The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday that out-of-pocket spending for health-related goods and services reached ₱615.16 billion in 2024, marking an 11.83 percent increase from ₱550.08 billion in 2023.
This figure accounted for 42.7 percent of the ₱1.44 trillion total health expenditure last year, which includes both goods and services. The total represents a 19 percent rise from ₱1.21 trillion recorded in the previous year, according to the PSA, which monitors current health expenditures.
State-sponsored and compulsory contributory health care financing schemes contributed ₱643.12 billion, representing a 29.47 percent increase from ₱496.71 billion. These programs comprised 44.7 percent of the current health expenditure (CHE).
Additionally, the CHE is ₱181.2 billion, representing an 8.94 percent increase from ₱166.33 billion in 2023, sourced from voluntary health care payment schemes.
Meanwhile, health-related capital investments reached ₱121.47 billion, bringing the total health expenditure of the Philippines to ₱1.56 trillion in 2024, up 17.29 percent from ₱1.33 trillion the previous year.
According to the PSA, total health expenditures amounted to 5.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024.
The CHE made up 92.2 percent of total expenditures, while health capital formation accounted for the remaining 7.8 percent.
On a per capita basis, health spending rose 17.6 percent to ₱12,751 in 2024, up from ₱10,840 in 2023.
The PSA also noted that primary health care expenditure (PHCE)—defined as the first point of contact for individuals, families, and communities with the national health system—reached ₱748.80 billion, a 19.2 percent increase from ₱628.41 billion in 2023. PHCE comprised 52.02 percent of the CHE.