GIDA communities face persistent barriers to accessing basic health services due to geographic isolation, socio-economic challenges, limited infrastructure, and shortages in health facilities and personnel. These conditions often result in higher health risks and delayed access to quality care.
Access gaps
Through the partnership, UCHP and the Ormoc City government aim to develop and implement a UHC-aligned Primary Care Service Delivery Framework specifically tailored to the needs of GIDA communities.
The initiative is designed to address gaps in service delivery while strengthening the local health system’s readiness to meet UHC requirements, Unilab explained in a press statement.
Ormoc City, located in western Leyte, serves as a major economic and commercial hub in Eastern Visayas.
Alongside steady urban growth, the city also supports surrounding rural and hard-to-reach barangays, making it a strategic site for piloting innovative primary healthcare models that can be replicated in similar communities nationwide.
Strengthening local systems
Under the agreement, UCHP will work closely with the city to strengthen healthcare delivery by addressing identified health needs in pilot GIDA areas.
This includes improving planning, coordination, and service integration across different levels of care.
The partnership also seeks to leverage shared resources to upskill frontline health workers and community-based personnel.
This will be done through access to updated tools, programs, processes, and partnerships that support more responsive and efficient healthcare delivery at the community level.
In addition, UCHP will advocate for policies that address gaps in health system readiness and promote stronger public-private collaboration, particularly in improving linkages between local governments and private healthcare providers.
Data-driven approach
A key component of the collaboration is the completion of a validated local situation analysis of the pilot GIDA communities. It will include a geo-tagged resource map and baseline health indicators to guide future interventions and investments.
The partners also plan to develop and formally adopt a UHC-aligned Primary Care Service Delivery Framework, alongside piloting technology-enabled operational models such as mobile diagnostics and telemedicine.
These innovations are expected to improve access to care in remote areas while strengthening referral systems.
Institutionalizing collaboration between the city government and hospitals is another priority, aimed at enhancing referrals and ensuring continuity of care between community-based services and higher-level facilities.
Shared commitment
Atty. Jose Maria A. Ochave, executive director of Unilab Foundation, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access to quality primary care in underserved communities.
“We look forward to working closely with the Ormoc City government and our partners to support data-driven planning, innovative care models, and stronger collaboration across the local health system,” Ochave said.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to build a sustainable framework that improves access, strengthens referral systems, and supports better health outcomes for communities in GIDA areas.”
Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez welcomed the partnership, expressing gratitude for the city’s selection as a pilot site.
She said the collaboration would help address healthcare access challenges in hard-to-reach barangays while strengthening the city’s overall health system.
Private sector role
The partnership also includes Gatchalian Medical Center, a private hospital in Ormoc City and part of the Unilab-led Mount Grace Group of Hospitals.
The hospital will play a key role in enabling private sector participation and strengthening referral networks.
Lawyer Garney Candelaria, chair of Gatchalian Medical Center, said the hospital is committed to supporting efforts to improve primary healthcare access in GIDA communities through telehealth equipment, connectivity support, and training for healthcare workers and administrators.
UCHP said it continues to pursue initiatives that support the effective implementation of the Universal Health Care Law in close coordination with national and local government units.
The health policy think tank recently partnered with the Department of Budget and Management to strengthen the alignment and effectiveness of local government health spending. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
