PRO-Health - Promoting Rights Organizing for Health

PhilHealth’s Gamot, launched in August 2025, expanded the initial 21 free medicines to 75 with a yearly limit of P20,000 at select clinics and pharmacies. This can be availed by every PhilHealth member enrolled in a Yakap clinic. Here’s what you need to know about the program.

READ MORE: https://inqnews.net/PhilHealthGamot

RESEARCH | There is a need to evaluate the current staffing and workload of healthcare facilities in the country, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

The present study assessed staffing and workload situations among three classes of healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, and midwives) in six primary care facilities in Surigao del Norte. Data were gathered through records review, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The findings showed varying levels of staffing (adequate, shortage, or surplus) and workload pressures (normal, high, low, or very low) among the healthcare facilities.

Despite the results showing that the majority of the primary care facilities had adequate staffing levels and low to normal workload pressures, understanding the community and situational factors influencing these results is crucial to ensure responsive planning and distribution of healthcare workers. The deployment program of the Department of Health contributed to reduced workload burden in some facilities, although staff maldistribution should be addressed. Situational limitations, such as temporary facility closures, recordkeeping problems, and health service delivery restrictions among the facilities, should also be considered when interpreting the current findings.

This study emphasizes the need for evidence-based planning to improve the distribution of human resources for health, particularly in underserved regions.

Authors: Laurence Lloyd B. Parial (College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila), Erwin William A. Leyva (National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Maryland, USA), Kathryn Lizbeth L. Siongco (College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila), Luz Barbara P. Dones (College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila), Alexandra Belle S. Bernal (College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila), Julianne Anika C. Lupisan (College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila), Daphne C. Santos (Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila), Micah Marnie C. Diamaoden (ollege of Nursing, Silliman University, Dumaguete City), and Sheila R. Bonito (College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila)

Published in Acta Medica Philippina

Read more: https://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/research/although-adequately-staffed-some-healthcare-facilities-in-gidas-face-uneven-distribution-of-health-workers-and-reliance-on-temporary-staff/

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Ex-DBM chief Pangandaman faces raps over P60 billion PhilHealth fund transfer Former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman is facing a complaint for alleged technical malversation, graft, and other administrative raps over the unconstitutional transfer of the P60 billion excess funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the P107 billion funds of the P...

👩‍⚕️ NEW PROCEEDINGS: Empowering Our Barangay Health Workers 🏥🇵🇭

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) serve as the vital first line of defense in the Philippine healthcare system. How can we ensure they have continuous access to updated, evidence-based medical information to better serve rural communities?

We are proud to release Proceedings, "Empowering Barangay Health Workers Through the UpToDate Club: Sustained Learning and Engagement in Rural Healthcare (2025)." Authored by Christine Benosa, Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan, Dr. Leonila Dans, and Angeline Viel Castillo, this publication documents a year-long learning initiative conducted from January 9 to November 27, 2025. Organized by our Program on Health Systems Development (PHSD), it highlights the impact of digital knowledge-sharing tools on grassroots medical care.

🔍 Key Highlights from the Proceedings:
📱 The UpToDate Club: Evaluating how a dedicated, localized learning circle leverages digital health tools to bridge information gaps for community health volunteers.
🌱 Sustained Engagement: Insights on maintaining active participation and continuous training for BHWs throughout a multi-month, rural-focused program.
🏥 Grassroots Impact: Examining how up-to-date scientific findings translate into immediate, practical care for patients in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).
💡 Policy Implications: Recommendations on embedding digital learning resources into local government health units to institutionalize continuous training for primary healthcare providers.

By equipping our local health heroes with the right data, we strengthen the foundation of Universal Health Care across the country.

📖 Download the full proceedings for FREE here:
https://cids.up.edu.ph/proceeding/empowering-barangay-health-workers-uptodate-club-sustained-learning-engagement-rural-healthcare-2025/

PRESS RELEASE | NYC CALLS ON SK LEADERS TO CHAMPION YOUTH HEALTH IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The National Youth Commission (NYC) is calling on Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials across the country to become stronger champions of youth health and well-being in their communities, following the approval of a resolution encouraging young leaders to actively promote and help implement health-related laws at the grassroots level.

Approved by the Commission Proper through ad referendum on May 19, 2026, under the leadership of Chairperson and CEO Undersecretary Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega, the resolution reinforces the growing role of the youth in building healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Sponsored by the Commissioner representing Mindanao and Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) Chairperson on Health, Assistant Secretary Bianca Patrice C. Go, the measure recognizes SK officials not only as representatives of the youth sector but also as frontliners in advancing health awareness, inclusion, and community-driven governance.

Grounded in the 1987 Constitution, the Youth in Nation-Building Act, and the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act, the resolution underscores the State’s responsibility to empower young Filipinos and ensure their active participation in programs and policies that directly affect their welfare. Among the key laws highlighted in the resolution were the Universal Health Care Act, Mental Health Act, Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, and Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Aligned with the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023–2028, the initiative envisions a generation of empowered youth capable of making informed and healthy choices, accessing quality health services, and contributing meaningfully to nation-building.

Recognizing the realities faced by many young Filipinos today, the NYC emphasized the vital role of SKs in localizing health initiatives and making them more accessible at the community level. The resolution encourages SK officials to integrate health-centered programs and activities into their Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP) and Annual Barangay Youth Investment Plan (ABYIP), such as information drives, youth forums, and community dialogues, while strengthening partnerships with local health offices, schools, and other stakeholders, ensuring that youth health remains a priority in local governance. It also emphasizes the importance of inclusive programs that prioritize marginalized and vulnerable sectors, including indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, women, youth in conflict with the law, and individuals with diverse SOGIESC.

For the NYC, meaningful and sustainable health programs begin when young people themselves are empowered to lead. Through stronger youth participation and community engagement, the Commission hopes to inspire a new generation of SK officials to become proactive advocates for youth health in every barangay. As communities continue to face evolving health challenges, the NYC’s latest initiative sends a clear message: the youth are not just the future of the nation—they are active partners in building healthier and more resilient communities today.

ADB and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria signed their first cofinancing agreement on 13 May 2026, providing $2 million in technical assistance to support universal health care (UHC) reforms in the Philippines.
Building on the memorandum of understanding signed in 2024, the assistance will strengthen the Philippines’ Building Universal Health Care (BUHC) program, by enhancing domestic health financing and integrating HIV and tuberculosis services into national systems, supporting the country’s transition to sustainable UHC.
Read more about the partnership: https://ow.ly/kLcC50Z0Ya0