PauloAbad
Aside from its powdery white-sand beaches, endless natural beauty, and relative low cost of living, the Philippines is known for being one of the Southeast Asian countries with considerably good and affordable healthcare system. But just how reliable is it? Let’s take a closer look.
The General Outlook
According to a 2015 healthcare report made by Deloitte, the level of per-person healthcare spending in the Philippines is quite low compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Due to low public financing, this level is expected to drop further as time goes. Moreover, the Philippines’ healthcare spending continues to soar. From an estimated $12.5 billion in 2013, the spending increased to around $20 billion last 2018.
Medical Personnel Shortages
Another challenge faced the the Philippine Healthcare system is the lack of medical personnel. Although the archipelago boasts a higher medical-practitioner-to-patient ratio compared to other Southeast Asian Countries (there’s approximately 1 doctor per 1,000 Pinoys), these figures are significantly lower when compared with those from developed countries like the UK, Germany, and the US. One of the reasons for this dilemma is that many licensed Filipino medical practitioners choose to work abroad for one reason or another.
PhilHealth
In an effort to meet the demand for improved healthcare in the Philippines, the government passed the Universal Healthcare Bill in 2013, promising premium health insurance for all Filipinos, especially the poor. This bill helped create PhilHealth, a government organization that helps provide health insurance coverage as well as affordable and acceptable health services for all Philippine citizens. The system works like this: the healthy help provide medical financing for the care needed by the sick, with those able to afford medical services subsidizing those who can’t. The premiums are based on the individual’s age and income. Even expats can apply for a PhilHealth membership, provided that they meet certain conditions.
Available Hospitals
The Philippines has many private and public healthcare facilities. However, the private hospitals tend to be preferred by many for the better facilities and technologies they offer, although they’re the more expensive choice. It’s also important to take note that some of the Philippines’ best medical practitioners and clinical practice serve in the public sector. Notable premium hospitals in Metro Manila include the Alabang Medical Center, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, the Medical City, and St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.
The Bottom Line
The Philippine Healthcare System may have a long way to go, but it’s still one of the best healthcare systems in Southeast Asia. So whether you’re a local or an expat planning to retire in the archipelago, you can rest assured that your medical needs would be met in the Philippines.