(Photo courtesy of DOH)
MANILA – The Philippines has proposed establishing a regional stockpile of essential medical supplies and a joint procurement system to reduce costs, improve emergency preparedness, and expand access to medicines and vaccines across the Western Pacific.
In a statement Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) said the proposal was presented during the 77th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific.
The initiative received support from member states, with pilot programs involving selected countries being considered.
The proposed system aims to strengthen cooperation among countries in securing medical supplies, particularly during public health emergencies, while making essential medicines and vaccines more affordable and accessible.
The four-day regional meeting also focused on hypertension prevention, tobacco control, immunization, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in health care.
According to the DOH, these priorities support its Unified National Agenda for Health, or UNA Para sa Kalusugan, which seeks to improve access to quality medical services under the Universal Health Care program.
“Under UNA Para sa Kalusugan, the DOH and PhilHealth are working together to strengthen primary care and improve access to essential health services,” Health Secretary Edwin Mercado said.
“Our goal is to ensure that health reforms translate into services that Filipinos can actually access and benefit from,” he added.
The DOH and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) are targeting the registration of at least 60 million Filipinos under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).
They also aim to reach 48 million individuals through PhilHealth GAMOT, or Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment, to improve access to health screening and essential medicines.
Meanwhile, WHO member states called for stronger hypertension screening programs, more affordable medicines, and improved primary health care services.
The DOH noted that hypertension affects nearly one in three adults in the Western Pacific, highlighting the need for early detection and treatment.
The regional committee also urged countries to strengthen tobacco control measures, regulate emerging nicotine products, and increase tobacco taxes to reduce smoking-related deaths.
According to the DOH, tobacco use contributes to approximately three million deaths annually across the region.
Participants also emphasized the need to address immunization gaps and protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Discussions on artificial intelligence centered on its responsible application in public health decision-making and improving health care delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
The DOH said the proposals reflect the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening regional health cooperation, improving access to medical services, and preparing for future public health emergencies.
