Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

June 18, 2021

DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR
No. 2021- 0253

FOR s ALL UNDERSECRETARIES; ASSISTANT SECRETARIES;

DIRECTOR OF BUREAUS, SERVICES AND DOH-CENTERS
FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT; MINISTER OF HEALTH -
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM
MINDANAO; EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF SPECIALTY
HOSPITALS, NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL; CHIEFS OF
DOH-HOSPITALS AND MEDICAL CENTERS AND
INSTITUTES; DIRECTOR OF TREATMENT
REHABILITATION CENTERS: PRESIDENT OF THE
PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATIONS: AND
ALL OTHER CONCERNED

SUBJECT : Dissemination of the National Human Resources for Health Master

Plan 2020-2040

Pursuant to the Republic Act No. 11223 “Universal Health Care Act", the Department of
Health, together with stakeholders, has finalized the National Human Resources for Health Master Plan
(NHRHMP). This long-term strategic plan shall be used for Human Resources for Health (HRH) policy-
making, program or activity planning, implementation, and monitoring for the management and
development of the country’s HRH, according to the goals of Universal Health Care.

Specifically, this Plan shall be used by National Government Agencies, Centers for Health
Development, and Local Government Units to guide the formulation of HRH strategies in
National/Local Development and Investment Plans for Health. It shall also be used as reference by both
public and private health sectors, including health facilities, academe and research partners, professional
and HRH organizations, development partners, and other stakeholders to plan and implement programs,
projects, activities to achieve outcomes such as sustainable production, practice-ready training, job
generation, competitive salaries, accessibility and retention mechanisms, productivity and career
development.

While the NHRHMP carries an extensive vision, it is not prescriptive and encourages
innovation and resourcefulness among the stakeholders. The key strategies shall be the basis for specific
interventions and prioritization of implementers, in consideration of their critical needs, and technical
and financial capacities. Furthermore, recognizing the dynamic landscape of HRH management in
complex health systems, the implementation of the Plan shall be assessed periodically to serve as basis
for updating strategies and recalibration of targets as needed.

caelpsd/hhrdb/21-56

Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, 1003 Manila ® Trunk Line 651-7800 local 1108, 1111, 1112, 1113
Direct Line: 711-9502: 711-9503 Fax: 743-1829 e URL: http://www.doh.gov.ph: e-mail: ftduque@doh.gov.ph
 Lastly, the Plan underscores the need for strong collaboration, a whole-of-society and whole-
of government approach. Hence, this Department Circular is being issued to widely disseminate the
Plan to all concerned DOH offices whose roles and involvement are necessary for the achievement of
its goals.

A copy of the NHRHMP

is accessible through this link: http://bit.ly/NHRHMP

For advocacy and dissemination ofthe information to all concerned.

By Authority of the Secretary of Health:

MAR ILLAVERDE, MD, MPH, MPM, CESO 1

Undersecretary of Health
Health Policy and Systems Development Team

cae/psd/hhrdb/21-56