Gov’t must clarify private sector’s role in universal health care — study

THE government must have a comprehensive plan to accommodate private investment in its bid to achieve universal health care coverage, according the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Public- private investment partnerships (PPIP) will allow businesses to co-finance, engineer and operate public healthcare facilities.

“Through this partnership, it becomes possible for the government to deliver high-quality and affordable preventive and curative care at the same, minimal, or zero out-of-pocket (OOP) expense to citizens who were availing of the service from previous poorly run public facilities,” according to the PIDS policy note “PPP options for universal health coverage in the Philippines.”

Three approaches should be considered by the government for better health service development and delivery. These are primary care, hospital- based care and an integrated healthcare system.

“A comprehensive health plan clarifies the role of PPPs in the health system and in attaining UHC (universal health coverage). A long-term plan will guide the government on what projects they should be prioritizing and who they should be collaborating with,” read PIDS policy note.

Moreover, a legal framework is seen to protect both public and private sectors and to give them accountability for contingencies in health programs as these guidelines will map out how partnerships will operate as well as ensure that private investors will have sufficient incentive to cooperate.

“Furthermore, both public and private sectors must share the risks and benefits and maintain an open dialogue on the design, scope, and details of the partnership,” said the local think tank.

PIDS also suggested a regulatory framework to monitor projects, keep track of partners and technical assistance for the partnership.

“An independent body is also needed for an unbiased and consistent monitoring and evaluation of projects,” said PIDS.

Both public and private sectors must be well-equipped to enter into long-term universal health care investment partnerships, PIDS said.

“This means that the public sector should have the capacity to handle the technical requirements of the project, including regulation and enforcement, while the private sector should meet the quality standards so as to achieve better health outcomes,” said PIDS. —