The Department of Health (DOH) is advocating for the establishment of a universal health-care coordinating council to oversee the utilization of public health funds by local government units (LGUs) and address gaps in the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted that only a third of LGUs have fully organized their health-care provider networks (HCPNs), essential for integrated and coordinated care.
He noted that fewer than 30 percent of LGUs have reached high functional maturity in implementing UHC, citing ongoing financing and service delivery challenges.
The proposed council would oversee the special health fund managed by provincial and city health boards, which finances health services, system operations, and worker incentives.
Herbosa called on local leaders to take active roles in organizing health networks to ensure effective delivery of services and the success of UHC reforms.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 29, 2025
