In the world we are living in, many things can be given some thoughts. People used to have varied views, opinions, and the like, and sometimes this affects something. So for today, I will be writing something that you may find interesting. I hope that at the end of this post, you will be able to formulate something in your mind regarding the topic. You may or may not write it down, but if you wish to share it with us, feel free to share it.

Poor healthcare system

Link of the Image

           There is no denying that the country’s healthcare system had been improving through the years. Living conditions in our country have become better, and more Filipinos are provided with health services. Nonetheless, as compared to other countries abroad, we are still far from a developed healthcare system. There are still aspects in our healthcare system that needs improving.

           Health is a fundamental human right written in our Constitution. Improving our healthcare system means improving the country as a result. Filipinos with sound health conditions and a good healthcare system awaiting them would mean lesser expenses and better productivity. The health sector should be the priority of our government. One problem in our country is the lack of government action to consistently enhance and strengthen our health sector. Our country is in urgent need of a systemized healthcare system that maximizes the benefit for the poor and the rich, especially for the poor who needed it the most (Esparagoza, 2020). 

           It was found out in a survey of whether health services reach Filipinos in slums that service delivery indicators such as antenatal care visits, facility-based delivery, and immunization demonstrate such inequalities. There have been widespread efforts to improve service delivery in the country. Yet, those efforts are not enough as regional and socioeconomic disparities in the availability and accessibility of resources across and within regions, which are concentrated in Metro Manila and other major cities. Almost two-thirds of hospital beds are in the islands of Luzon, while the rest are in the other islands (World Health Organization, 2018). There should be more infrastructure to unlikely places to provide for our fellow countrymen. Proper healthcare should be more accessible to everyone.

           On the one hand, the Philippines has an extensive healthcare workforce. The country is even a significant exporter of healthcare professionals (WHO, 2018). However, according to the Department of Health, this huge human reservoir for health is unevenly distributed in the country. Most are concentrated in urban areas. There is also the issue of low income provided to health workers, so they opt to migrate and work abroad.

John Tewell /Link of the Image

           Filipinos have been struggling from this poor healthcare system that we currently have right now. As the pandemic strikes, we see clearly the gaps and dents in our system. As individual Filipinos, we do not have much to do. We can follow health protocols, take care of ourselves, and such. However, it lies on our government to fix the mess.

           Consequently, effective and efficient government funding towards our health sector is what we need. Actions of strengthening our healthcare system should be prioritized, relying on a well-performing health workforce, good health services, well-functioning health information system, equal access to essential medical products, good health financing system, vaccines and technologies, and as well as leadership and governance. 

           We can only contribute by continuously voicing out our concerns to the government. Keep focusing on government actions, uphold what is commendable and criticize what is necessary. Indeed, there have been improvements in our healthcare system. New programs, reforms, and some future prospects are laid out. We have to support these. As informed individuals, we must be responsible and disseminate these programs and plans to our fellows. Many of us are not conscious of what can help them in situations that need medications. We must remember that healthy countrymen lead to a healthy economy.

That's all for now. Have a good day!