Health

Given the remarkable strides in improving health outcomes since the 1970s, Filipinos are generally living longer and healthier lives than their predecessors. But despite these advances, the country lags behind many of its neighbours on key health indicators, such as the maternal mortality rate and incidence of tuberculosis. Its health expenditure is also considerably less than other countries in South-east Asia. At the same time, lifestyle diseases are emerging as a new health challenge, requiring different responses. These are the issues that the Philippines faces as it moves forward with its commitment to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that all Filipinos have access to quality, affordable health care.

This chapter contains interviews with Paulyn Jean B Rosell-Ubial, Secretary, Department of Health; and Dr Edgardo R Cortez, President and CEO, St Luke’s Medical Centre.