President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration is stepping up efforts to establish specialty healthcare centers across the country to bring critical medical services closer to Filipinos outside Metro Manila.
Marcos made the statement on Friday as he led the inauguration of the Brain and Spine Center at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City, a facility expected to expand access to specialized treatment for patients in Cagayan Valley and nearby areas.
The President said the COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in the country’s healthcare system, particularly the limited availability of specialty medical facilities in the provinces. He said the government is addressing this by continuing to invest in healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
“So all of this is kailangan talaga natin at patuloy nating ginagawa at nagpapatayo tayo,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive said the administration is targeting the establishment of 349 specialty centers nationwide before the end of his term in 2028.
“As of now, we are targeting 349 specialty centers by the time I leave office in 2028,” Marcos said before healthcare workers and local officials.
Marcos also cited the expansion of benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), saying PhilHealth remains financially capable of broadening medical assistance for patients.
“Ang PhilHealth naman, very healthy naman. Kaya naman nila siguro mag-cover. Kaya tinitingnan natin kung ano ba ang mga mas maidagdag pa na serbisyo ng PhilHealth,” he said.
The President said dialysis coverage has already been expanded, along with the period of financial assistance for patients suffering from kidney disease. He added that maintenance medicines for kidney transplant patients are now covered to help reduce the financial burden on families.
“Marami kasi may renal failure, hindi magpa-kidney transplant, takot sa gamot pagkatapos… pero ngayon, covered na ng PhilHealth,” Marcos said.
He said the government has also significantly increased coverage for cancer treatment, while continuing to strengthen maternal and child healthcare programs.
Marcos pointed to the Department of Health’s “first 1,000 days” program, which supports mothers and children from pregnancy to early childhood through nutrition, vaccination, and other essential health interventions.
He said healthcare programs must focus not only on treating illnesses but also on prevention and early support.
“Hindi lamang ‘yung paggamot, kailangan that the first 1,000 days, lahat ng bakuna kukumpletuhin para doon sa bata. All the vaccinations will be given,” he said.
Marcos stressed that a stronger healthcare system is crucial to building a productive society where Filipinos can work, support their families, and improve their quality of life.
“So, it is very important because we have to have a healthy society para naman eh tayong lahat makapaghanap buhay nang mabuti para naman makatulong tayo sa mga pamilya natin,” the President said.
He assured the public that the government will continue implementing health programs while listening to recommendations from communities, local officials, and healthcare workers.
“Kami naman ay nakikinig at sabihan niyo kami. Kung kaya namin gawin at magpapaganda talaga doon sa sistema, gagawin po natin,” Marcos said.
The President expressed optimism that the new Brain and Spine Center would provide much-needed specialized care to patients who previously had to travel long hours to Metro Manila for treatment.