69

Philippine Medical Care Act creates the country’s first Medicare program.

79

Adoption of a primary health care approach, in line with the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978, that identifies it as key to achieving health for all.

91

Devolution: responsibility for public health care passed to local government units; cities and municipalities given autonomy over primary health services.

95

The Philippines Health Insurance Corporation, known as PhilHealth, created to provide health insurance coverage for Filipinos.

12

Introduction of “sin tax,” or excise taxes, on tobacco and alcohol to boost the country’s health budget.

19

President Rodrigo Duterte signs UHC bill into law. It stipulates that all Filipinos are automatically enrolled in, and entitled to the benefits of, the country’s health insurance program.