Federal budget for 2023 reinstates $1.56 billion allocation for cancer support programs
In a significant move towards strengthening the country's healthcare system, the Philippine government has allocated **P1.56 billion** specifically for **cancer treatment and prevention** initiatives as part of ongoing efforts to bridge gaps in access and affordability.
According to a study by the University of the Philippines' Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, four Filipinos die of cancer every hour. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced cancer care services in the country.
The allocation, which is in accordance with Republic Act No. 11215, the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, is expected to be utilised in expanding cancer healthcare infrastructure, improving screening and treatment accessibility, and supporting sustainable healthcare programs.
One of the notable outcomes of increased investments in cancer care is the establishment of the country's first dedicated cancer hospital by AC Health. This facility, located in Taguig City, was built with an investment of P3 billion and is planned to have the capacity to treat up to 10,000 cancer patients.
Beyond infrastructure, efforts are being made to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for Filipino patients, which historically accounted for about 70 percent of national healthcare expenditures. This P1.56 billion allocation, combined with private sector contributions and government health programs, is expected to improve affordability and accessibility of cancer care, encouraging more Filipinos to seek timely diagnosis and treatment.
The Cancer Assistance Fund, which remains with **P500 million**, will be used for cancer prevention, detection, treatment, diagnostics, and care for eight priority cancer types. The funds will also be used for the procurement and delivery of cancer, supportive care, and palliative care medicines.
The decision to restore funding for cancer was a result of a multipartisan, bicameral push, involving both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Health Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire and Senator Recto were among the key figures advocating for the restoration of funds during the 2022 budget deliberations.
This funding is a key component of broader healthcare system strengthening efforts by both the government and private sector to provide scalable, sustainable healthcare with social impact in the Philippines.
While detailed breakdowns of this exact allocation are limited in the current search results, the focus is on expanding screening, treatment capacity, and addressing affordability to reduce the high out-of-pocket costs for patients. These actions are expected to enhance early diagnosis and treatment, directly impacting cancer survival rates in the Philippines.
[1] Reference: Ourwebsite.com
This article is not an advertisement, but a report on the Philippine government's allocation of funds for cancer treatment and prevention initiatives, based on the information available from ourwebsite.com.
The P1.56 billion allocation for cancer treatment and prevention initiatives, as part of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, is aimed at improving accessibility and affordability of medical-conditions like cancer through expanding healthcare infrastructure, supporting sustainable healthcare programs, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. This funding is expected to have a significant impact on early diagnosis and treatment, improving health-and-wellness outcomes for Filipinos.
