ATOM Coalition: Health Financing Case Studies – The Philippines Case Study

This case study examines the Philippines’ cancer care financing system, highlighting the country’s high cancer burden, significant out-of-pocket costs, and geographic disparities in access to services. Despite progressive legislation like the National Integrated Cancer Control Act and the UHC Act, implementation challenges persist, particularly in rural areas. The study reviews PhilHealth’s evolving cancer benefit packages, complementary government programs like the Cancer Assistance Fund, and pricing strategies aimed at improving medicine affordability. It also explores systemic issues such as decentralised service delivery, limited screening, and procurement inefficiencies, while outlining opportunities for reform through unified insurance coverage and strategic purchasing.