Japan is providing a USD187.82 million (around P11.53 billion) loan to help strengthen the Philippines’ implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
The DFA announced Tuesday that the Philippines and Japan signed diplomatic notes for the Build Universal Health Care Program Subprogram 3-Emergency Support (BUHC3), a development cooperation project aimed at improving the country’s health system.
DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the agreement reflects the continued partnership between the two countries in expanding access to quality healthcare services.
“This reaffirms the strong commitment of the Philippines and Japan to ensuring quality, accessible, and equitable healthcare for every Filipino,” Lazaro said.
The loan will support reforms in three key areas: sustainable health financing and strategic purchasing under UHC, integrated delivery of quality health services, and improved information management and accountability systems.
The project will be implemented and co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The DFA said BUHC3 aims to improve access to healthcare services, including those responsive to gender-specific health needs and the effects of climate change on public health.
The latest assistance builds on previous phases of the Build Universal Health Care Program.
BUHC Subprogram 1 was implemented from January 2019 to May 2021 with support from the ADB, while BUHC Subprogram 2 ran from July 2021 to September 2023 with financing support from ADB, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and JICA.
The DFA said the latest phase continues the Philippines-Japan development partnership in strengthening healthcare systems and advancing the goals of universal health coverage nationwide.
Photo courtesy of Left Voice
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