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
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Protect the youth from the harms of tobacco
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
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
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
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 