Philippine Network for Health Policy and Systems Research: A multi-disciplinary approach toward universal healthcare
Authors: Lester M. Tan, Pio Justin V. Asuncion, Renee Lynn Cabanero-Gasgonia, Myka Angela A. Cadag
Department of Health Philippines - Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau
The Philippines took a significant step toward transforming its health policy landscape in response to the call for intersectoral action to address national and sub-national health inequities. The country established the Philippine Network for Health Policy and Systems Research (PN4HPSR). As the Philippines strive to make health care policies more evidence-based and responsive to the needs of its diverse population, this network promises to play a crucial role. It will serve as a co-creation platform that brings together transdisciplinary perspectives, innovative solutions, and community empowerment to jointly address context-specific health issues and challenges. With the Department of Health (DOH) spearheading the effort, the network is designed to strengthen health policy and systems research (HPSR) in the country, capacitate health policy and systems research institutions (HPSRIs), and co-create research initiatives for universal health care.
The beginnings: Scoping the landscape
The journey toward creating the PN4HPSR began with its official launch in 2022 during the 19th National Health Research Forum for Action (NHRFA), while in 2023, mapping and scoping of Health Policy and Systems Research Institutions (HPSRIs) was initiated by the Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau (HPDPB) - Health Research Division. A survey identified 40 HPSRIs that would be the key players in health policy and systems research. These institutions—comprising universities, research agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations—serve as the backbone of the network. Their diverse capacity to conduct interdisciplinary research and influence health policy is an essential component for HPSR implementation in the country.
This scoping phase also identified the need for a unified structure to harness the collective potential of these institutions, together with a sustainable mechanism for capacity-building on HPSR. A framework outlined by Liwanag et al. (2024) highlights eight organizational attributes of high-performing HPSRIs, namely, (1) excellent research, (2) focused on capacity-building, (3) efficient administration, (4) financially sustainable, (5) policy oriented, (6) effective communication, (7) participatory approach, and (8) convening influence. By consolidating their expertise and tailoring to their context, the PN4HPSR ensures that health research can effectively inform policy-making, with an emphasis on addressing local health challenges.
Implementing the network: Key players and mechanisms
Through the Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Healthcare Act, the DOH has strengthened initiatives for HPSR; thus, the Administrative Order was formulated to formalize the Philippine Network for HPSR or PN4HPSR. This order provides a clear framework for the network's structure, including roles, responsibilities, and implementation mechanisms to ensure its sustainability and success.
At the heart of the implementation is a multilevel governance structure, with the DOH represented by the HPDPB, through the Health Research Division, serving as the National Convener. The HPDPB is tasked with providing strategic direction, issuing protocols, and ensuring that the network aligns with national health goals. It will also oversee the network's growth, ensuring that HPSR remains responsive to the country's evolving needs.
On a subnational level, the Centers for Health Development will act as Regional Conveners. Their role will be to coordinate local HPSR efforts, foster collaboration among institutions within their regions, and ensure that regional health policies are informed by localized research. This decentralized structure ensures that health policy research remains relevant to the specific challenges faced by different regions across the Philippines.
The Administrative Order sets out several key mechanisms to ensure the effective operation of the PN4HPSR Network:
1. Network composition: The PN4HPSR is composed of DOH-recognized HPSRIs and other institutional actors in the field of health policy and systems research. These include universities, NGOs, research organizations, and local government units, among others. The network ensures participation from a wide range of stakeholders across the health sector. The DOH-recognized HPSRIs are envisioned to be a part of the already existing Health Research and Development Consortium of the Philippine National Health Research System.
2. Capacity-building and co-creation: One of the network’s primary goals is to build the capacity of HPSRIs to conduct high-quality research and inform policy development. The benefits of being a DOH-recognized HPSRIs include HPSR learning development interventions, collaborations, partnerships, and networking opportunities. The network will foster collaboration between national and regional institutions, ensuring that research efforts are well-coordinated.
3. Research and data-sharing: A key feature of the PN4HPSR is the creation of a centralized research repository. During the 20th NHRFA, the DOH will also launch the DOH Health Research Repository, which will serve as a platform to share all DOH-funded and related research. This will promote evidence-based policymaking and ensure that health policies are informed by relevant and timely research.
4. Feedback and evaluation: To ensure continuous improvement, the network will implement regular monitoring and evaluation. Feedback mechanisms will allow for the ongoing refinement of the network’s operations, ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of both researchers and policymakers.
5. Sustainability: To maintain the network, a strategic plan will be created with input from all DOH-recognized HPSRIs. Platforms for efficient and effective engagement will be established, including grant development, publication, research, and forums, just to name a few of the HPSR-related activities.
A new era for health policy and systems research
The PN4HPSR represents a major leap forward for HPSR in the Philippines. This network is a product of a transformational journey, from convening and co-creation among kindred and passionate HPSR champions in the region, all the way to engaging in fruitful discussions with policy- and decision-makers from different levels of government.
A significant milestone for the PN4HPSR Network will be its official launch during the 20th National Health Research Forum for Action (NHRFA) in October 2024. This event will not only mark the network's formal inception but will also highlight its potential to drive evidence-based policymaking across the country.
With the full support of the DOH, reflecting the strong commitment of the national government to this initiative, the PN4HPSR is well on its way to becoming an impactful tool for improving health outcomes in the Philippines. By fostering collaboration, building capacity, and ensuring that policies are informed by the latest research, the network will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the country's health system.
References
Liwanag, H. J., Famaloan, F. R. A., Reyes, K. A., Tamayo, R. L., Villamater, L. D., Cabañero-Gasgonia, R. L., Frahsa, A., & Asuncion, P. J. (2024). A conceptual framework from the Philippines to analyse organizational capacities for health policy and systems research. Health Policy and Planning, 39(8), 878–889. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czae062
To link to this article - DOI: https://doi.org/10.70253/ONVJ1775
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