PHL healthcare has an accessibility problem, ECCP says

THE Philippine healthcare industry needs faster regulatory processes and increased public health financing to boost access to affordable and specialized healthcare, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said.

In a statement, ECCP President Diana M. Edralin said patient care remains fragmented for many patients.

“When a gap exists between an early screening and a tertiary referral, it is the patient who pays the price in time, financial hardship, and in unfortunate outcomes,” she was quoted as saying at an ECCP forum held last week.

Ms. Edralin noted that providing universal healthcare (UHC) in the Philippines is best evaluated by the quality of a patient’s experience, not by statistics and coverage targets.

True UHC would also mean ensuring that every patient has access to services ranging from preventive check-ups to specialized treatment at apex hospitals, she added.

Araceli S. Lanorio, board secretary at the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, cited the need for faster access to medicine and innovative treatment, especially in rural areas.

“Patients in rural communities face greater barriers… When access depends on privilege rather than need, UHC remains unrealized,” she said.

Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said out-of-pocket (OOP) spending in the Philippines accounts for 40% of total health expenditure, well above the level for peers and neighbors like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Heavy reliance on OOP spending increases a patient’s vulnerability to the economic shock of needing medical treatment, she said.

Ms. Ulep called for public financing mechanisms and strategic health reforms to reduce OOP spending.

The European chamber cited the need for further investment in healthcare financing and digitalization to achieve true UHC.

“While not a complete solution, public-private partnerships — supported by strong local government ownership, clear roles, data-driven design, and adaptability — can enhance early detection, improve continuity of care, and support more effective UHC implementation,” the ECCP said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz