The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) voiced its support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s initiatives to improve access to essential medicines for Filipinos. PSAC emphasizes that through streamlined processes and increased resources, the public healthcare system can better serve the population, aligning with the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act's goals.

A key recommendation from PSAC is for the Department of Health (DOH) to expedite the review and inclusion of additional medicines into the Philippine National Formulary (PNF). Expanding this list to include treatments for conditions such as cough and breast cancer would make essential medicines more accessible to those who rely on the public health system.

PSAC also advocates for reform in the current approval process for new medicines and treatments, which can be lengthy and complex. By updating administrative policies, the government could accelerate approvals without compromising legal standards. To make this a reality, PSAC urges immediate amendments to Republic Act 11223 (UHC Act), enabling a streamlined approval process.

The council also addressed the challenges faced by the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Council, which plays a vital role in reviewing new medicines. With a staff of only 30, the HTA Council is struggling to meet demand. PSAC recommends expanding the number of assessors to boost productivity, bringing the council in line with international benchmarks. Additionally, targeted training programs would equip HTA assessors with the skills needed to keep pace with rising demands for swift decision-making.

Paolo F. Borromeo, PSAC Health Sector Lead and President and CEO of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), shared, “Our final PSAC Health meeting of the year with President Marcos Jr. focused on expanding the radiologic technologist workforce, accelerating PhilHealth’s coverage for priority diseases, and digitizing services.”

“Ensuring better access to essential medicines remains a top priority as we move into the new year. I am grateful to our partners in government and my PSAC colleagues for their dedication to advancing affordable, quality healthcare for all Filipinos,” added Borromeo.

Through these recommendations and continued collaboration with government agencies, PSAC is committed to advancing reforms that make essential medicines and quality healthcare more accessible to Filipinos.