It's bad enough that some policies are influenced by politics and selfish interests, but now the government is stepping up its efforts to deceive and misinform the public even further. Public policy should be based on evidence, but not on studies of poor or questionable quality.
Pen Point
Pen Point 52
In the face of limited resources in a world with unlimited health demands, the need to sustain the viability and sustainability of health financing systems is paramount. Legislators must carefully examine the design of health policies that influence the realization of universal health care and to consider interventions that have the greatest effect on the … Continue reading Pen Point 52
On the corruption allegations against PhilHealth
I get our anger and frustration over the issue. But the claims forms (CF1, CF2, CF3, CF4) are not there to make it "easier" for PhilHealth to pursue corrupt practices. Actually, the forms are there to safeguard the interests of PhilHealth members by allowing the hospital to declare that the standards of care have been … Continue reading On the corruption allegations against PhilHealth
Pen Point 51
The deluge of health information poses a great challenge to patients, especially if the information cannot be critically analyzed and synthesized. Therefore, it is incumbent for health care providers to examine and integrate into a coherent whole all the pieces of evidence coming from disparate sources, and help patients make sense of the rapidly changing … Continue reading Pen Point 51
Pen Point 50
Evidence-informed policies sound sensible, right? But why does it not often happen, especially in the Philippines? While the use of evidence in decision-making seems logical, policy-making (sadly) often isn't rational. It's almost always political.
Pen Point 49
Various provider payment mechanisms will continue to exist in the country’s health care system. Emphasis is placed, however, on the current movement towards using performance-driven, prospective payments (e.g. Global Budget Payment) based on diagnosis-related groups (DRG). The shift to DRG-based GBP will not be easy. Mechanisms should be in place to avoid underprovision and ensure … Continue reading Pen Point 49
Pen Point 48
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.
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
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.
Pen Point 45
Why do we keep treating people for illness, only to send them back to the conditions that created the illness in the first place? It is a bit frustrating to give your all just so they can be wasted in the end. Clearly, the current system is inefficient and cure-centric. How do we cure a … Continue reading Pen Point 45
Pens & Needles 