Better choices, health rejoices
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is an organization that cares about its members, promoting long-term healthy habits with emphasis on the importance of proactive measures for maintaining health.
This was evident in the creation of the MAP Health and Wellness Committee in 2012, which existed until 2017. The MAP Health Committee was then reactivated in 2021 and its purpose was to plan and implement programs on health issues and represent MAP in the meetings and hearings on health issues, in public fora or internal in the association affecting or benefiting MAP members.
One of the programs was the MAP Health Crawl launched in 2024, which was essentially a health fair introducing health-related products, services and medical or insurance coverage to MAP members by MAP members. This is MAP’s attempt to promote members’ own corporate businesses engaged in health care and pharmaceuticals to educate or make other MAP members aware of existing and new products and services, and giving exclusive promotion for MAP members.
This year, this health fair was renamed MAP Health Stroll, and has been supported by AC Health, Asian Hospital, AstraZeneca, Cardinal Santos Hospital, CareTech Health, Centre Medicale Internationale, EarAccess, Qualimed Health Network, Radlink Philippines, Roche Philippines and The Medical City, among others.
The MAP Health Committee aims to support annual check-ups and screening for prevention, not only physically but also mentally, by promoting the programs offered by participants of the Health Stroll. Soon, cancer awareness will be launched and the companies led by MAP members that offer coverage, screening, medicines, monitoring devices will be invited to the health fair.
The MAP Health Stroll is set up during the monthly general membership meetings (GMMs) and has become an important part of the GMMs focused on promoting health and well-being through information, education, and often, free screenings and services. It’s the MAP way to reach its members with health messages and resources, aiming to improve health knowledge, practices and overall health outcomes in the MAP.
The Health Stroll extends to the MAP members’ companies, providing insights on what programs promoting health and wellness in the workplace actually work with high impact on employee well-being and productivity. These programs would not have been known by the MAP members if not through the Health Stroll.
So, do MAP members, and Filipinos in general, really have better choices in medical services and products in the Philippines today?
Generally, it looks like Filipinos have more choices in medical services and products today than in the past, primarily due to advancements in technology, increasing access to health care and the growth of private health-care options.
Increased access and options
There are now more options on telemedicine, and not just using the messaging apps like Viber, WhatsApp and Messenger, but also telehealth platforms, like mWell and KonsultaMD, offering easy access to doctors and specialists, even in remote areas.
So even while on the beach, overseas trip, or when there’s simply no time to visit the doctor face-to-face, teleconsult is such a convenient option. Prescription is also mostly online that one can present to the drugstore or order online, like Mercury Drug’s Gamot Padala or Call Order Delivery service.
Private hospitals and clinics also offer advanced facilities, faster services and more personalized care, although at a higher cost, these days. There are health concierge or VIP desks that are available at hospitals, like St. Luke’s or MakatiMed, making easier for patients to focus on the medical case or illness, if any.
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other insurance plans provide access to a network of more doctors and hospitals, covering medical expenses. And there are prepaid card options too that are available, like those in mariahealth.ph, an online shopping platform for medical services.
Technological advancements
Private hospitals and clinics nowadays are equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment. And with advancements in diagnostic tools, such as advanced imaging and lab tests, they help in early and accurate diagnosis. There are also pharmaceutical innovations where new drugs and therapies are continuously developed, offering better treatment options for various conditions.
Growing health awareness
Filipinos are becoming more aware of the importance of self-care, including managing chronic illnesses and noncommunicable diseases. There is increased access to health information and education programs that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. And businesses and organizations are increasingly promoting wellness programs, encouraging healthy lifestyles and preventive care (which is the objective of the MAP Health Stroll).
However, there are still challenges, such as rising health-care costs that can be a barrier for many Filipinos, especially for those who are not covered by insurance or HMOs (health maintenance organizations). The universal health care implemented by PhilHealth via its Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (KonSulTa) aims to defray those costs through preventive medicine. While telemedicine and other initiatives are expanding access, some Filipinos in remote areas still face challenges in accessing quality health care.
In conclusion, while challenges remain, Filipinos have significantly better choices in medical services and products compared to the past. Advancements in technology, increasing access and growing health awareness have contributed to this positive trend and therefore, there’s a reason to rejoice.
The author is chair of the MAP Health Committee and managing director of CareTech Health. Feedback at map@map.org.ph and racquel.cagurangan@caretech.asia.
