“More public funds should be directed towards improving the health and well-being of Filipinos,”said Senator Edgardo J. Angara, vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography in his message during UP National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Forum held last 10 May 2012 at the College of Allied and Medical Professions, UP Manila.

Based on the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) report, 150 million people globally experience financial catastrophes in availing health services. In the Philippines, out-of-pocket share for medical needs amounts to 54.3 percent, while government support covers only 26.2 percent and 8.5 percent on social insurance.