Philippine health care system

• Current population

  • 118.86 M
• # of doctors in PH

  • 159,283
• # of actively participating doctors

  • 95,039
• doctor-patient ratio

  • 3.7 per 10k
• hospitals:

  • gov - 772
  • private - 1,117
  • total - 1889
• other facilities:

  • gov - 4875
  • private - 3249
  • total - 8124
• Morbidity

  • state of being diseased or the prevalence of a particular disease or condition within a population
  • include the number of people affected by a disease, the severity of the disease, and the impact on individuals' quality of life
• Mortality

  • occurrence of death within a population, usually due to various causes such as diseases, injuries, or other factors
  • provide insights into the overall health of a population, the leading causes of death, and trends in mortality rates over time
• leading causes of death: Male

  1. ischemic heart disease
  2. lower respiratory tract infections
  3. stroke
  4. COPD
  5. kidney disease
  6. hypertensive heart diseases
  7. tuberculosis
  8. diabetes mellitus
  9. neonatal conditions
  10. interpersonal violence
• leading causes of death: Female

  1. ischemic heart disease
  2. lower respiratory tract infections
  3. stroke
  4. kidney disease
  5. diabetes mellitus
  6. hypertensive heart diseases
  7. COPD
  8. neonatal conditions
  9. breast cancer
  10. tuberculosis
• pressing health problems in the Ph:

  1. infectious diseases
  2. non-communicable diseases
  3. malnutrition
  4. maternal and child health
  5. mental health
• Infectious diseases

  • such as tuberculosis, dengue fever, and HIV/AIDS
  • these diseases pose significant public health challenges due to their high incidence rates and the difficulties in managing and controlling outbreaks
• Non-communicable diseases

  • including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality
  • lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the rise of these conditions
• Malnutrition

  • remains a critical issue, particularly among children. Both undernutrition (including stunting and wasting) and overnutrition (leading to obesity) are prevalent, reflecting the double burden of malnutrition in the country
• Maternal and child health

  • high rates of maternal and infant mortality persist, often due to inadequate access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Issues such as teenage pregnancies and poor maternal health services further exacerbate the problem
• Mental health

  • issues including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, are increasingly recognized as significant health concerns
  • the stigma , combined with a lack of resources and services, makes it difficult for many individuals to seek and receive appropriate care
• Policy Development and Implementation

  • governments develop policies and regulations to guide healthcare providers and ensure the delivery of quality services
  • these policies include standards for healthcare facilities, licensing requirements, and guidelines for healthcare professionals
• Healthcare Infrastructure Development

  • investing in healthcare infrastructure, such as hospitals, clinics, and health centers, is essential for providing accessible and quality healthcare services to the population
  • governments allocate funds for the construction and maintenance of healthcare facilities
• Healthcare Workforce Development

  • governments support the training and development of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers
  • this includes providing scholarships, continuing education programs, and incentives to attract and retain skilled healthcare workers
• Health Information Systems

  • implementing robust health information systems enables efficient data collection, analysis, and monitoring of health outcomes
  • this information helps in identifying health trends, assessing service delivery gaps, and making informed policy decisions
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

  • governments promote public health initiatives, such as vaccination programs, health education campaigns, and lifestyle interventions, to prevent diseases and promote overall well-being
  • these efforts focus on raising awareness, promoting healthy behaviors, and reducing risk factors
• Community Health Programs

  • non-government organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) often implement health programs tailored to specific communities' needs
  • these programs may include primary healthcare services, maternal and child health initiatives, and disease prevention campaigns
• Capacity Building and Training

  • NGOs provide training and capacity-building programs for healthcare providers and community health workers
  • this includes skills development, clinical training, and education on best practices in healthcare delivery
• Advocacy and Awareness

  • NGOs advocate for policies and initiatives that promote access to quality healthcare services for marginalized populations
  • they raise awareness about health issues, advocate for patients' rights, and mobilize resources to address healthcare disparities
• Partnerships and Collaboration

  • NGOs often collaborate with government agencies, healthcare institutions, and other stakeholders to improve healthcare delivery
  • these partnerships may involve joint initiatives, resource sharing, and coordination of services to maximize impact and reach
• Monitoring and Evaluation

  • NGOs engage in monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of healthcare programs and interventions
  • they collect data, measure outcomes, and use feedback to improve service quality and ensure accountability
• Universal Health Care Law (R.A 11223)

  • aims to achieve universal health coverage, improve healthcare access and quality, reduce healthcare disparities, and promote better health outcomes for all Filipinos
• Mandatory enrollment

  • all Filipino citizens are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) managed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
  • this ensures that every Filipino has access to essential healthcare services
• Expansion of Benefits

  • the law expands the benefit packages provided by PhilHealth, covering a wider range of services including preventive, promotive, diagnostic, curative, and rehabilitative services
  • it also includes coverage for drugs and medicines essential for treatmen
• No Balance Billing

  • under the law, patients enrolled in PhilHealth should not be subjected to "balance billing" or additional payments beyond what PhilHealth covers for certain medical services in accredited public and private healthcare facilities
  • this helps protect patients from financial hardship due to healthcare expenses
• Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP)

  • the law establishes the HFEP to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved areas
  • it allocates funds for the upgrading and construction of health facilities, procurement of medical equipment, and enhancement of healthcare services
• Health Human Resources Development

  • the law prioritizes the development and training of healthcare professionals to ensure a competent and sufficient workforce
  • it supports programs for continuing education, skills enhancement, and deployment of healthcare workers, especially in rural and remote areas
• Community-Based Health Programs

  • the law promotes community participation and empowerment in healthcare through the implementation of community-based health programs
  • these programs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and the delivery of primary healthcare services at the grassroots level
• Health Information System

  • it establishes an integrated health information system to enhance data collection, analysis, and monitoring of health outcomes
  • this system facilitates evidence-based decision-making, health planning, and monitoring of the law's implementation