NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the province has only accomplished 25 percent of the Universal Health Care Law's implementation.
The biggest challenge, he said, is the hiring of additional personnel, especially by local government units with a smaller budget.
"We will work on the remaining 75 percent for the full implementation of the UHC Law in 2025," Lacson said.
Lacson made the statement after meeting with its health workers regarding the implementation of the UHC Law.
"We were informed where we are now and that we are in phase 2, and we've only accomplished 25 percent," Lacson said.
"Basically, it's not a joke to open up an account that will handle the funds from PhilHealth and other items," Lacson added.
"The UHC Law will fully start in 2025. It is taking long because you have to involve everybody, not only the province but the whole local government units," he said.
One of the requirements for UHC is the hiring of certain personnel by the province, the city, and municipal health units as well, which is difficult, especially for LGUs with a smaller budget, Lacson explained.
UHC means all Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare goods and services and are protected against financial risk.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act into law on February 20, 2019.