The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will establish National ID registration centers inside DOH hospitals to make government identification services more accessible to patients, visitors and healthcare workers.
The two agencies signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Thursday as part of the 2026 National Hospital Week and Hospital Summit, which carries the theme “One Health for One Nation.”
Under the agreement, National ID registration sites will operate within DOH healthcare facilities, allowing patients and other hospital users to register without having to make a separate trip to an off-site registration center.
The initiative aims to address mobility and time constraints that may prevent some Filipinos, particularly patients and senior citizens, from securing their official government identification.
Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. said the integration of National ID registration into hospitals supports the government’s whole-of-government approach to digital transformation and patient-centered services.
“We have declared our support for the Department of Economy, Planning and Development and the Philippine Statistics Authority in advancing the National ID coordination strategy in DOH hospitals,” Pujalte said.
“Together with the support of PhilHealth, this initiative will help us make our hospitals places of healing and gateways to essential government services,” he added.
Pujalte said the health sector’s digital transformation, including the use of digital health records, telemedicine and patient appointment systems, is important in reducing outpatient department queues and improving the patient experience.
He stressed, however, that technology should remain focused on serving the public and improving access to essential services.
The DOH secretary also reminded healthcare managers and other stakeholders to ensure that policies and processes prioritize public welfare.
PSA PhilSys Registry Office Deputy National Statistician Rosalinda Bautista described the agreement as a step toward using technology to make government services more inclusive and accessible.
“Imagine a mother registering her child for a national ID while waiting for a medical checkup, or a senior citizen receiving their ePhil ID right from their hospital room,” Bautista said.
She said integrating identity verification into healthcare facilities could also help reduce paperwork, prevent errors and speed up the delivery of medical services.
“Picture a healthcare worker instantly and accurately verifying a patient’s identity, reducing paperwork, preventing errors, and ensuring care is delivered without delay. This is the power of authentication,” she added.
Bautista said the partnership reflects the agencies’ goal of ensuring that Filipinos, including those who are vulnerable or have difficulty accessing government offices, are not left without an official identity.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to integrate digital services and make public transactions more accessible through existing government facilities.
Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency
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