📷: Coalition for People’s Right to Health / FB
The Coalition for People’s Right to Health (CPRH) and the Council for Health and Development (CHD) have urged newly appointed Health Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado to confront what they described as a “state of emergency” in the country’s public health system, warning that surging preventable diseases and systemic failures demand immediate and meaningful reforms.
The groups warned that Mercado will immediately face “critical and urgent issues that threaten the very life and future of the Filipino people,” stressing that systemic failures have brought the health sector to a breaking point.
Rising Burden of Disease
CPRH and CHD pointed to surging cases of tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS, dengue, and measles, which have overwhelmed local health systems and claimed preventable lives.
“This is not a failure of medicine, but a failure of policy and resource allocation,” the statement read.
Despite government claims of the “largest health sector budget in history” at ₱448.125 billion for 2026, CPRH and CHD noted this amounts to only ₱3,797.67 per Filipino annually—or ₱10.40 per day.
By contrast, the average Filipino family spent ₱12,751 out-of-pocket on health in 2024, meaning households shoulder more than 70% of costs themselves.
Catastrophic Health Spending
The groups warned that inadequate public funding has led to catastrophic health spending, pushing even middle-income families into poverty.
A single hospitalization, they said, can dismantle financial stability.
They also criticized the persistence of contractualization of health workers, noting that thousands remain on insecure contracts despite recent approvals for regularization.
Low pay and lack of benefits, they argued, compromise the quality of care.
Privatization Concerns
CPRH and CHD further condemned the ongoing privatization of public health facilities, saying it erodes the state’s capacity to deliver universal care.
“The promise of Universal Health Care rings hollow when primary health care and public hospitals are underfunded, understaffed, and forced to rely on private partnerships to survive,” they said.
Calls to Action
The groups outlined five urgent measures for Mercado:
– Free and comprehensive care: Eliminate user fees and out-of-pocket payments; support House Bill 205 or the Free National Public Health Care System Act.
– Strengthen public facilities: Reverse privatization and ensure every municipality has a fully equipped health center.
– Support health workers: Create plantilla positions, provide living wages, and end contractualization.
– Investigate corruption: Demand accountability and ensure funds reach those in need.
– Remove VAT on medicines: Make drugs, nutritional foods, and drinks affordable.
A Call for Leadership
“The people need a leader who will fight for a health system that prioritizes people over profit,” CPRH and CHD declared.
They urged Mercado to make “felt and meaningful changes” that will save lives and revive the ailing health system.
As reforms are awaited, the groups enjoined Filipinos to remain vigilant, holding leaders accountable and demanding a health system that is truly free, comprehensive, and progressive. # (ZIA LUNA)
