THE Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) is set to host its Patient Congress, an event that will highlight the global commitment to social participation in health care.
This year’s theme, “Hand in hand for universal health care,” aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) call for countries to integrate community voices into health care decision-making.
The congress, which is scheduled for August 29 to 30 at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will serve as a platform for patient leaders, health care professionals, government officials and international experts to discuss how patient empowerment can drive more effective and inclusive health care policies.
WHO member countries have committed to social participation as a key strategy in achieving universal health coverage (UHC). This approach emphasizes the importance of involving patients and communities in the creation and implementation of health policies, ensuring that health care systems are responsive to the needs of all.
The Patient Congress will serve as a platform for patient leaders, health care professionals, government officials and international experts to discuss how patient empowerment can drive more effective and inclusive health care policies. CONTRIBUTED IMAGE
The Patient Congress highlights the need to recognize people’s knowledge, share power and foster cooperation. It is also a chance for PAPO to empower Filipino patient leaders by providing them with the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to health care policy.
Discussions will center on improving access to care, financial support for patients and the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.
The congress will feature a distinguished panel of speakers. Durhane Wong-Rieger, a well-known Global Patient Advocate and president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, will talk about the challenges of patients and winning strategies for better access.
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 Corp. (PhilHealth), will provide perspectives on enhancing financial access to health care and PhilHealth’s role in advancing universal health care.
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 the Pharmaceutical and Health care Association of the Philippines (PHAP) Cares 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 health care system.
“The congress serves as a platform for dialogue among patient advocacy groups, health care professionals, the private sector and government to demonstrate that partners can work productively and meaningfully to provide solutions rooted in empathy for patients. We aim to highlight the views of patients and showcasing our capacity to contribute constructively to health care improvements,” says Karen Alparce-Villanueva, PAPO president.
The Patient Congress is supported by the ADB, PHAP, PhilHealth and various private corporations. PAPO’s Patient Congress is more than just an event; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and patient centered health care system in the Philippines.
By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the congress aims to ensure that the voices of patients are not just heard but are instrumental in shaping the future of health care in the country.
Originally published on Manila Times.
