Abstract
The concept of cost-effectiveness as main criteria for procurement of new technologies was embedded in Filipino policy back in 2003, but with no clear implementing rules. The need for an objective decision-making process was however answered with the creation of a clinical evaluation group – the DOH Formulary Committee. In addition, true to its historic heritage, Philippines kept free pricing and use of competition as main pillars for pharmaceutical policy. The result was a DOH issued list of medicines only partially covered by PhilHealth, highest prices for medicines in the region, and high out of pocket expenditure.
