Duterte vows to improve PHL's healthcare system

President Rodrigo Duterte has promised to improve the healthcare system in the Philippines to "provide a more comfortable life for the Filipinos."

In a speech during the 85th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Public Health Association at Grand Regal Hotel in Lanang, Davao City on Wednesday, Duterte said providing proper healthcare system to the public is a priority of his administration.

Duterte stressed that his administration would continue to work on improving the country's healthcare system gradually until such time that all healthcare services are free, adding that sudden changes may lead to a financial “shortfall.”

“Ngayon, we will be suffering a shortfall maybe, in the money that is available now if we go into the universal healthcare --- na libre na lahat,” Duterte said.

“We are always open for what is good for the Filipino, and I will not hesitate to spend money basta diyan. Binubuhos ko talaga ang pera pagka diyan na,” he added.

The Chief Executive called on members of health associations to work closely with the government regarding the matter.

He also advised health personnel to work closely with barangay health workers in monitoring the situations in the communities.

“You are better being close to the barangay health workers or to the doctor assigned in the particular area where you can dialogue with him every now and then," Duterte said.

"And you can map out plans on how to do it,” he added. — BAP, GMA News