There is only one doctor for every 10,000 Filipinos across every region.

According to non-government organization IBON Foundation, the national average stands at five doctors per 10,000 population, with 12 regions falling below the average.

The Bangsamoro region has an even lower rate, at 0.4 doctors per 10,000 population.

Only the Cordillera Administrative Region (13.4) and the National Capital Region (10.9) are two out of 17 regions in the Philippines that have met the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 10 doctors per 10,000 population.

‘Healthcare workforce crisis’

Independent public healthcare advocate Dr. Tony Leachon said the Philippines is "losing the very heartbeat" of its healthcare system, citing what he called the current healthcare workforce crisis.

Leachon, in a statement sent to the Daily Tribune, attributed the low ratio of doctors per region to low salary and “impossible workloads,” aggravated by underinvested health infrastructure.

He stressed that many regions lack basic hospital facilities, forcing patients to travel hours for care.

"The ratio of physicians to population is dangerously low. In some provinces, one doctor serves tens of thousands. This is not just unsustainable—it is inhumane," he said.

Leachon pointed out that while the promise of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law is noble, it cannot be fulfilled when there are few healers.

To address the underlying healthcare issues, Leachon recommended implementing a National Health Workforce Retention Program, which would allow doctors to receive competitive salaries.

He also called on the national government to incentivize deployment to underserved areas and accelerate hospital construction and upgrading, with priority given to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

"We need leaders who will not just sign laws—but fight for their souls. Who will not just speak of health—but invest in it. Who will not just count doctors—but care for them," he said. "The Filipino people deserve a healthcare system that heals—not one that hemorrhages. The time to act is now. Because when our doctors leave, our hope leaves with them."