan’s implementation supports one of the strategies outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly on enhancing human and social development by strengthening the healthcare system and making it more accessible and efficient.