Public health expert Dr. Tony Leachon has warned that the ongoing global oil crisis could significantly worsen the public health situation in the Philippines, citing rising healthcare costs, limited government buffers, and systemic gaps in funding.

Speaking on Special on Saturday, Leachon said the country currently lacks a dedicated financial buffer to cushion the impact of crises on the healthcare system—unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic when funds were pre-allocated.

“Wala tayong pondo na ganyan na nilaan specific for a crisis situation,” Leachon said, noting that hospitals are already dealing with patients unable to settle their medical bills and are relying on guarantee letters for assistance.

He emphasized that while PhilHealth is intended to provide financial protection even during crises, its capacity has been weakened due to fund reallocations and policy decisions.

“Ang nakasama pa sa polisiya na ginawa ng Department of Health, naglagay ang secretary ng MAIFIP (Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients).”

Leachon criticized the implementation of the Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), saying it undermined the goals of universal healthcare by diverting resources that could have strengthened PhilHealth.

“Ito pa yung umagaw, nagpahina sa PhilHealth na naundermine pa yung universal healthcare, instead na yung pera doon, yung ₱53 billion dapat nilagay mo sa PhilHealth.”

The public health expert also questioned the handling of billions in PhilHealth funds, including the reported ₱65 billion ordered by the Supreme Court to be returned. He said the amount was not directly restored but instead incorporated into the national budget, effectively shifting the burden to taxpayers.

He further warned that the oil crisis—fueled by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—will likely trigger a spike in medicine prices and healthcare services. He explained that the Philippines relies heavily on imported drugs, including cancer and other specialized treatments, which are paid for in US dollars.

“Tataas ang [presyo ng] gamot kasi tatama yan, tataas ang prices of commodity natin at isa sa mga masasaktan ay ang presyo ng gamot, healthcare services at laboratory.”

With the peso weakening to around P60 against the dollar, he said, the cost of importing medicines and medical equipment will increase, making healthcare less accessible to ordinary Filipinos.

“Since tumaas ang exchange rate ng ating piso, 60 pesos to 1 dollar, mangangahulugan na kapag nag-import tayo ng mga healthcare facilities o healthcare medications, mahal ang babayaran natin.”

Leachon painted a grim scenario for low- and middle-income earners, pointing out that even those with health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage could quickly exhaust their benefits in the event of serious illness. Intensive care unit (ICU) costs, he noted, can reach as much as ₱100,000 per day.

“‘Yong middle class s’ya na ngayon ang ‘new poor’ kasi whatever savings you have during this time na may pandemic, gagastusan mo yung hospitalization mo.”

He also flagged the continuing exodus of Filipino healthcare workers seeking better opportunities abroad, warning of a “brain drain” that could further strain the country’s already fragile health system.

Without sufficient funding, unresolved issues such as alleged “ghost hospitals” and limited access to affordable care, Leachon said, the oil crisis is compounding existing vulnerabilities.

“Dapat ang Pilipino kapag nagkasakit, hindi niya iintindihin ang healthcare,” he said, stressing that access to medical care—whether in public or private hospitals—should not depend on one’s ability to pay.

Leachon underscored that, beyond food security and transportation costs, health security must be prioritized, especially during global crises.