Philippines: Credit for Better Health Care Project

The Project aimed to help the Philippines achieve health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly to improve maternal health and reduce child mortality. Insufficient investment in the health sector precluded better access to higher quality services. Public health spending as a percentage of total health spending declined from 41% in 2000 to 29% in 2005, especially due to declining local government expenditures. This particularly impacted the poor even though a Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) package covered their basic needs through accredited health facilities or providers. The government wanted to mobilize additional financing for the health sector so that upgraded and better equipped facilities would get PHIC accreditation, more reimbursement, and further allow quality improvement and increased use. If PHIC can increase the number of its beneficiaries, the population health status of the poor, women, and children would improve.

This report validates the completion report of the project. IED overall assessment: Less than successful.