Health officials, local government leaders, healthcare providers, and patient groups gathered in Pampanga on October 18 for a roundtable discussion led by the Unilab Center for Health Policy (UCHP). The event was part of a nationwide initiative aimed at gathering feedback on PhilHealth’s Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program, which seeks to provide accessible, preventive healthcare for Filipinos.
Launched in 2020, Konsulta offers a comprehensive outpatient benefits package designed to promote early detection of diseases, prevent chronic illnesses, and make essential medications affordable. Registered Filipinos can access consultations, screenings, laboratory tests, and essential medicines through accredited providers.
The Pampanga forum is part of a series of discussions titled “Working Towards UHC’s Comprehensive Outpatient Benefit Package.” The goal is to refine the Konsulta Manual of Operations (MOP), a guidebook developed by UCHP to help healthcare providers and local government units implement the program more effectively.
Unilab Foundation Executive Director, Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, emphasized the importance of addressing the gaps in primary healthcare, which is often seen as fragmented and uncoordinated. He stressed that the roundtable discussions aim to take meaningful steps towards achieving the promise of Universal Health Care (UHC).
During the event, the current draft of the Konsulta MOP, authored by Dr. Maeda Gonda and Dr. Shirley Domingo, was presented. Attendees were encouraged to share their insights based on their experiences with the program. The guidebook outlines key aspects of Konsulta, including membership registration, provider accreditation, and claims processes, with the aim of improving the efficiency and accessibility of the program.
UCHP Program Director, Ruben Basa, expressed the foundation’s commitment to supporting Konsulta. “When the program was launched, one of our priorities was to develop the Manual of Operations to guide its implementation,” he said.
The discussion also highlighted ongoing challenges in the Philippine healthcare system. Despite having over 2,600 accredited primary care facilities, there is still a gap in meeting the ideal ratio of one facility per 20,000 people. Additionally, out-of-pocket healthcare spending remains high, with 45% of total health expenditures in 2022 coming from private payments. Konsulta is seen as a key initiative to help reduce these expenses by providing affordable outpatient care.
Basa emphasized the need to shift the healthcare mindset in the country. “Filipinos often seek care only when serious health issues arise. Konsulta encourages proactive healthcare, ensuring quality and affordable services are accessible to all while protecting against financial risks,” he said.
