DOH eyes 176 new primary care facilities in 2027

The Department of Health (DOH) is targeting the completion of 176 primary care facilities in 2027 with a proposed budget of P506 million, Secretary Edwin Mercado said Wednesday.

“So sa kabuuan, ang ating tina-target ay 176 primary care facilities for 2027 na may kabuoang P506 million budget,” Mercado said during a House budget hearing.

(Overall, the DOH is targeting 176 primary care facilities for 2027, with a total budget of P506 million.)

The DOH defines a primary care facility as an institution primarily providing primary care services that is licensed or registered by the agency.

Under DOH Administrative Order 2020-0047, all government primary care facilities are required to provide both individual-based and population-based primary care services.

Mercado also reported that as of September 2025, there are 484 completed super health centers nationwide, of which 241 are ready for occupancy.

Meanwhile, 229 are non-operational since these have yet to acquire a license to operate.

A super health center is a primary health care facility that offers primary laboratory and radiological services, pharmaceutical services, birthing services, minor surgical services, dental services, ambulance services, and telemedicine.

Centralized call center

The DOH and PhilHealth are also working to establish a centralized call center for hospital inquiries and complaints.

Currently, the Health department has an emergency hotline 1555 where the public dial for health concerns and medical emergencies.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth has a corporate action center that handles member inquiries, feedback, recommendations, and complaints.

“Gusto namin iprofesionalize na isang call center kahit third party yung mag-engage na nabibigyan kami ng datos kaya nag-uusap kami kung paano pag-iisahin,” Mercado said during the budget hearing.

(We want to professionalize the system by having a single call center that can be managed by a third party, which can provide us with data. That is why we are discussing how to consolidate these efforts.) —RF, GMA News