MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro “Ted” J. Herbosa today assured the public that prices of essential medicines are expected to remain stable at least until June, even as the Department of Health (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 and The Manila Hotel president, Herbosa said there is currently no shortage of medicines in the country but warned 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 prevent unreasonable increases, noting that the department has intensified price surveillance nationwide.
Tracking and Monitoring Medicine Prices
Central to these efforts is the expanded use of the Drug Price Reference Index (DPRI), now accessible through the eGovPH application, alongside the department’s Drug Price Watch system, which tracks both retail and wholesale prices.
The DOH has also begun weekly monitoring of 10 commonly used medicines, including those for hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol, on top of its regular quarterly reporting, with the next report due by 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, raising concerns over potential cost increases in essential goods, including medicines.
Expanding Healthcare Access Programs
Beyond price controls, the DOH highlighted expanded healthcare access programs, underscoring the scale of government support for vulnerable patients. Around 2 million Filipinos have already benefited from the Zero Balance Billing policy in DOH hospitals, which covers hospitalization costs for patients admitted 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 facilities nationwide, particularly in underserved areas. Designed to handle the roughly 80 percent of cases that do not require confinement, BUCAS centers provide a one-stop hub for consultations, diagnostics, and urgent care.
Meanwhile, DOH reported progress in expanding outpatient benefits under PhilHealth. These include the YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), which provides ₱1,700 in annual outpatient support, and the GAMOT package, offering up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines yearly for qualified members. The programs are currently being implemented in select regions, including Metro Manila, Cebu, Quezon, and Region IV-A, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Support for Transport Workers and OFWs
In a move aimed at easing the burden on transport workers, Herbosa also announced a medical service fair on April 16 at the DOH Gym in Manila, where jeepney, tricycle, and TNVS drivers will receive free consultations, 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-related illnesses, emphasizing hydration, cooling measures, and early recognition of symptoms such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. He added that proper food and water handling is critical during high temperatures to prevent illness.
When asked about allegations related to medicine procurement and stockpiling, Herbosa said he has not received any formal complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman and is prepared to respond once due process 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 to shield Filipinos from the impact of global disruptions, while ensuring that essential medicines and healthcare services remain accessible.
