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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
March 9, 2025 | 12:00am
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. presides over the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) meeting on jobs and education at Malacañang on January 21, 2025.
Photos courtesy of PCO
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has expressed support for the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC)’s proposals to enhance access to health care and to expand health facilities, the group said yesterday.
Health care policy reforms and strategic initiatives were discussed during PSAC’s meeting with the President last Thursday at Malacañang.
In a statement, PSAC said it suggested updates to hospital licensing and physical facility standards to fast-track the establishment of new hospitals and other health care facilities.
It also recommended a shift to outcome-based regulations that would streamline hospital renewal processes and promote network-based health care models for better resource distribution.
According to PSAC, the reform is “crucial” as the country faces a hospital bed deficit in the face of increasing demand.
The council also endorsed the expansion of community pharmacies, particularly in underserved regions, to boost access to essential medicines.
A regulatory sandbox approach is being explored to allow licensed pharmacists to oversee multiple pharmacies remotely, leverage telepharmacy services and enhance the role of pharmacy assistants, PSAC said.
The council said innovative solutions are needed to improve medicine availability, noting the shortage of 27,500 registered pharmacists as well as the geographical disparity in terms of distribution of existing pharmacies.
The President highlighted the private sector’s vital role in driving health care reforms for the benefit of Filipinos, the council said.
“With President Marcos’ endorsement, PSAC remains committed to public-private partnerships that drive lasting health care improvements, lower health care costs and stronger health system for the current and future generations,” it added.
PSAC said it is also working closely with state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to expand benefit packages, upgrade its information technology systems and enhance financial transparency.
It also pushed for the fast-tracking of the approvals of 14 essential medicines for diseases like diabetes, hypertension and various cancers.
“We are working towards a more equitable and sustainable health care system,” PSAC health care sector lead and AC Health CEO Paolo Borromeo said.
“Collaboration between the government and private sector is key to ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of financial standing, has access to quality health care,” he added.
PSAC is composed of business leaders and experts across six key areas, namely agriculture, infrastructure, digital infrastructure, education and jobs, health care and tourism.
Marcos formed the council to strengthen the collaboration between the government and the private sector.
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