In poor countries such as the Philippines, where labor is cheap and work conditions are poor, the need for subsistence often takes away an individual's capacity to choose.
Pen Point
Pen Point 44
We don't usually depend on what others say about us or how they see us because we need to own our truth. But, up to which point do we continuously neglect the truth, as perceived by others? They, too, are mirrors to our truth.
Pen Point 43
The moment we deny ourselves the truth is the time we succumb to lie and deception.
Pen Point 42
Given adequate information, the market theory assumes that consumers know what is best for themselves; hence, they make choices that maximize their total satisfaction. If this assumption is wrong, markets may not efficiently produce. We call this satisfaction consumers gain from consuming a good or service as “utility”. The satisfaction (or utility) depends on the … Continue reading Pen Point 42
Pen Point 40
Will it be possible for current health informations systems (HIS) to be integrated into a national health information system? How can existing health information systems in the Philippines be harmonized into a single system without violating data privacy and confidentiality? Currently, the Philippines has a fragmented health information system where health institutions across the country … Continue reading Pen Point 40
Pen Point 38
Democracy didn't fail us. Our politics failed us.
Pen Point 37
Trade in health services, especially the migration of healthcare professionals (HCPs), is continuously growing. As such, developing countries such as the Philippines, export healthcare professionals to other countries (mostly developed countries). The liberalization of trade in health services, espoused by the ASEAN Integration, has further promoted this migration of health professionals. Since the “world price” … Continue reading Pen Point 37
Pen Point 36
Given adequate information, the market theory assumes that consumers know what is best for themselves; hence, they make choices that maximize their total satisfaction. If this assumption is wrong, markets may not efficiently produce. We call this satisfaction consumers gain from consuming a good or service as “utility”. The satisfaction (or utility) depends on the … Continue reading Pen Point 36
Pen Point 35
Issues with equity have influenced health care for many years. Equity, in the context of social health insurance such as the Philippines’ Philhealth, means access of the whole population to a package of health services by paying an affordable contribution, and sometimes no contribution at all (for senior citizens and indigents). Philhealth can improve access … Continue reading Pen Point 35
Pen Point 34
We shape society but society also shapes us.
Pens & Needles 