Strengthening Health Information Systems: Policies, Gaps, and a Framework for Reform

This paper integrates three studies that collectively assess the current state of the health information system (HIS) in the Philippines and identify strategic directions for its enhancement. In the first study, we examine the critical role of the HIS within the health system, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities associated with digitalization. Using a mixed-methods approach, we evaluate the HIS through a process-people-product framework, focusing on key health sector actors: regulators (government), purchasers (PhilHealth), providers (health workers and facilities), and consumers (patients and communities). We analyze how these interactions influence data generation, use, and decision-making. In the second study, we focus on the technical and technological design of the Department of Health’s HIS. Drawing on an extensive review of existing literature and policies, we identify systemic barriers to interoperability and effective data management. Our analysis reveals deficiencies in data standardization, limited adoption of interoperable platforms, and fragmented data management practices. We recommend adopting national data standards, migrating to a centralized data warehouse, and enhancing data governance to improve accessibility, security, and utility. Building on these findings, our third study proposes a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to assess health system performance as a determinant of health. Drawing from international frameworks, we situate the Philippine health system within the context of ongoing universal health care reforms. The proposed framework highlights key performance dimensions such as quality, efficiency, responsiveness, and equity, underscoring the need for a robust HIS to generate high-quality data for continuous system monitoring and accountability. Comments to this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph.