Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2011-0008)
The main objective is to outline the basis, purpose, and nature of DOH support to the development of Urban Health System and define directions and framework for Urban Health System Development (UHSD) in the Philippines.
It applies to the entire health sector involved in Urban Health System Development including DOH, its Centers for Health Development, DOH-retained Hospitals and Attached Agencies, City Governments, and national and city Official Development partners.
Urban areas are defined by NSCB Resolution No. 9 s. 2003 as areas meeting population density or size criteria such as a city/municipality with at least 4,000 population density, barangays with populations of at least 7,000, or barangays meeting establishment criteria including employment numbers. The National Capital Region is considered entirely urban.
1) To improve health system outcomes; 2) To influence social determinants of health; 3) To reduce health inequities.
Health inequity refers to the presence of systematic disparities in health outcomes between groups with different levels of social advantage or disadvantage.
Urban HEART (Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool) is a tool that generates evidence of unfair health conditions by measuring performance across health and socio-cultural indicators to develop interventions addressing inequities in urban poor or disadvantaged populations.
Community participation involves the active involvement of communities in planning, designing, implementing, and sustaining health projects, making them initiators of solutions rather than passive recipients.
CHDs are responsible for advocacy and orientation on UHSD, technical assistance to cities, appraisal of CIPHs and AOPs, developing and funding UHS initiatives, and ensuring consistency of local initiatives with national UHSD policy.
The RED strategy involves delivering special health services to every depressed barangay by fostering community-led demand through mapping their situation, identifying health priorities, and encouraging existing health systems to respond effectively.
Inter-sectoral action involves collaboration among health and non-health sectors to address social determinants of health that lie beyond the direct reach of the healthcare system, producing sustainable health outcomes in rapidly urbanizing areas.