**HEALTHCARE CRISIS: MISUSE OF FUNDS JEOPARDIZES THE FUTURE OF UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE**
In an emotional and urgent presentation at the Senate of the Philippines today, Dr. Anthony C. Leachon has revealed a grave injustice threatening the health and well-being of millions of Filipinos. The errant transfer of funds meant for the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law is endangering lives and undermining the very essence of healthcare equality.
In 2019, the UHC Act was a beacon of hope for every Filipino. It promised to provide high-quality, equitable healthcare services to all, ensuring that no one would be financially crippled by medical expenses. This legislation was a pledge to care for our most vulnerable, guaranteeing PhilHealth benefits, including comprehensive outpatient services. However, this promise requires significant funding: PhP 2.34 trillion, PhP 1.68 trillion, and PhP 1.22 trillion for the fiscal years 2023-2026 under high, medium, and low scenarios respectively.
It is indeed a dire funding crisis. The Department of Health (DOH) planned to gather these funds from sin tax collections and income from PAGCOR and PCSO. Yet, these sources fall woefully short, underscoring the urgent need for direct, substantial funding to make the UHC law a reality.
Pero hindi kayang tabunan ng kahit na anong ingay ang katotohanan: Kung parehong uri ng pamamahala at pareho ang pagkatao ng mga magwawagi sa araw ng halalan, wala tayong aasahang pagbabago.