The Department of Health (DOH) is seeking a PHP260.2-billion budget for 2026 to accelerate the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC) across the country, with a strong focus on hospital services expansion, health facilities improvement, and preventive care programs.

“Matagal nang dapat naramdaman ng Pilipino ang Universal Health Care simula nang maisabatas ito noong 2019. Unti-unting inayos ng DOH ang sistema at serbisyo sa mga ospital at komunidad, pero hindi pa ito tapos (Filipinos should have already felt the benefits of Universal Health Care since it was enacted in 2019. The DOH has been gradually improving systems and services in hospitals and communities, but the work is not yet finished),” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said during the budget hearing by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations on Thursday.

“The increase in the DOH 2026 budget is a clear resolve to make UHC a felt reality, which is a strict mandate of the President,” he added.

The proposed budget allocates funds for the continued enforcement of Zero Balance Billing in over 80 DOH hospitals to ensure that all patients receive basic accommodations without additional costs, regardless of financial status.

This policy replaces the previous No Balance Billing program, which was limited to indigent patients identified through interviews.

Part of the budget will also support the expansion of Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers, which provide outpatient services to communities.

In just over a year, 53 BUCAS centers have been established nationwide, catering to patients who do not require hospital admission.

The DOH also aims to develop more specialty centers in all regions, including those for cardiovascular, lung, and cancer care.

Funding will be set aside for medical assistance to indigent and financially challenged patients with catastrophic illnesses.

Herbosa highlighted that for the first time, every municipality in the country now has a doctor due to initiatives like Doctors to the Barrios and Espesyalista para sa Bayan.

Preventive health programs such as PuroKalusugan, which target diseases like tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hypertension, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), will remain a top priority to reduce hospitalizations and maximize public spending.

In addition to its main allocation, the DOH is proposing an extra PHP59.9 billion for its attached agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), including a PHP53.3-billion subsidy for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to cover premiums for indirect contributors such as indigents and senior citizens. (PNA)