MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro “Ted” J. Herbosa today assured the public thatprices of essential medicines are expected to remain stable at least until June, even as the Department ofHealth (DOH) ramps up monitoring efforts amid rising global shipping and logistics costs.
Speaking at a special session of Kapihan sa Manila Hotel hosted by Atty. Joey Lina, former senator andThe Manila Hotel president, Herbosa said there is currently no shortage of medicines in the country butwarned that external pressures could eventually drive prices upward if left unchecked.
Herbosa said the DOH is closely monitoring the situation and working with stakeholders to preventunreasonable increases, noting that the department has intensified price surveillance nationwide.
Central to these efforts is the expanded use of the Drug Price Reference Index (DPRI), now accessiblethrough the eGovPH application, alongside the department’s Drug Price Watch system, which tracks bothretail and wholesale prices.
The DOH has also begun weekly monitoring of 10 commonly used medicines—including those forhypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol—on top of its regular quarterly reporting, with the next report dueby end-April. The agency added that the President may impose price caps if warranted.
The Health chief’s remarks come as global uncertainties continue to affect supply chains, raisingconcerns over potential cost increases in essential goods, including medicines.
Beyond price controls, the DOH highlighted expanded healthcare access programs, underscoring thescale of government support for vulnerable patients. Around 2 million Filipinos have already benefitedfrom the Zero Balance Billing policy in DOH hospitals, which covers hospitalization costs for patientsadmitted in wards or shared accommodations. The program has so far cost ₱2 billion, with an average of₱57,000 per patient funded through PhilHealth and government subsidies.
The DOH is also accelerating the rollout of its Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS)centers to ease hospital congestion. From 28 initial sites, the number has grown to 63 facilitiesnationwide, particularly in underserved areas. Designed to handle the roughly 80 percent of cases that donot require confinement, BUCAS centers provide a one-stop hub for consultations, diagnostics, andurgent care.
Meanwhile, DOH reported progress in expanding outpatient benefits under PhilHealth. These include theYAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), which provides ₱1,700 in annual outpatient support, and theGAMOT package, offering up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines yearly for qualified members. Theprograms are currently being implemented in select regions, including Metro Manila, Cebu, Quezon, andRegion IV-A, with plans for nationwide expansion.
In a move aimed at easing the burden on transport workers, Herbosa also announced a medical servicefair on April 16 at the DOH Gym in Manila, where jeepney, tricycle, and TNVS drivers will receive freeconsultations, medicines, and other health services.
The DOH is likewise extending health and mental health support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)affected by global crises, including telemedicine access and psychosocial interventions.
Amid intensifying heat conditions, Herbosa also urged the public to take precautions against heat-relatedillnesses, emphasizing hydration, cooling measures, and early recognition of symptoms such as heatexhaustion and heat stroke. He added that proper food and water handling is critical during hightemperatures to prevent illness.
When asked about allegations related to medicine procurement and stockpiling, Herbosa said he has notreceived any formal complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman and is prepared to respond once dueprocess is observed, citing available documentation such as Commission on Audit reports.
The DOH said its intensified monitoring and expanded health programs are part of a broader effort toshield Filipinos from the impact of global disruptions, while ensuring that essential medicines andhealthcare services remain accessible.
