Phl, EU sign P2-billion deal for health program

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and the European Union (EU) have signed the 36-million euro (about P2.12 billion) second phase of the Health Sector Policy Support Program (HSPSP).

Present during the signing at the Department of Foreign Affairs were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, and EU Ambassador Alistair MacDonald.

MacDonald said the program was a reaffirmation of EU’s continued commitment to helping improve the health of the country’s poor and disadvantaged population through a more effective, efficient and equitable health system.

The program is also expected to help contribute to the realization of health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

Romulo said the program also reflects EU’s support for the government’s efforts to promote gender and human rights.

“This support is reflected in the continuation of this health support program. We are grateful for this support,” Romulo said during the signing ceremony at the DFA.

“The second part of the Health Sector Policy Support Program will contribute to the implementation of the government’s Health Sector Reform Agenda covering local health systems development, hospital reforms, public health program reforms, health regulatory reforms, and social health insurance reforms,” Romulo said.

The current HSPSP, signed by Romulo and EuropeAid Cooperation Office Director Erich Muller in Brussels in May 2006, will end this month. –Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star)