President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. holds a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday (March 6, 2025). PSAC presented its proposals to improve the country’s healthcare system. (Photo from Presidential Photojournalists Association)
During a PSAC Healthcare Sector Meeting held at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, the council outlined key policy recommendations, including updates to hospital licensing standards to accelerate the construction of new healthcare facilities.
“The Private Sector Advisory Council Healthcare Sector, in partnership with industry leaders and the government, is spearheading critical healthcare reforms. These initiatives aim to expand healthcare facilities and pharmacies, improve access to medicines, and enhance PhilHealth’s support value to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs,” PSAC stated in a press release on Saturday.
President Marcos acknowledged the importance of PSAC’s proposals, emphasizing the council’s role in advancing healthcare reforms for the benefit of Filipinos.
Among the recommendations was a shift to outcome-based regulations to streamline hospital renewals and promote network-based healthcare models for more efficient resource distribution.
“This reform is crucial in addressing the country’s hospital bed deficit, particularly as healthcare demand continues to rise,” the council noted.
PSAC also highlighted the shortage of 27,500 registered pharmacists, proposing a regulatory sandbox approach that would allow licensed pharmacists to oversee multiple pharmacies remotely through telepharmacy services.
Additionally, the council is working closely with PhilHealth to expand benefit packages, upgrade its information technology systems, and improve financial transparency.
PhilHealth’s “Konsulta” (Consult) Program, which offers free outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests, has seen significant growth, now covering over 21 percent of Filipinos—a substantial increase from just 0.37 percent in 2021.
PSAC further advocated for the expedited approval of 14 essential medicines for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers, aiming to enhance access to critical treatments and improve public health outcomes.