Palma, Amanda Paula F.

III-CN
Reaction Paper

Health status in the Philippines

The Philippines is a middle-income country with imbalanced distribution of economic

growth and productive resources. Economic growth has been at a decent rate in recent years, but
is unassuming compared with other Asian countries. Poverty is predominant in rural areas as
well as in urban slum areas. The country is prone to natural disasters brought about by floods,
typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Along with many more determinants, these factors
have contributed to the unsatisfactory improvement of health status in the country compared to
other middle-income countries in the Region. The Philippine public health system, like our
educational system, is in a sad state of disrepair. We need not repeat today the litany of causes
that have led us to our present conditions, nor do we need to hear the “horror stories” of a
majority of our people, who suffer from lack or absence of health services. We all share a sense
of urgency to fix our health system. It is time to look forward and face the challenges of health
care in the country.

The Philippine economy is currently facing the problem of cushioning the effects of the
global financial crisis on the productive sectors as well as on the most vulnerable group, the poor.

All healthcare is a general and an individual issue. That is why the word equity has two
meanings. On one hand it means to treat everyone the same. We require vaccinations before we
let children into school in order to prevent disease and protect everyone. On the other hand,
equity means to treat every situation individually. For example, in New Jersey you can have
seven kidney transplants, but in Arizona you can only have one. The state makes medical policy.
The federal government offers programs but the state decides the rules and how to implement it.
Read
more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Philippine_Health_Care_a_general_or_an_individual_issue
#ixzz1j9GytFZN

Healthcare in the Philippines

Introduction
Officially called the Republic of the Philippines, this island nation is situated in Southeast Asia. Its capital is Manila
and it has more than seven thousand islands, making it the world’s twelfth most populous country.

Overview of Healthcare
Although there have been recorded cases of drug dependency and malnutrition in the Philippines, the healthcare
system can still be considered to be of a good standard. This is despite the fact that the facilities may not be as
impressive as those found in high-end US or European hospitals. The top Philippine hospitals include the Medical
Centre in Alabang, the Asian Hospital, the Makati Medical Centre, the Medical City in Ortigas, and St. Lukes Medical
Centre in Quezon City.

Medical practitioners in the Philippines are graduates from the top universities in the country and most of them have
studied in US medical schools. Additionally, there are doctors that have practiced medicine in the US before sharing
their expertise in the Philippines. Filipino nurses are also trained by nursing schools that have excellent standards. In
fact, a large percentage of Filipino nurses go on to work in the US.
If you are looking for a dentist or a doctor, it is advisable to seek the opinions of other expatriates that have been in
the Philippines for a number of years.

Hospitals
Finding the right hospital in the Philippines is not considered too difficult as there are a number of options to choose
from. The Philippines has both private and public healthcare institutions. Most of the government hospitals provide
quality healthcare in the same way private hospitals do.

Although some people may have misconceptions, most of them are unfounded. The main difference between public
and private hospitals are the facilities and technologies offered. Most of the public hospitals would not be equipped to
the same standard as the private ones. However, some of the best doctors are serving in the government hospitals.
Also, most Filipinos would seek advice from these government hospitals because fees are not charged. Private
hospitals are located in key cities throughout the nation and there are also tertiary hospitals that have the latest in
medical technologies. However, as you would expect, private hospitals are more expensive.

Emergency in the Philippines

The Philippines have stand-by ambulances for any emergency situation. They also have a hotline number which is
available in times of emergencies.

Pharmacies
There are numerous pharmacies in the Philippines that provide medicines which have been approved by the Bureau
of Food and Drugs. Most of the standard pharmacies are manned by professional pharmacists that have studied and
trained in top medical schools in the country. There are strict guidelines in relation to prescription drugs; while some
countries allow their patients to obtain certain drugs without a prescription, the Filipino pharmacists have stringent
directives in relation to the sale of such drugs.

Cost of medicines and hospitalisations

Generally speaking, hospitals are not that expensive in the Philippines. Medicines are also affordable; both locals and
expatriates will attest to this fact. Additionally, in the Philippines, almost ninety percent of the population can speak
and understand English. Communication is never a problem when you are in the Philippines. The people are very
hospitable and accommodating, the doctors and medical practitioners are friendly and the place is very inviting.

Overall, the healthcare system in the Philippines is affordable, the doctors are well-trained and the nurses are of a
high standard.

Health issues in the Philippines

The Philippines have been struggling with some healthcare issues, one of the most noticeable being illegal drug use.
There are a number of Filipinos who are said to be addicted to prohibited drugs. However, the Philippine government
has concentrated on this issue and although there are still some recorded incidents of drug abuse, the number of
drug dependents has gradually decreased.

Another serious health issue is malnutrition. Unsurprisingly, the poorer citizens are the ones who suffer from this
condition. The Philippine government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development and in conjunction
with the Department of Health, has initiated projects to help its poorer citizens who suffer from starvation.

Cases of dengue are also notable. However, most of these cases are properly attended to by the Philippine
government.

Message from the

Secretary of Health

Manuel M. Dayrit

"Tulong-Sulong sa Kalusugan" is a program of this administration to uplift the health status of every
Filipino, especially the poor, through vital reforms in our health system. It has three pillars.

