MANILA, Philippines, April 10, 2026 – The Department of Health (DOH) outlined key measures on medicines, health programs, and healthcare access during a special session of Kapihan sa Manila Hotel held on April 10, 2026, at the Champagne Salon, The Manila Hotel. Hosted by Atty. Joey Lina, former senator and president of The Manila Hotel, the session featured DOH Secretary Dr. Teodoro “Ted” J. Herbosa as the honored guest. The discussion centered on current DOH initiatives on medicine affordability, drug supply monitoring, healthcare access, and support for vulnerable sectors amid global uncertainty.

During the forum, Secretary Herbosa said there is currently no supply problem affecting essential medicines, but noted that the main concern is the possible increase in prices due to higher shipping and logistics costs. He said the department is monitoring the situation closely and is in discussions with stakeholders to help prevent unreasonable increases in medicine prices. He then assured that the prices will not increase at least until June.

As part of these efforts, DOH is continuing the implementation of the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008 (Republic Act No. 9502) and related price monitoring mechanisms. Secretary Herbosa said the department has presented a Drug Price Reference Index (DPRI), often accessed via the eGovPH application, and continues to implement its Drug Price Watch, which monitors retail and wholesale medicine prices. He added that a quarterly report is expected by the end of April and that DOH has started weekly monitoring of 10 commonly used medicines, including drugs for hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol, to guard against possible price escalation. The department also noted that the President has the authority to impose a price cap when necessary.

The forum also highlighted broader healthcare access measures being implemented by the department. Among these is Zero Balance Billing in DOH hospitals for patients in ward or shared accommodation. DOH said around 2 million Filipinos have benefited from the program, with a total cost of ₱2 billion. It added that the average cost per discharged patient is about ₱57,000, sourced from PhilHealth support, indigent assistance, and maintenance and other operating expenses.

DOH likewise provided updates on the Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS), which it described as a facility model designed to respond to outpatient needs. The department noted that around 80 percent of those seeking treatment are outpatient cases and said BUCAS centers are intended to provide one-stop access to consultation, laboratory tests, ultrasound, prescriptions, and urgent care. From an initial 28 BUCAS centers, the number has now reached 63, particularly serving poorer areas.

During the media question-and-answer session, DOH also discussed PhilHealth benefit programs, including PhilHealth YAKAP: Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, which aims to help Filipinos safeguard their health and prevent illness by providing an outpatient benefit package worth ₱1,700 annually, and the PhilHealth Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) package, which provides up to ₱20,000 per year in free outpatient medicines for eligible members and dependents. According to DOH, these programs are being implemented in areas including the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu, Quezon, and Region IV-A, with plans for nationwide rollout as a PhilHealth benefit.

Secretary Herbosa also announced that a medical service fair will be held for jeepney, tricycle, and TNVS drivers at the DOH Gym in Manila on Thursday, April 16. He said drivers will receive free health services and medicines during the activity, as part of efforts to assist vulnerable sectors facing economic pressure. The department likewise discussed health support measures for overseas Filipino workers and other Filipinos affected by external crises, including health and mental health assessment, telemedicine support for OFWs, and mental health interventions.

During the forum, DOH also reminded the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses amid rising temperatures. Secretary Herbosa advised Filipinos to drink plenty of water, keep cool, and watch for signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, particularly among outdoor workers, children, older persons, and those with existing health conditions. He also reminded the public to observe proper food and water safety during hot weather to reduce the risk of spoilage, contamination, and illness.

Meanwhile, before the forum ended, Secretary Herbosa was also asked to comment on allegations being raised against him in relation to medicine procurement and stockpiling. He said he had not received any official notice from the Ombudsman and was awaiting a formal complaint. He added that the matter could be addressed through existing documentation, including Commission on Audit reports.

The special Kapihan sa Manila Hotel session served as a venue for DOH to present its current measures to protect medicine affordability, monitor supply conditions, and strengthen healthcare access amid external pressures. The department reiterated its commitment to ensuring that essential medicines and healthcare services remain within reach of Filipino patients, particularly during periods of global uncertainty.

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About Kapihan sa Manila Hotel:

Kapihan sa Manila Hotel (Kapihan) stands as a distinguished platform for dialogue and progress, organized and hosted by The Manila Hotel’s esteemed president and former Senator, Atty. Jose “Joey” D. Lina, Jr. This weekly forum is designed to engage media members on a diverse array of topics and issues of national interest. It serves as a dynamic meeting ground for government officials, industry experts, journalists, content creators, and community members. Each session of Kapihan features Atty. Lina, alongside Manila Bulletin Publisher Mr. Sonny Coloma, who guides the discussions. A curated panel of guests delves into a specific topic, followed by an interactive segment, where media participants can pose questions. Building on its success, Kapihan has expanded its dialogues to The Manila Hotel’s sister property, and now hosting Kapihan sa Manila Prince once a month. To broaden its reach and facilitate a wider audience engagement, Kapihan is streamed live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Joey.Lina.51)