Advancing Universal Health Coverage in the Philippines through self-care interventions

Abstract

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a national priority of governments to provide quality healthcare services to all individuals, ensuring financial protection and equity. The progress towards UHC transition has largely been positive; however, to further advance it requires resources that low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may struggle to meet. To reach 80% effective UHC, countries must spend around USD 1500 (adjusted for purchasing power parity) annually per capita.1 In the Philippines, per capita health expenditure as of 2020 amounted only to around USD 430 (adjusted for purchasing power parity), highlighting the gap between the resources needed to make UHC work and the country's ability to make such investments.