Policy analysis on province-level integration of healthcare system in light of the Universal Health Care Act

Hilton Y Lam; Ma-ann M Zarsuelo; Theo Prudencio Juhani Z Capeding; Ma Esmeralda C Silva; Michael Antonio F Mendoza; Carmencita D Padilla

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Policy analysis on province-level integration of healthcare system in light of the Universal Health Care Act

Author: Hilton Y. Lam ^{1
,

2} ; Ma-Ann M. Zarsuelo ^{1
,

2} ; Theo Prudencio Juhani Z. Capeding ^{1
,

2} ; Ma. Esmeralda C. Silva ^{1
,

3} ; Michael Antonio F. Mendoza ^{1
,

4} ; Carmencita D. Padilla ⁵
Author Information

1. University of the Philippines Manila Health Policy Development Hub
2. Institute of Health Policy and Development Studies, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila
3. College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila
4. College of Dentistry, University of the Philippines Manila
5. University of the Philippines Manila
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Health Policy; Integrated Health Systems; Health Care Reform
MeSH: Health Care Reform; Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; Policy
From: Acta Medica Philippina 2020;54(6):650-658
CountryPhilippines
Language:English
Abstract: Background:The enactment of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act affirms the commitment of the State to safeguard the health of all Filipinos. One of the objectives of the Act is to integrate the different local health systems at the provincial level in order to minimize fragmentation in the delivery of health services. This significant undertaking needs effective inter-sectoral collaborations of various stakeholders both at the local and national levels.
Methods:A systematic review of literature was conducted to generate evidence-based policy tools. A roundtable discussion (RTD) was organized in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) to frame the current issues of the devolved health system and the anticipated challenges surrounding the integration to the provincial level. Policy discussion was guided by specific operational concerns put forth by the DOH such as the roles and functions of key local actors, organizational models, and metrics of integration.
Results:Inputs in the proposed organogram for the province-level integrated health system and assessment tool for identifying readiness of provinces were discussed and agreed upon. Critical issues in the composition of the members of the Provincial Health Board (PHB) and the line of command among constituents were raised.
Conclusion and Recommendations:Eight consensus key policy recommendations have been identified. These could be translated into operational guidelines for the DOH, local government units (LGUs), and other related national government agencies (NGAs) in implementing the local health systems integration as prescribed in the UHC Act.
Full text:2608-Article Text-14191-1-10-20201226.pdf