Baguio Innovative Healthcare: Why It Matters

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), on average, a Filipino spent nearly PhP 10,000 a year for health-related services in 2021. This is a 17% increase from healthcare expenditure recorded in 2020. This problem has become the main target of implementing the UHC or Universal Health Care. In this article, you will learn more about the UHC and the pioneer local government that implemented it, Baguio City.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many people have realized that health is true, if not the most, one of the most vital things to focus on. To cut down the expenditure of the people, the Universal Health Care Act, together with other government health programs, was implemented. In 2022, the city government of Baguio City approved an ordinance to ensure the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act and other government health programs to cater to each resident’s healthcare needs.

From the 2020 census, Baguio City is home to 366,358 people. The number of people staying in Baguio City increases significantly during the holiday season and during summer as it remains the Summer Capital of the Philippines. With this in mind, the safety and healthcare of everyone are the topmost priority. Through the adaptation of the UHC, Baguio City aims to mitigate the severity of health expenditure and provide prevention of prevalent illnesses.

The Universal Health Care

The Universal Health Care Act is a big leap in healthcare for the Philippines. This act reforms the healthcare system in the Philippines. In this act, there is an expansion of access to health services by automatically enrolling all Filipinos in the Philhealth National Insurance Program or NHIP. It ensures that a hundred percent of the population will be covered by PhilHealth towards “Health for All”, and hence has access to medicines under the UHC.

There will be two classifications under the UHC, 1) Contributory or the premium contributors from payroll, and 2) Non-contributory or fully subsidized by the government from tax collections. This aims to reduce the out-of-pocket expenditure of Filipinos for healthcare.

In addition, under universal health care, there will be structural and functional changes in health financing, service delivery, and governance. It will establish a province- or city-wide health system. Health care provider networks (HCPNs) will be formed in these systems. Municipal government management will transfer their functions to the respective provincial and city government to become the focal points of health governance.

Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), service delivery will comprise public, private, or a mixed set of providers. There will still be primary, secondary, and tertiary services but the priority will be on the delivery of strong primary care. Primary care aims to form a comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated first-line management and a well-coordinated referral system.

Healthcare in Baguio City

As everyone knows, Baguio City is the Summer Capital of the Philippines. But, other than this fact, what makes Baguio special? Baguio City offers tourist spots, from parks to historical sites. There are famous spots like Camp John hay, which is a former US Military facility, Burnham Park, Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral, Baguio Botanical Garden, Tam-awan Village, and many more!

So what are the achievements of Baguio City? Baguio City preserves the environment well which is why, in November 2022, the government of Baguio City received the “Klimalikasan” award from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This award recognized the city’s disaster resiliency and natural resources. Baguio City was also recognized by the World Health Organization and received the Healthy Cities Awards for its Smoke-Free Baguio Task Force (SFTF) programs.

Also, in 2021, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong received the recognition of Mobility Awards for Baguio City as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Luzon. This award encouraged the city businesses and citizens to utilize cycling more and promote active mobility both to be a climate and sustainable city, as well as to promote an active and healthy lifestyle for all residents.

Baguio City became the pilot site for the Blueprint on Access to Medicines Project by signing the Memorandum of Understanding or MOU with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) to help create a Baguio innovative healthcare and better access to medicine under a universal health care framework.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

Since passing the Universal Health Care Act into Law, Baguio City has been the first city to implement the UCH law. In December 12, 2022, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed a memorandum of understanding or MOU with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines or the PHAP. This event marked the commitment of the government of Baguio City to help accelerate the implementation of access to medicines under a Universal Health Care (UHC) framework.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines or PHAP represents the research-based pharmaceutical sector of the Philippines. The members of the association provide quality, life-saving, and innovative medicines in the county.

According to the Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), Teodoro Padilla, the pilot program’s goal is to demonstrate that the achievement of quality health care is through early screening and prevention as access to innovative medicines.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) believes in the leadership of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to develop innovative access to medicines and healthcare programs that can benefit the residents of Baguio City, ensuring health for all.

In addition, this implementation of the UHC act adopts the provisions and principles in the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2023-0063 or the Health Promotion Framework Strategy (HPFS) 2030. This will serve as the national health promotion roadmap and basis of health policies, programs, health promotion, and other activities at the national, regional, as well as in local levels.

Final Words

By signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Baguio City has become a more attractive city to visit and invest your future in. Securing a home in a city wherein health and wellness are prioritized is one priority that every family should put first. If you are a traveler, visiting Baguio City will be a safe place to stay.

The Bern Baguio truly imbibes the spirit of taking care of the environment and wellness for all its residents. At the heart of the city, the Bern Baguio is a break from all the hustle and bustle of city life. Full of Swiss-inspired Crosswinds within a mountain full of tall pine trees, wake up to the fresh air of Baguio City from your room in Bern Baguio.

If you have made up your mind, Brittany Corporation offers a wide range of properties that can help get you started. Not only will you get that elegant and sophisticated vibe, you will also get that well-deserved rest, knowing that your health and wellness is a top priority. Relax in the beauty that Brittany can offer.

Choose a home where your family can enjoy their everyday life. Book an appointment now and keep up with their recent activities and postings.

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