The country’s healthcare system is suffering from a shortage of some 27,500 registered pharmacists, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) reported Saturday.
This as PSAC held its 8th healthcare sector meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Palace on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
“Data from the meeting revealed a shortage of 27,500 registered pharmacists alongside geographical disparity in terms of distribution of existing pharmacies, prompting the need for innovative solutions to improve medicine availability,” the council said.
PSAC likewise supported the expansion of community pharmacies, particularly in underserved regions, to improve access to essential medicines.
It also emphasized the need for improved accessibility, expanded facilities and strengthened PhilHealth benefits.
“The PSAC Healthcare Sector, in collaboration with industry leaders and the government, is driving key healthcare reforms aimed at expanding healthcare facilities and pharmacies, improving access to medicines, and strengthening PhilHealth’s support value to curb out-of-pocket healthcare spending,” the council said.
It also proposed a shift to outcome-based regulations to streamline hospital renewals and promote network-based healthcare models for better resource distribution.
“This reform is crucial as the country faces a hospital bed deficit amid increasing demand,” it said.
