December 12 is Universal Health Care (UHC) Day - a reminder of our country’s commitment to providing quality healthcare for every Filipino. This day highlights the importance of inclusive and accessible health services. Here at HealthFirst Clinics, we ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to healthcare, regardless of income or location. UHC Day is not only a time for reflection, but also a call to action as the country continues its strive towards universal healthcare coverage.
What is Universal Health Care?
Universal Health Care aims to provide comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services that are affordable and accessible to everyone, especially the vulnerable and marginalized groups. The Universal Health Care Act of 2019, laid the foundation for this ambitious goal by expanding health insurance coverage and improving access to healthcare services across the country.
Why UHC Day Matters
Increasing Access to Health Services: One of the main objectives of UHC is to reduce barriers to healthcare, strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving infrastructure, and ensuring health services reach even the most remote areas.
Financial Protection: UHC aims to provide financial protection by covering the costs of essential health services. This ensures that Filipinos won’t be forced to choose between paying for healthcare and meeting their daily needs.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: UHC Day emphasizes the importance of health promotion through education, preventive care, and early intervention. By focusing on prevention, the government hopes to reduce the burden of diseases, especially non-communicable ones like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
Key Features of the Universal Health Care Act
The Universal Health Care Act is a landmark piece of legislation that aims to improve the country’s healthcare system. Some of its key features include:
Mandatory health insurance for all Filipinos: Every Filipino, regardless of employment status, will be automatically enrolled in PhilHealth to ensure that they are covered for medical expenses.
Expanded primary care services: The Act focuses on strengthening primary health care services by building up health centers and ensuring that Filipinos can access basic health services like maternal and child care, vaccinations, and preventive screenings.
Improved health financing: The law mandates better funding for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to ensure the sustainability of health programs and services.
#YourHealthFirst: Making Healthcare Simpler and Better
Universal Health Care Day is a celebration of progress, a call to action, and an opportunity to make improvements in the healthcare sector. At HealthFirst Clinics, we strive to provide high quality, affordable, and easily accessible health services to Filipinos. Together we can make health care simpler and better for all.
Prioritize #YourHealthFirst by getting access to high quality health services here at HealthFirst Clinics. Book your consultation today! Visit any of the HealthFirst Clinics near you https://www.healthfirst.com.ph/clinics
Sources:
Department of Health (DOH) – Universal Health Care Act
Philippine News Agency (PNA) – UHC Day Observances and Achievements
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) – UHC Act Implementation
World Health Organization (WHO) – Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals
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