President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has expressed support for key healthcare reforms proposed by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare Sector, which include expanding hospital facilities, increasing access to medicines, and strengthening PhilHealth’s support to ease out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

During the 8th PSAC Healthcare Sector Meeting at Malacañan Palace on 6 March, Marcos commended the private sector’s role in driving healthcare improvements, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in ensuring better medical services for Filipinos.

PSAC has recommended updates to hospital licensing requirements and physical facility standards to speed up the establishment of new healthcare facilities. The proposed shift to outcome-based regulations aims to streamline hospital renewal processes and promote network-based healthcare models, which could help address the country’s hospital bed deficit amid growing patient demand.

To improve medicine accessibility, PSAC is advocating for the expansion of community pharmacies, particularly in underserved areas. The council is exploring a regulatory sandbox approach that would allow licensed pharmacists to oversee multiple pharmacy branches remotely using telepharmacy services. A reported shortage of 27,500 registered pharmacists, coupled with uneven pharmacy distribution, has underscored the urgency of implementing innovative solutions.

PSAC is also working with PhilHealth to expand benefit packages, upgrade IT systems, and enhance financial transparency. The Konsulta Program, which provides free outpatient consultations and diagnostic tests, has seen significant growth, with over 21% of Filipinos now covered, compared to just 0.37% in 2021. Additionally, PSAC is pushing for expedited approval of 14 essential medicines targeting conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers to help lower treatment costs.

"We are working towards a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system," said Paolo Borromeo, PSAC Healthcare Sector Lead and AC Health CEO. “Collaboration between the government and private sector is key to ensuring that every Filipino, regardless of financial standing, has access to quality healthcare.”

With Marcos’ backing, PSAC continues to strengthen public–private partnerships aimed at lowering healthcare costs and improving the country’s health system for future generations.