The Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) is gearing up for its Patient Congress, on August 29 to 30 at the Asian Development Bank, a key event that will center around the theme “Hand in Hand for Universal Healthcare.” The congress takes on heightened significance against the backdrop of a heated controversy involving the Department of Finance’s (DOF) recent order to transfer P89.9 billion in unused subsidies from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the national treasury. This decision has ignited debate among lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and the public, raising questions about the legality and ethics of reallocating funds originally intended for healthcare services.
In light of this controversy, the PAPO Patient Congress will serve as a crucial platform for dialogue, bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss and address the implications of national healthcare issues. The event aims to facilitate meaningful conversations on how best to ensure that patient needs are met and to explore solutions for enhancing the healthcare system in the Philippines.
The congress will feature a distinguished panel of speakers, each offering valuable insights into healthcare challenges and solutions. Durhane Wong-Rieger, President and CEO of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, will talk about the challenges of patients and winning strategies for better access as well as the global movement for patient advocacy. Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, the principal author of the Universal Health Care Law, will discuss the law’s impact since its enactment in 2019 and the ongoing efforts to ensure its full implementation. Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., President and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), will provide perspectives on enhancing financial access to healthcare and PhilHealth’s role in advancing universal healthcare. Dr. Eduardo Banzon, Director of Health Practice from ADB will kick off the panel discussion on the role of the development partners in UHC while Loris Ramin, President of PHAPCares Foundation will talk about the role of the private sector in advancing health for all. Ogusa Shibata, WHO Technical Officer for Health Care Quality and Patient Safety, will speak on global standards for patient safety and how innovative solutions can be integrated into the Philippine healthcare system.
“The congress serves as a platform for patients to demonstrate that they are proactive partners who can work productively and meaningfully with other stakeholders to co-create solutions, rather than simply voicing complaints or making requests. We aim to elevate the voices of patients by showcasing the capacity of our patient leaders to contribute constructively to healthcare improvements,” said Karen Alparce-Villanueva, PAPO President
This year’s Patient Congress is co-presented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), PhilHealth, and various private corporations. Their support highlights the collective effort required to advance universal healthcare and the importance of collaboration across sectors to address critical healthcare issues.
PAPO’s Patient Congress represents a vital opportunity to engage in critical dialogue and drive forward the agenda for a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system in the Philippines. By addressing the current funding controversy and exploring solutions, the congress aims to ensure that the voices of patients are integral to shaping the future of healthcare.
For more information about the Patient Congress, please follow the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations on FB or email 1voicepapo@gmail.com; phpatientscongress@gmail.com
While the onsite participation is by invitation, the event will be livestreamed on the PAPO FB page.
Originally published on Inquirer.
