Sickness and diseases are the common enemies of our body.

One can’t function properly and became

less productive as the body is deteriorating. As stated by P.T. Barnum, “The foundation of success in life is
good health: that is the substratum fortune; it is also the basis of happiness. A person cannot accumulate
fortune very well when he is sick.” Having said this, the enactment of the Universal Health Care Law
guarantees equitable access to quality and affordable health care services for all Filipinos.
Universal Health Care Act is a measure that would provide health care coverage for all Filipinos. This
act grants them “immediate eligibility” and access to full spectrum of health care which can be expected for
medical, dental, mental, and emergency health services. It automatically enroll every Filipino citizen into the
National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) and expand PhilHealth coverage to include free medical
consultations and laboratory tests, and other diagnostic services.
The two general objectives of this act are to progressively realize universal health care in the country
through a systemic approach and clear delineation of roles of key agencies and stakeholders towards better
performance in the health system; and ensure that all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and
affordable health care goods and services, and protected against financial risk.
In connection with this, the National Health Insurance Program has two membership classification, the
direct contributors and indirect contributors. The former refers to those who have the capacity to pay premiums
while the latter refers to those sponsored by the government such as indigents, senior citizens, and persons
with disabilities. Every member is entitled to the health benefit package under the Program. PhilHealth shall
provide additional program benefits for direct contributors.
The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be sourced from the total incremental sin tax
collections, fifty percent from the income of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation, forty percent from
the charity fund of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, premium contributions of members, annual
appropriations of the Department of Health, and national government subsidy to PhilHealth.
The advantage of this act enrolls Filipinos with a primary health care provider of their choice. The primary
care provider is the health worker they can go and seek treatment from for health concerns. They will also
serve as the person in charge of referring and coordinating with other health centers if patients need further
treatment. Citizens will not need to present any PhilHealth ID to avail of these benefits. Meanwhile, poor
Filipinos of those who are located in geographically isolated areas will also be given priority when ensuring
access to health services. On the other hand, it also has its disadvantage especially to direct members who
are required to pay for services they may or may not receive. The people may not take care of their health
wisely as they would if the direct costs are from their own pocket. It may also limit the accuracy of patient care.
Doctors make a lot of money in a free-market system of health care when they are able to provide needed
services to patients who require them. Within a system of universal health care, doctors are often assigned
more patients than they can legitimately handle. They rush through the interview and diagnostic process,
looking for the most likely explanation of bothersome symptoms instead of offering a thorough exam.
To sum it up, this Act means that all Filipinos get the health care they need, when they need it, without
suffering financial hardship as a result. Although there is much work to be done to implement the UHC Act, it
takes a critical step towards achieving health for all in the Philippines. It is a new dawn for health care and real
progress towards achieving UHC.