I read the PDI article “300 nursing graduates hired to fill nurse gap, says Palace advisory council” (02/23/2024) while in a meeting at the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) Headquarters in Manila. I was with more than 20 nursing leaders who were convened by PNA to discuss the many issues faced by nurses in the Philippines. One of which is the “shortage” of nurses in health facilities. We are producing an adequate … Continue reading Beyond Band-Aids: Addressing the True Crisis in Philippine Nursing
Philippines
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
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
Is the government paying more than it should?
This definition of "overpayment" in the context of FFS is outright wrong. We are accustomed to thinking that paying a peso for every peso is the only right thing to do in a country that is deluged by cases of graft and corruption. Our past has conditioned us to think that paying over or under … Continue reading Is the government paying more than it should?
Should the government pay for whatever is on the receipt?
Paying for amounts printed on receipts is tantamount to subscribing to FFS rather than ACR. As illustrated above, this is inefficient and could likely promote external fraud. ACR, however, is far from perfect but averaging should've been the best method to determine the average cost of care needed for a specific case or procedure. The … Continue reading Should the government pay for whatever is on the receipt?
Government should provide financial support to PhilHealth
I agree that PhilHealth, as the implementer of the NHIP, should continue providing FP to all Filipinos by reimbursing claims. PHILHEALTH SHOULD NOT DENY CLAIMS JUST SO IT CAN PRESERVE FUNDS and have a longer actuarial life. IMHO, PhilHealth's role as a strategic purchaser of healthcare services/goods is the fulcrum that balances the health and … Continue reading Government should provide financial support to PhilHealth
Congressional hearing: Corruption allegations against PhilHealth
Congressional Hearing 5 August 2020 1) I do not agree with Cong. Defensor when he said that investing in an IT system while still using the All Case Rate (ACR) system will "computerize" corruption in PhilHealth. Regardless of the provider payment system, an IT system will actually help the Corporation and health care providers … Continue reading Congressional hearing: Corruption allegations against PhilHealth
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 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
Pens & Needles 