Politics · Philippines Bureau
Lawmaker criticizes slashed health budget amid physician shortage crisis
A congressional representative has called for increased Department of Health funding after the agency's 2027 budget allocation fell significantly short of its request. The health department received P353.8 billion, less than half its proposed P837 billion appropriation.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio of the ACT Teachers party-list on Saturday voiced strong opposition to planned reductions in the Department of Health's budget, citing ongoing shortages of medical personnel across the country.
Under the 2027 National Expenditure Program, the DOH's allocation of P353.8 billion represents a substantial reduction from its requested amount of P837 billion, according to budget documents reviewed by the lawmaker.
Tinio argued that the cuts would further strain an already overburdened healthcare system struggling to maintain adequate physician and medical staff levels in hospitals and health facilities nationwide. The budget shortfall threatens to exacerbate existing gaps in healthcare delivery, he said.
The legislator's criticism underscores broader concerns among healthcare advocates about funding constraints limiting the government's ability to address personnel gaps and expand medical services. The DOH has previously reported difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified medical professionals, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The health budget allocation will likely face continued scrutiny during congressional deliberations on the 2027 budget proposal in the coming weeks.