Empower patients to make informed choices

In the Philippines, there are many factors contributing to patient choice. More often than not, patients cite accessibility, quality, and cost as primary factors in selecting a health-care provider. At the center of patient-centered care is the freedom for individuals to make informed choices regarding their health care. Historically, the right to choose has often been affected by several barriers including financial constraints, limited access to information, and geographical hindrances.

Under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, patients have some degree of choice in selecting their health-care providers. The road to UHC is set with many opportunities to amplify patient choice and make it truly patient-centered. Thus, making the avenue for a health-care system that is not only universal in its approach but also unifying in its impact.

However, the journey to promoting patient choice within the context of UHC is not without its challenges. The extent of this choice tends to vary depending on factors such as local differences in the implementation of the UHC Act and variations in health-care infrastructure and resources across the regions. Therefore, this necessitates the development of health policies that are anchored to the realities of diverse patient groups.

Moreover, the transition to universal health care warrants a paradigm shift, requiring a balance between “standardization” and “customization” of health services to cater to both individual needs and preferences, respectively.

Ultimately, our health-care system must be grounded in empowering patients to make informed decisions while offering a comprehensive range of options, thereby upholding the core elements of UHC and enhancing the quality of health care for all.