An opinion piece in BusinessWorld argues that the Philippines’ Universal Health Care (UHC) reform cannot succeed without deep collaboration between government and private healthcare providers. The article highlights that while the UHC Law provides the legal framework, its long-term sustainability depends on pooling resources, expertise, and infrastructure from both sectors.
The piece notes that private hospitals and diagnostic centers play a critical role in expanding service coverage, especially in underserved areas. However, challenges in contracting, payment mechanisms, and data sharing remain barriers. The author calls for clearer guidelines and mutual trust to align incentives and ensure that private participation does not compromise equity or affordability.
Sustaining UHC progress also requires robust governance and consistent investment in primary care, the opinion states. Without strong public-private partnerships, the risk of fragmentation and inefficiency rises, potentially undermining the goal of financial protection for all Filipinos.