MANILA -- Malacañang on Tuesday issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 26, adopting the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020-2040, directing and encouraging all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to support the initiative by setting up health facilities for their constituents.

“The PHFDP 2020-2040, which is annexed to this Circular, is hereby adopted,” the circular, issued by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stated.

“In accordance with their respective mandates, all concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all LGUs are hereby encouraged, to undertake efforts in support of the implementation of the PHFDP, and the plans and programs specified therein.”

The circular further directs the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to facilitate the dissemination and ensure the effective implementation of the PHFDP at the local level.

The DOH was also tasked to assist and support LGUs in translating the plan into long-term local health facility development plan, and to coordinate with LGUs in formulating policies for the establishment of primary care provider networks and health care providers networks.

The department will also monitor the implementation of the development plan of local health facilities and encourage LGUs to enter into public-private partnerships (PPPs) to address the gaps in the PHFDP with the assistance of the PPP Center.

At the same time, the DOH will issue guidelines to effectively implement the circular and may request the assistance of other relevant government agencies and offices in the formulation of the guidelines.

“Moreover, the DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments and the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, shall study, formulate, and implement policies that will encourage both domestic and international enterprises from the private sector to invest in health facilities aimed at addressing gaps in the PHFDP,” the circular further states.

The circular’s implementation will be funded by the existing appropriations of respective agencies and LGUs.

The DOH crafted the PHFDP to serve as the country’s overall strategy for infrastructure and medical investment with the end in view of ensuring a strong primary care and integrated health system for every Filipino, consistent with the Republic Act (RA) No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

RA No. 11223 provides that the State shall adopt a framework that fosters a whole-of-system, whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach in the development and implementation of health policies, programs and plans to ensure people-oriented approach in the delivery of health services.

The health plan operationalizes one of the strategies under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, particularly on the promotion of human and social development by boosting health through an accessible, efficient, and strengthened health care system.  (PND)