First, is the pillar of "pagtutulungan" or mutual assistance. Our efforts to improve the health system
should not be efforts of the national government alone. They should be efforts of all concerned - the
national government, local governments, private sector, civil society, professional associations, and
people's organizations. We need to help and support each other in order to succeed.

Second, is the pillar of "pagsulong" or moving forward in order to bring about meaningful changes in
our health system. We are moving to make high quality health care affordable to every Filipino by
lowering the price of essential drugs and expanding the coverage of health insurance under the
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
Giving Filipinos, especially the poor, access to essential medicines is a key program of Tulong-Sulong sa
Kalusugan. The Handog ni GMA (Gamot na Mabisa at Abot-kaya) program of the Department of
Health, with the Department of Trade and Industry, makes available affordable, high-quality drugs to
LGUs.

These drugs are called Parallel Drug Imports or PDIs. PDIs are medicines manufactured in another
country by the same drug company and sold at much lower prices than in our country.

Government imports these drugs based on Purchase Orders or Requests by participating LGUs.
Nationwide, some 71 LGUs participate in the program. These LGUs today account for a total of 50.7
million pesos of purchases of essential medicines.

Through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation - otherwise known as PhilHealth - Government
gives Filipinos financial access to health services. The Greater Medicare Access (GMA para sa Lahat)
program is a special program for the poor with an expanded health package that now includes
outpatient benefits.

Through this program, local governments can give universal social health coverage to their
constituents. It ensures that people with illnesses do not become a burden. It is a pro-poor benefit
package that provides uniform benefits to all, with premium payments that can be made easily and
conveniently.

Nationwide, some 1,036 LGUs participate in PhilHealth's indigent program. A total of 2.9 million
Filipinos from low-income households have been enrolled as of March this year. The first Health
Passport in the country was launched in Pasay City. Under the leadership of Mayor Wenceslao
"Peewee" Trinidad, Pasay City boasts of quality health services through its Sentrong Sigla and
PhilHealth accredited health centers. Some 7,613 indigent families in this city are actively enrolled in
the National Health Insurance Program.

In addition to these reform efforts, we also are moving to raise the performance of our public
hospitals. We are helping local governments raise their capability to carry out health delivery
programs. And we are moving to upgrade our public health programs, such as the program on
immunization.
Third and last, is the pillar of "kalusugan para sa lahat" or health for all. A healthy citizenry is the
foundation of a progressive nation. This is especially true for the less privileged in our society. We can
protect and safeguard their welfare if they are healthy not only in body but in mind as well.

In the end, it is about the raising the quality of the country's human capital. Pagtutulungan.
Pagsulong. Kalusugan para sa lahat. These are the three pillars of Tulong-Sulong sa Kalusugan. This is
a partnership that draws on the strength of our communities, governors, mayors, Provincial Health
Officers, civil society groups, and partner government agencies, particularly the Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Interior and Local
Government, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and donor agencies like the United States Agency
for International Development.

The answer to your question is in two parts depending on whether the circumstances of the pre-
existing condition.

This part goes into effect in 2014:

Reforming Health Insurance Regulations. Implements strong health insurance reforms that prohibit
insurance companies from engaging in discriminatory practices that enable them to refuse to sell or
renew policies due to an individual’s health status. Health plans can no longer exclude coverage for
treatments based on pre-existing health conditions. It also limits the ability of insurance companies
to charge higher rates due to heath status, gender, or other factors. Premiums can vary only on age
(no more than 3:1), geography, family size, and tobacco use.

This part was effective in 2010:

Eliminating Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions for Children. Bars all employer plans and new plans in
the individual market from imposing pre-existing condition exclusions on children’s coverage.

Health Issues in the Philippines

Like any other third-world country, the Philippines have been struggling in some health issues and
one of it is illegal drug use. A lot of Filipinos are addicted to prohibited drugs. However, the
Philippine government has dealt with this issue and although there are still some recorded incidents
of drug abuse, the number of drug dependents in the Philippines has gradually decreased.
One major health issue in the Philippines, is malnutrition. There have been studies conducted and
accordingly, most of the Filipinos that suffer from malnutrition are the poor ones. The Philippine
government, thru the Department of Social Welfare and Developments along with the Department of
Health has provided projects to help poor Filipinos from starvation. Other health issues in the
Philippines are dengue cases, but then, these health concerns are only happening in the rural area of
the country. Most of these cases are properly attended to by the Philippine government.

Health Care in the Philippines

Although there have been recorded cases of drug dependency and malnutrition in the Philippines,
you can still consider the health care of this nation is of good quality, despite the fact that the
facilities may not be as impressive as those found in high-end US hospitals. Top Philippine hospitals
include the Medical Center in Alabang, the Asian Hospital, the Makati Medical Center, the Medical
City in Ortigas, and St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

Medical practitioners in the Philippines are graduates from top universities in the country, and most
of them have in United States medical schools. Additionally, there are also doctors that have
practiced medicine in the US before sharing their expertise in the Philippines. Filipino nurses are
also trained by nursing schools with the best standards. In fact, most of the nurses working in the US
are Filipinos.