A new study co-authored by RTSL on the Philippines’ Healthy Hearts program compared three ways to supply hypertension medicines under the country’s Universal Health Care law. Researchers found that centralized national procurement would cost government payers less than one-third of the current decentralized system, while relying on private pharmacies would be more expensive. The study recommends the government adopt centralized purchasing—potentially through Philippine Pharma Procurement Incorporated—to expand access and control costs.
With one in five Filipino adults living with hypertension and only 13% effectively treated, this approach could strengthen the 2021 Healthy Hearts program and advance equitable, preventive care nationwide.
