Research using data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey of the Philippines (https://doi.org/10.18332/popmed/143526) indicates a notable association: adolescents aged 13 to 15 years who are not exposed to anti-tobacco messages or health warnings on cigarette packages are more likely to continue using tobacco. Moreover, the likelihood of these adolescents continuing to use any form of tobacco in the next 12 months is 24% higher among those who have not seen health warnings on … Continue reading Protect the youth from the harms of tobacco
Health Policy
Scale up local models to broaden tobacco control
As the WHO FCTC Conference of Parties concluded in Panama, the significance of subnational initiatives in tobacco control, especially in policy enforcement, cannot be overemphasized. Our local efforts, from establishing comprehensive smoke-free zones in Mandaluyong to the proactive monitoring and reduction of public exposure to tobacco campaigns in the regions, highlight the critical role of grassroots strategies in the global fight against tobacco. This necessitates further empowerment of local governments … Continue reading Scale up local models to broaden tobacco control
Task shifting achieve universal health care
The Philippines faces a challenge in its pursuit of universal health care, particularly in rural and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, where access to essential services is impeded by the shortage and maldistribution of healthcare professionals. The growing burden of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, warrants the implementation of innovative solutions. It is in this context that theWorld Health Organization has endorsed task … Continue reading Task shifting achieve universal health care
PGH mirrors state of health care in the PH
In the past months, the public has seen what should’ve been unimaginable pictures of the state of health service delivery in the country’s premier tertiary hospital, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Sadly, what we currently see in PGH mirrors the problems of the country’s health care system. There are several problems in our health care … Continue reading PGH mirrors state of health care in the PH
Don’t end PhilHealth, help improve its structure and services instead
This is in reference to the editorial “End PhilHealth monopoly” (9/23/22). While I concur that employees should have the option to choose their health insurance provider, it would be irresponsible to agree with all the statements of said article. The country’s social health insurance (SHI) program is run by PhilHealth. The main characteristic that sets … Continue reading Don’t end PhilHealth, help improve its structure and services instead
Access to resources still a problem for researchers
In the past years, we have observed growing investments in health research. The importance of this has been further emphasized during the pandemic. Even then, there remains limited availability of research infrastructure and facilities that stand as a barrier to the production of quality research outputs. Moreover, researchers frequently find themselves competing for a handful … Continue reading Access to resources still a problem for researchers
Equal pay for both private and gov’t nurses
This is in response to Maristela Abenojar’s letter, “Pass law on nurses’ minimum base pay” (10/14/19). I am one with the Filipino Nurses United (FNU) in their call for higher wages for nurses in both the public and private sectors. However, pushing for a P30,000 minimum base pay for nurses in both sectors will not … Continue reading Equal pay for both private and gov’t nurses
Break down obstacles limiting PWDs
My grandmother suffered a hip dislocation last year that led to her physical disability. She is now wheelchair-bound, unable to walk or move on her own. Her sons and daughters want her to undergo rehabilitation, hoping that she would be able to move on her own or with minimal assistance from her caregivers. Our family … Continue reading Break down obstacles limiting PWDs
Empower patients to make informed choices
In the Philippines, there are many factors contributing to patient choice. More often than not, patients cite accessibility, quality, and cost as primary factors in selecting a health-care provider. At the center of patient-centered care is the freedom for individuals to make informed choices regarding their health care. Historically, the right to choose has often … Continue reading Empower patients to make informed choices
PH’s health care system not truly universal
DURING the past five years, we saw a dramatic increase in the number of Filipinos enrolled as PhilHealth members. The increase is a result of the heightened campaign of the past administration to enroll all Filipinos, especially the vulnerable population (those considered poor and the senior citizens), in the country’s national health insurance program. These … Continue reading PH’s health care system not truly universal
Pens & Needles 