UHC integration sites reach 114 nationwide

The number of Universal Health Care Integration Sites (UHC-IS) nationwide has climbed to 114, covering 95 percent of the country’s provinces, highly urbanized cities and independent component cities, the Department of Health said Friday.

The department attributed the expansion to stronger collaboration among local governments and health agencies in building a more responsive health system and bringing quality medical services closer to Filipinos.

The 114 sites represent a significant increase from the 58 recorded in 2020, a year after the signing of the Universal Health Care Act in 2019.

UHC-IS link healthcare facilities, from community health centers to hospitals, to provide faster and more affordable medical services.

The DoH said the milestone reflects continued efforts to strengthen cooperation and build a more resilient health system.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Edwin Mercado led the UHC Summit on Thursday, 5 November, where he emphasized the role of local government units in determining how healthcare and primary care services should be strengthened, improved and delivered.

The summit brought together representatives from the World Health Organization, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, local governments and other government agencies.