Good news if we've truly flattened the curve. But have we improved our health system's surge capacity? Some hospitals lack manpower and PPE. Ending the ECQ may mean well for the economy. However, without health systems strengthening and evidence-based measures to control community transmission, we'll continue to strain our overburdened health care system.
Author: renz tamayo
Pen Point 47
Duterte & his allies have mastered the art of deception and selective justice. Deception of people for the sake of the people is a contradiction in democracy. Indeed, politics is a dirty game. Remember that there are no permanent friends, or enemies, only permanent (sometimes selfish) interests. Inaction is action. Our government is responsible both … Continue reading Pen Point 47
Share the road
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the public transportation system was paralyzed to limit our mobility. Some government agencies, hospitals, and private organizations were quick to assist medical and non-medical frontliners in their day-to-day travel to and from work by providing other means of transportation such as free shuttle services. Notably, more bike riders are now … Continue reading Share the road
Health Economics Series: Provider Payment in the UHC era
The country is considering several options for provider payment reform that will help achieve universal health care. Population-based interventions will be primarily offered by the government. As such, provider payment mechanism for these interventions will include salary and capitation. Philhealth considers primary health care capitation to promote integrated care through the service delivery network; thus, … Continue reading Health Economics Series: Provider Payment in the UHC era
Burned and scarred
WARNING: This post contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing. Many of us assume that pay and other rewards are all that we can expect to receive from our work. There is less emphasis on less-tangible but equally important benefits like trust, respect, civility, and the opportunity to make a positive … Continue reading Burned and scarred
WE SHOULDN’T BE SILENCED. WE MUST BE HEARD.
WE SHOULDN’T BE SILENCED. WE MUST BE HEARD. It is almost always difficult to make a decision. Probably, it is harder during a pandemic when you battle against time and limited resources. Not all administrators will make the right decisions. Not all employees will have the same opinion. What’s common, I suppose, is the collective … Continue reading WE SHOULDN’T BE SILENCED. WE MUST BE HEARD.
Nurses’ professional and moral duty
Nurses have 5 fundamental responsibilities: -to promote health -to prevent illness -to restore health -to alleviate suffering -to assist towards a peaceful death Inherent in nursing is our duty to perform these responsibilities especially in the context of a pandemic. It is hard for many of us to turn our backs on our patients simply … Continue reading Nurses’ professional and moral duty
Pen Point 46
Clearly, we now see the need to invest more in our health system to improve its capacity to address the growing needs of the Filipino people. After this pandemic, let us urge our lawmakers to push for more funding, innovation, and research.
Recommendations to Address the Potential Local Nursing Shortage Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
The role of nurses has been considered crucial in managing this pandemic, most especially in implementing strategies to #flattenthecurve. While this is the case, shortage in the nursing workforce will not make the management of the pandemic any easier. We recommend an integrated approach comprised of some or all the recommendations mentioned in this policy … Continue reading Recommendations to Address the Potential Local Nursing Shortage Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Foster collaborative relationships
Immediately after the news broke that three doctors died due to COVID-19, people took their frustration to Twitter and were quick to blame patients for their failure to divulge accurate health and travel history. For many, this alleged ’lie’ caused the life of an unsung hero who was at the frontline battling the pandemic. A … Continue reading Foster collaborative relationships
Pens & Needles 