Abstract
This chapter looks at the status of health, health service delivery, and service utilization in Metro Manila (the National Capital Region) using the human security approach. It discusses the existing devolved health structure in the country and in Metro Manila and then assesses its’ health status and the utilization of health services, including access and equity issues. It looks at various policy options for health services in Metro Manila and in the Philippines in the context of the current devolved framework, the initial proposal of the Duterte administration for a federal form of government, and other alternative arrangements, like the creation of a special metropolitan or regional arrangement. Lessons from other countries are also discussed. Finally, the chapter concludes with an overall assessment of the health status and utilization of health services in Metro Manila, emphasizing positive areas as well as problem areas that need to be addressed.
A shorter version of this chapter was published as a policy brief: Atienza, Maria Ela L. 2020. “Health and Access in Metro Manila: Challenges and Possible Ways Forward.” UP CIDS Policy Brief 2020–11. Quezon City: University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies.
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Notes
- 1.
A large part of this section is based on the author’s previous work: Maria Ela L. Atienza (2004), “The Politics of Health Devolution in the Philippines: Experiences of Municipalities in a Devolved Set-up,” Philippine Political Science Journal 25 (48): 25–54.
- 2.
The DOH-retained functions are training and technical assistance for medical professionals; all foreign-funded programs; all national experimental and pilot programs; health service and disease control programs associated with international agreements; management of technical and financial assistance to local governments; regulation, licensing and accreditation of health professionals; regulation and monitoring of health facilities and food service establishments; regulation of drugs; and administration of regional hospitals, medical centers and specialized health facilities.
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Atienza, M.E.L. (2023). The State of Health, Health Service Delivery, and Equity of Access in Metro Manila: Challenges and Possible Ways Forward. In: Tadem, T.S.E., Atienza, M.E.L. (eds) A Better Metro Manila?. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7804-3_6
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