Fire in the blood reflection paper

The documentary shows the burden of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among people
living in third world countries. The documentary also shows how drug companies exploit their
product, selling it at a high price which majority of the population is having difficulty accessing
it. It showed that the mentalities of drug companies are actually to aim for earning money rather
than solving problems and helping the needs of people. It also showed how the government
intervene with this issues, how they act for the needs of their people. They still are strictly
govern by international laws. It is frightening to know that to produce that certain drug only cost
little but due to the demand, prices where expensive. This showed the importance of compassion
and the value of life. This also showed the integrity of a nation if they will abide the rules or
serve their people by giving them what they need. This also shows the burden of individuals
living with HIV. It shows how frightening the increase paced of spread of Immunodeficiency in
a country. This also shows how unity between the people can improve the welfare of the nation
and how having leaders who know the problem have great impact in helping to solve the
problem.

The type of relationship of pharmaceuticals and health care systems share is that both of them are
more oriented with making money rather than treating the patient. Majority of hospitals only
cater to patients with funds rather than patient who needs care the most. In the Philippines, many
are deprived of having treatment due to lack of funds. They often sacrifice the welfare of the
patients. Because of this, doctors would center their treatment depending on the funds of the
patient. They compromise their plan and find ways to accommodate the patient with limited
funds.

In the Philippines, there are currently reports of increase incidence of HIV. In the future, this will
be one of the major problems that we will encounter. Almost 300% increase incidence of HIV
are noted in current reports. Sooner or later we will be the same as the countries shown on the
documentary. Majority of our countrymen do not have the capability to buy these medications.
Because of the cost of these medications, majority would just wait until they expire. Unlike the
in the documentary, majority of our country men are still not aware of these crisis.

In my level as a clinical clerk, my job is to increase awareness of this epidemic. Prevention is the
most effective way to prevent this by showing our patients, neighbours, friends and countrymen
the importance of education and awareness of these diseases. Educating them what the disease is
all about and by showing them facilities that can help people who are living with HIVs. By the
use of social media, we can increase awareness and further increase prevention of HIVs.

There are situations that show unequal access in health care here in our country. Majority of the
poor would line up in public hospitals in order for them to be treated. Treatments are also
compromised due to lack of funds. Others would just endure their illness and try to use
alternative methods. Modalities are still compromise, many hesitate to undergo this procedures
thinking to just use the money for their family rather than using it for one’s health. Usually, the
ones who have the money are treated first compared to the ones who needs the most but does not
have the money for it. Majority of my patients in public hospitals endure their sickness until they
become severe and unable to care for themselves. Usually, when poor patients present
themselves in the emergency room, majority of them are either transferred to a different hospital
due to lack of funds or has delayed treatment. Patients then tend to search for alternative
treatments that usually do not work. As a medical practitioner, one must not only address the
disease but also the needs of the patient. We must know how the disease impacts the family and
guide the family on how to solve these problems.