Politics · Philippines Bureau
DOH to impose strict guidelines for health facility funding allocation
The Department of Health will establish new performance-based criteria that health units must meet to qualify for government funding. Health Secretary Edwin Mercado outlined the framework during budget deliberations with lawmakers.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Department of Health is introducing a standardized set of guidelines to govern the distribution of funds to health facilities nationwide, according to Health Secretary Edwin Mercado. The initiative was disclosed during the House committee on appropriations' budget hearing on the DOH's 2027 funding request. Under the new framework, health units will be required to comply with specified criteria before becoming eligible to receive government allocations. Mercado told lawmakers that the guidelines are designed to ensure accountability and optimal utilization of health sector resources. The move comes as the DOH seeks to improve efficiency in fund management and strengthen oversight mechanisms across its healthcare delivery network. The specific performance metrics and compliance requirements under the guidelines are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.