How to turn health care from election promise to reality

The recent May 12, 2025, elections in the Philippines demonstrated a clear message from the electorate: healthcare is a top priority. From Laguna to Cebu, winning local chief executives based their campaigns on promises to improve healthcare services, build local hospitals and super health centers, and provide free medicines to all. These commitments highlight the urgent need to address the gaps in the country’s healthcare system. However, while these plans are ambitious and commendable, the reality is that local governments cannot achieve these goals alone. The private sector must play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives through partnerships and innovative solutions. By working together, local government units (LGUs) and private entities can transform healthcare delivery and create sustainable, community-focused systems.

One of the most significant challenges faced by LGUs in fulfilling their healthcare promises is financial and operational capacity. Building hospitals and super health centers requires substantial investment, not only for construction but also for staffing, equipment, and maintenance. Many LGUs, especially in rural areas, operate with limited budgets and struggle to allocate sufficient funds for large-scale healthcare projects. The private sector can bridge this gap by providing financial capital, technical expertise, and innovative healthcare solutions. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be structured to share the costs and risks of building healthcare facilities while ensuring that services remain affordable and accessible.

Beyond infrastructure, access to free medicines remains a significant challenge, requiring a robust supply chain and sustainable funding. LGUs can collaborate with pharmaceutical companies and private healthcare providers to develop cost-efficient procurement and distribution programs. For example, bulk purchasing agreements can reduce costs, while private logistics companies ensure timely delivery. Partnerships with private pharmacies could also enable voucher systems, making medicines more accessible to constituents.

Addressing the healthcare workforce shortage is another area where the private sector can help. Continuous training and development are essential beyond hiring doctors, nurses, and technicians. Private medical institutions and universities can partner with LGUs to offer scholarships, internships, and training programs, encouraging professionals to serve underserved areas. Additionally, telemedicine services from private companies can bridge the gap in specialist availability, allowing for remote consultations and diagnoses in rural communities.

Innovation is another key area where the private sector can drive meaningful change. Technology-driven solutions like electronic medical records (EMRs), mobile health apps, and AI diagnostics can enhance healthcare efficiency and quality. Private tech companies can collaborate with LGUs to develop and implement these systems, ensuring modern healthcare reaches even remote communities. For instance, mobile health units equipped with diagnostic tools and staffed by trained personnel can deliver essential services to underserved areas.

The success of such partnerships hinges on strong governance and trust between the public and private sectors. LGUs must ensure transparency and accountability in public-private partnerships (PPPs), with clear guidelines on cost-sharing, service delivery, and quality standards. Agreements should prioritize community welfare, preventing profit-driven compromises on affordability and accessibility. By fostering open communication and collaboration, LGUs and private entities can align on shared goals and deliver impactful results.

The private sector also benefits from engaging in healthcare partnerships with LGUs. Aside from fulfilling corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, these collaborations provide opportunities to tap into new markets and expand their operations. For instance, private hospitals and clinics can partner with LGUs to manage local health centers, gaining access to a broader patient base while improving healthcare delivery. Pharmaceutical companies and medical equipment suppliers can benefit from long-term contracts with LGUs, ensuring stable demand for their products and services.

For the communities themselves, the impact of public-private healthcare initiatives can be transformative. Access to quality healthcare services, affordable medicines, and modern facilities improves the physical well-being of individuals and their overall quality of life. Healthier communities are more productive, contributing to economic growth and social stability. By prioritizing healthcare, LGUs are investing in the long-term development of their constituencies, and the private sector can be a vital partner in realizing this vision.

Ultimately, prioritizing healthcare by winning local chief executives in the recent elections is a promising step toward addressing the country’s healthcare challenges. However, LGUs cannot achieve these goals alone. The private sector has a unique opportunity to collaborate with local governments, offering resources, expertise, and innovation to improve healthcare delivery. Through transparent and accountable partnerships, LGUs and private entities can create sustainable healthcare systems that benefit all Filipinos. Together, they can turn campaign promises into tangible realities and ensure that healthcare becomes a cornerstone of community development.