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Inadequate Healthcare Services in the Philippines - Causes and Our Role

Have you ever had an illness or other health condition, but for some reason chose to stay at home and take some medicines rather than calling and visiting a doctor?  Here are the reasons and possible solutions to inadequate healthcare services in the Philippines.


Overview

The healthcare system in the Philippines is of a high standard. The country’s hospitals have been recognized and accredited as well-trained national healthcare providers. Filipino medical staff and other related professions are regarded as highly qualified, although the Philippines' state of public healthcare is overall of a good standard. Why is it still viewed as a pressing issue that must be resolved, especially in the healthcare sector?


In recent years, the country has been struggling with providing proper healthcare services to the public citizens. In the presence of the pandemic, the country has continued to struggle with issues such as limited access to medical services and facilities, insufficient healthcare resources, and a shortage of healthcare professionals.

Limited Access to Medical Services and Facilities

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(Photo retrieve from KJ Rosales)

In many regions, particularly rural areas, the population is living in remote or isolated regions where there aren’t many hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals available. Even in urban areas, access to healthcare services can be limited due to the high cost of medical care. 

... we’ve mapped out 2,593 approximately, for private facilities, it’s 1,500 and we see that 50 percent of our population still do not have access in to a primary care facility within 30 minutes,
- Dr. Lilibeth David, DOH Undersecretary

As a result, individuals in these locations have no choice but often have to travel long distance, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Insufficient Healthcare Resources


(Photo retrieve from REUTERS)


Furthermore, the healthcare system lacks resources, including medical equipment and supplies. Following this, insufficient funding is another issue at many hospitals and clinics in the country, which can cause delays in patient treatment.

Usually, medicines are out of stock. And most of the time, there’s no doctor. It’s usually the health worker that you have to deal with.

Marian T. Rivas, 59, stated after being told that the generic drug for free was out of stock in Las Piñas City Health Center.


In some cases, patients may be forced to purchase their own medical supplies or equipment, which can be prohibitively expensive. This can be a burden for low-income families, who may struggle to afford even basic healthcare services.

Shortage of Healthcare Professionals

(Photo retrieve from CNN)

The shortage of healthcare professionals is another problem that the country faces. Since the Philippines has a high demand for healthcare professionals, recruiting agencies are broadening their horizons to include more than just interviewing and hiring migrants who meet all the requirements. The Department of Health reports that there is one ratio for every 33,000 Filipinos. It is not even close to the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor for every 1,000 people.

The nurses here are excellent nurses but the attraction for them to stay here is sort of lacking. Hopefully, with the current packages for health care, we'll see the great doctors and nurses stay here in the Philippines.
- Paulyn Rosell-Ubial, DOH Secretary

What should I do?

The Healthcare System is an essential aspect of the country to provide better healthcare services to the citizens, maintain the relationship from the medical professions, and improve the overall health and well-being of the population. It should be prioritized and accessible to all.

Following the issues regarding the lack of proper healthcare services in the Philippines, what can we do to fight it? We should support the medical community in addressing their concerns, as well as the citizen’s concern with regards to the lack of funds and resources to healthcare services. We should urge the government to address their plan and policies against this problem, and an update of several implementations through proper funding. The Philippines’ healthcare system is declining and a critical problem that requires attention.


References:

Bordey, H. (2021, April 29). Half of Filipinos can’t access primary healthcare facilities within 30 mins. -DOH. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/785638/half-of-filipinos-can-t-access-primary-healthcare-facilities-within-30-mins-doh/story/

Cabato, R. (2016, October 16). DOH Secretary: Philippines lacks 15,000 doctors. CNN Philippines. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/10/13/department-of-health-lack-of-doctors.html


International Citizens Insurance. (2023, March 2). Overview of the Healthcare System in the Philippines. https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/systems/philippines.php

Mirasol, P. (2022, March 14). State clinics barely fill healthcare void in the Philippines.

BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2022/03/14/435670/state-clinics-barely-fill-healthcare-void-in-the-philippines/

UP Media and Public Relations Office. (2020, April 20). Estimating Local Healthcare Capacity to Deal with COVID-19 Case Surge: Analysis and Recommendations. University of the Philippines. https://up.edu.ph/estimating-local-healthcare-capacity-to-deal-with-covid-19-case-surge-analysis-and-recommendations/#:~:text=This%20is%20below%20the%20World,0.8%20per%2010%2C000%20in%20BARMM.

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