Regulatory framework for task shifting in health-care system needed

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 health-care professionals.  The growing burden of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, warrants the implementation of innovative solutions. It is … Continue reading Regulatory framework for task shifting in health-care system needed

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

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

Dealers should follow LTO’s registration policy

I laud the efforts of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in ensuring that all motor vehicles on the road are insured, at par with the legal standards, and properly accounted for through mandatory registration. The “no official registration (OR), no certificate of registration (CR), and no plate, no travel” policies make it clear that all … Continue reading Dealers should follow LTO’s registration policy

Sad Plight of researchers amid budget misuse

The recent budget deliberations at the House of Representatives revealed information on the misuse of funds by some government offices. The Commission on Audit’s issuance of the notice of disallowance to the Office of the Vice President for the alleged misuse of P125 million in confidential funds left many of us deeply dismayed and concerned. … Continue reading Sad Plight of researchers amid budget misuse

Gov’t must address hidden costs of health care

With the advent of universal health care (UHC), there have been significant improvements in the health-care system of the Philippines. However, we must recognize the persistent difficulties in ensuring health equity, particularly in remote and underserved areas. These gaps in health-care access continue to disproportionately affect people living far from urban areas. It has been … Continue reading Gov’t must address hidden costs of health care

Health promotion, Thailand’s way

By: Katherine Ann V. Reyes, REINER LORENZO J. TAMAYO Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on Dec. 12, serves as a global reminder to champion health for all. UHC aims to ensure that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need, whenever and wherever they are needed, without suffering financial hardship. While Republic Act … Continue reading Health promotion, Thailand’s way

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

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

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