Measuring and Understanding Geographic Inequities in Physician Distribution in the Philippines
Access to quality health care in the Philippines is shaped not only by the availability of physicians, but also by how equitably they are distributed across regions. Many communities, particularly in rural and geographically isolated areas, continue to face limited access to medical professionals, while urban centers often see a concentration of physicians and specialists.
The project Measuring and Understanding Geographic Inequities in Physician Distribution in the Philippines seeks to address this challenge by providing a clear, evidence-based picture of physician maldistribution nationwide.
Project Goals
The study has two main aims:
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Measure inequities in the distribution of physicians across the country.
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Understand the factors that contribute to this maldistribution, from training opportunities and health system incentives to broader socioeconomic conditions.
By generating robust data and insights, the project will inform policies and strategies that promote a more equitable health workforce distribution.
Partnerships and Engagement
The initiative involves active collaboration with key stakeholders, including:
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Specialty medical societies to provide perspectives from different disciplines.
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The Department of Health (DOH) to align findings with national health priorities.
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The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to consider financing and service delivery implications.
Why This Matters
Physicians are essential to delivering life-saving care, yet many Filipinos remain underserved simply because of where they live. Geographic inequities in the physician workforce contribute to health disparities, limit access to specialized care, and place additional burdens on communities that are already vulnerable. Addressing these inequities is key to strengthening the health system, advancing universal health care, and promoting fairness in how health resources are allocated.
Toward Health Equity
Beyond informing immediate policy recommendations, this project underscores the commitment of Ateneo De Manila University and the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) and to become a leading institution for health policy and systems research in the Philippines.
By mapping inequities and working closely with partners, this study takes a vital step toward ensuring that every Filipino—regardless of where they live—has fair access to physicians and quality health care.
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Health workforce issues and recommended practices in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the Philippines: a qualitative study.
The Philippines' Universal Health Coverage program faces a critical workforce crisis that threatens its very foundation. A new Ateneo de Manila University study reveals that while the country exports healthcare workers globally, it struggles to retain the professionals needed for its own ambitious health reforms. With only 7.92 physicians per 10,000 population and a shortage of 127,000 nurses, systemic barriers—from restrictive hiring policies to uncompetitive salaries—are driving away the very people meant to deliver healthcare for all Filipinos. The research identifies promising solutions, including scholarship programs and comprehensive benefits, but warns that without addressing these fundamental workforce issues, universal healthcare remains at risk.
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The Hidden Crisis: How Health Workforce Issues Are Undermining Universal Healthcare in the Philippines
The Philippines, one of the world's largest exporters of healthcare workers—particularly nurses—is struggling to retain professionals needed to implement its UHC vision. With only 7.92 physicians per 10,000 population (below the ideal ratio of 10 per 10,000) and an estimated shortage of 127,000 nurses, the country faces acute shortages that prevent optimal implementation of health programs.