BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Whenever we experience pain or illness, most of us immediately consult experts.
This is essential to address and manage any health concerns.
So yesterday, December 12, as we celebrate Universal Health Care Day, let’s understand why this is important.
Universal Health Care Day began on December 12, 2012, when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution promoting universal health coverage.
Multiple international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported this initiative.
It aims to ensure that everyone around the world has access to affordable healthcare services.
Its goal is to provide equitable and affordable healthcare for all.
It also encourages countries to take steps toward achieving universal healthcare.
This was launched as a response to the lack of access to healthcare services for many people.
The WHO leads the advocacy for Universal Health Care Day, with support from the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations.
Several global leaders also push for this in their respective governments.
In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, was signed in 2019 by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
It aims to ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
This includes free check-ups, laboratory tests, hospitalization, and medicines for certain illnesses.
It also strengthens PhilHealth, which assists patients with medical expenses.
However, the shortage of healthcare facilities and workers, especially in remote areas, remains a significant challenge.
In a 2022 study by the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies, it was revealed that one doctor serves over 1,000 people in the Philippines.
In some regions like BARMM and Region 4B, the ratio is even worse, with only two doctors for every 49,000 people.
To address this, former President Duterte also passed Republic Act 11509, or the Doctor Para sa Bayan Act, to support and increase the number of aspiring doctors.
Thus, today is not only a celebration of Universal Health Care but also a call to maintain equitable healthcare access for everyone, regardless of their social status.
