The Department of Health (DOH) is looking to further expand access to basic medical services nationwide with plans to complete 176 primary care facilities in 2027.
Health Secretary Edwin Mercado told lawmakers Wednesday that the DOH is seeking Php 506 million for the projects as the agency moves to bring essential health services closer to communities.
“So sa kabuuan, ang ating tina-target ay 176 primary care facilities for 2027 na may kabuoang P506 million budget,” Mercado said during the House budget hearing.
The planned expansion builds on hundreds of super health centers already completed across the country. Mercado reported that 484 such facilities had been finished as of September 2025, with 241 ready for occupancy.
Another 229 completed centers were still working toward securing licenses to operate. Licensing is required to ensure that facilities comply with DOH standards before providing services to patients.
Super health centers are designed to give communities access to a wider range of primary health services, including laboratory and radiological services, medicines, dental and birthing care, minor surgical procedures, ambulance services and telemedicine.
The DOH defines a primary care facility as an institution primarily providing primary care services and registered or licensed by the department. Under DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0047, government primary care facilities are expected to provide both individual and population-based services.
Beyond expanding physical facilities, the DOH and PhilHealth are also discussing a centralized call center that would streamline hospital inquiries and complaints. Mercado said the agencies want to professionalize and consolidate existing assistance channels while improving the collection of data from public concerns.
The initiative could eventually integrate functions currently handled through the DOH’s 1555 emergency health hotline and PhilHealth’s customer assistance system, complementing the government’s push to make healthcare services more accessible to Filipinos.
