Gov’t must address hidden costs of health care

With the advent of universal health care (UHC), there have been significant improvements in the health-care system of the Philippines. However, we must recognize the persistent difficulties in ensuring health equity, particularly in remote and underserved areas. These gaps in health-care access continue to disproportionately affect people living far from urban areas.

It has been a year since my uncle passed away. He suffered a hemorrhagic stroke secondary to a head injury. Despite our town being classified as a first-class municipality, it still lacks comprehensive medical services needed to manage complex health conditions. As a result, our residents often have no choice but to seek health care elsewhere.

For my uncle’s family, this meant a two-hour trip to the nearest public tertiary hospital. Unfortunately, like many public hospitals in the country, it is often overwhelmed with patients from all corners of the province and region. This situation is not unique to our town as it is likely true in many parts of the country.

Beyond the lack of higher-level specialized care, many Filipinos also struggle with the indirect costs of health care. These include transportation, caregiver meals, medications, medical supplies, and even basic hygiene materials. While PhilHealth has made progress in slightly expanding benefit coverage, it is crucial for our policymakers to explore possible mechanisms to alleviate the financial burden of these indirect costs, which often become barriers to accessing timely and adequate health care.

If we are true to the promises of UHC, more must be done. This means not only improving the availability, quality, and accessibility of health-care services across the country. We must address the hidden costs of health care. Our health leaders and policymakers should act on their commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable health care for all Filipinos, whenever and wherever they need it. Only then can we truly move closer to the progressive realization of health equity in the country.

Sincerely,

Reiner