Philippines needs long-term solutions to improve 'primitive' healthcare system: ex-health chief

The COVID-19 pandemic should change the mentality of local and national government officials about the importance of preventive healthcare, a former health secretary said, adding that the pandemic has exposed the Philippine healthcare system as "primitive." 

"We see very clearly how we fell short in the face of a threat such as this," Dr. Manuel Dayrit told ANC.

"Given that this is not the only threat, there are going to be similar threats in the future after COVID-19, then, we better be ready," he added. 

He said any plan against future health threats should have proper funding.