MALACAÑANG yesterday ordered all concerned government agencies to adopt the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020-2040 which promotes the setting up of health facilities nationwide to better serve and ensure the public’s access to health services.
Memorandum Circular No. 26, signed on July 25 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on the authority of President Marcos Jr., also encouraged local government units (LGUs) to support the PHFDP 2020-2040 by “setting up health facilities for their constituents.”
The memorandum also empowered LGUs to enter into public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address the gaps in the PHFDP with the assistance of and in coordination with the Public Private Center (PPP) Center.
Malacañang directed the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to facilitate the dissemination and ensure the effective implementation of the PHFDP at the local level and assist LGUs in formulating policies for the establishment of primary care provider networks and health care providers networks.
All concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, and all LGUs were also asked to undertake the plans and programs specified therein under the PHFDP.
The DOH shall issue guidelines to effectively implement the circular and may request the assistance of other relevant government agencies and offices in the formulation of the 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 memorandum read.
Funding for the implementation of the circular shall be sourced from the existing funds of respective agencies and LGUs.
The PHFDP was crafted by the DOH as an overall strategy for infrastructure and medical investment to ensure a strong primary care and integrated health system for every Filipino, consistent with Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.
It operationalizes one of the strategies under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly on the promotion of human and social development by boosting health through an accessible, efficient, and strengthened health care system.
