Umayka ta! Agsarita tayo “The 17th Policy Dialogue on Universal Healthcare and Access to Medicines”
Patient’s Forum: Access to Medicines
Traversing towards the realization of quality primary healthcare through free access to essential medicines in support to the goals of the Universal Health Care in Region 1, Laoag City hosted the 17th Policy Dialogue on Universal Health Care and Access to Medicines through a Patient Forum at Sola Hotel, Laoag City, 18 November 2022.
The event was initiated by DOH Pharmaceutical Division personnel headed by Director Anna Melissa S. Guerrero,M.D., CHD-1 Pharmaceutical Management System headed by Assistant Regional Director Helen D. Tobias, M.D., participated by stakeholder representatives from DOH-National Patient Navigation and Referral, DOH-Malasakit Program Office, National Nutrition Council Philhealth, DSWD, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Also, representatives form the office of the Honorable Congressman of the 1st District of Ilocos Norte and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Ilocos Norte attended the event together with patients, BHW organization members, and Senior Citizens association members.
Discussed during the Forum are Patient Navigation and Referral Pathway System, Updates on the Hospital Enhancement and Modernization by the Department of Health and the Implementation of the Malasakit Program and Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (MAIP), Accessing Healthcare Financing, DSWD Guidelines on Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program, PCSO Medical Access Program (MAP), Philippines Pharmaceutical Division and Health Technology Assessment Division Program Updates on Increased Accessibility to Affordable Medicines and Medical Devices, AMR: Re-emphasis on Antimicrobial Awareness, and Accessing Alternative and Traditional Medicine through HerbMap.
Consequently, participants of the event extended their appreciation of making them a part of the policy decisions of the health sector, making their voices heard and their needs consciously addressed. Their reinforced patient support in the area of Pharmaceutical Programs of the DOH and other partner organizations and agencies is projected to manifest availability, affordability, rational use, safety, efficacy, and quality of the medicines they need and consume.
“I encourage everyone who is a part of the DOH health programs to be open, engaged, and supportive for it is your family and loved ones who shall primarily benefit from the expected good outcomes of our public health programs. On our part, the DOH shall continue to carry and improve its policy decisions, programs and services to achieve our goals and serve you better”, Assistant Regional Director Tobias said.
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