Herman M. Lagon
Iloilo City, September 10, 2024—The Iloilo Patients Forum concluded today at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Mandurriao, with the commitment to form the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) Panay Chapter. Focused on “Strengthening Universal Health Care (UHC) Localization and Cancer Care in Iloilo City,” the event highlighted key issues surrounding cancer care access and UHC implementation, aligning with the goals of National Wellness Month.
Organized by De La Salle University in partnership with the Richard T. Clark Fellowship for Global Health, the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), and the Iloilo City Health Office, the forum gathered cancer patients, healthcare professionals, and government officials.
An open forum, led by resource speakers Dr. Luzviminda Jamandre, Harren Christopher Fegarido, and Dr. Athena Lauron, saw a variety of questions from participants. Concerns regarding how to access PhilHealth and Universal Health Care benefits, and the gaps in service, were raised. Dr. Lauron emphasized that PhilHealth is duty-bound to ensure access to quality healthcare services, while Fegarido discussed specific coverages and clarified common policy issues under UHC.
In the afternoon, focused group discussions (FGDs) among cancer patients and caregivers delved into critical issues, including limited access to cancer treatment facilities, high costs of medications, delayed diagnoses, and the lack of healthcare coverage for cancer treatments. Participants also voiced concerns over the shortage of specialized oncologists, geographic disparities in access to care, and the psychological and emotional toll on patients and families.
Additional issues such as stigma surrounding cancer, inadequate access to palliative care, financial strain, and the lack of patient support groups were discussed. Personal stories were shared by participants, reflecting the emotional and physical challenges faced by those battling cancer and their loved ones.
The main resolutions from the FGDs included the need for an organized movement among cancer patients, a push for localized cancer treatment facilities within municipalities, and a shift toward a patient- and people-centric healthcare system. The forum participants also committed to raising awareness, encouraging participation, and amplifying the voices of those affected by cancer.
As a result of these discussions, attendees agreed to establish the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) Panay Chapter, aimed at creating a unified platform to advocate for better healthcare access across the region.
Fatima Lorenzo, founder of PAPO, stressed the importance of collective action in addressing healthcare challenges. “There is strength in numbers,” she said, highlighting PAPO’s mission to unite patient organizations and empower Filipino patients to advocate for their rights and well-being.
Jess Lorenzo, Senior Fellow at De La Salle University’s Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, underscored the value of ground-level conversations in addressing social inequalities in healthcare. “Community-based awareness is vital to bridging gaps in healthcare access,” he said.
Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., President of ISUFST, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to public health through research and extension services. He emphasized that institutions like ISUFST play a key role in addressing local health needs; thus its commitment to partner with DLSU with the localization advocacy.
For his part, Dr. Lalit Chopra, a medical doctor and MSD Richard T. Clark Fellow, expressed hope in finding sustainable, patient-centered solutions to the barriers that hinder cancer care. He stressed the importance of listening to patient stories and experiences.
Dr. Luzviminda Jamandre, program head for cervical cancer at the Iloilo City Health Office, reminded attendees that cancer is the third leading cause of death in the city. She emphasized that local health centers, accredited by PhilHealth, are making cancer screenings and other essential services more accessible to marginalized communities.
The forum is part of a comprehensive series of initiatives aimed at enhancing Universal Health Care (UHC) and cancer care throughout Iloilo. As a continuation of these efforts, a dedicated forum for cervical cancer patients and survivors will be held on Wednesday, September 11, at the same venue. This will be followed by a free cervical cancer screening, discussion, and policy forum on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the West Visayas State University Rehearsal Room, Lapaz, Iloilo City. Additionally, the team will conduct focused group discussions (FGDs) in three selected barangays in Iloilo City next week.
Through these initiatives, the organizers aim to make significant progress in improving healthcare services for cancer patients and fostering a more inclusive, patient-centered health system across Iloilo and its neighboring provinces. (Herman M. Lagon/PAMMCO)
