Iloilo City, September 10, 2024—The ongoing Iloilo Patients Forum, focused on “Strengthening Universal Health Care (UHC) Localization and Cancer Care in Iloilo City,” is currently taking place at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The forum, aligned with the National Wellness Month, brings together stakeholders in health and governance to discuss critical initiatives in improving healthcare access, with a particular focus on cancer care and UHC localization in Iloilo City.
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 event serves as a platform for dialogue between healthcare professionals, government officials, and patient groups.
Fatima Lorenzo, founder of PAPO, kicked off the forum by highlighting the power of collective efforts in addressing healthcare challenges. “There is strength in numbers,” she said, as she discussed PAPO’s mission to unify patient organizations under one voice to empower Filipino patients to advocate for their rights and be productive members of society.
Jess Lorenzo, Senior Fellow at De La Salle University’s Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, emphasized the importance of addressing social inequalities in healthcare through community-based awareness programs. He underscored the need for ground-level conversations and community development to bridge healthcare gaps.
Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., President of ISUFST, reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting public health initiatives. He stated that ISUFST actively contributes to good health and well-being through relevant research and extension services that directly benefit the community.
Dr. Lalit Chopra, a medical doctor and MSD Richard T. Clark Fellow, spoke about the ongoing battle against cancer, describing it as a challenging issue that requires long-term sustainable solutions. Dr. Chopra expressed hope in finding ways to overcome barriers in cancer care through patient-centered approaches, stressing the importance to listening to patents’ narratives and journeys.
Dr. Luzviminda Jamandre, program head for cervical cancer at the Iloilo City Health Office, revealed that cancer ranks as the third leading cause of death in Iloilo City. With this, she emphasized that local district health centers, now all accredited by PhilHealth, are offering primary healthcare services, including cancer screenings, making healthcare more accessible to underserved communities.
PhilHealth representatives, including Harren Christopher Fegarido and Dr. Athena Lauron, discussed the benefits of Universal Health Care. They highlighted the importance of UHC in ensuring that every Filipino, especially those in marginalized sectors, receives immediate access to quality healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and palliative care.
The forum, part of a series of initiatives led by DLSU, continues to gather momentum, serving as a platform for exploring sustainable healthcare solutions and reinforcing Iloilo City’s commitment to improving access to essential healthcare services, particularly in cancer care, for its residents. (Herman M. Lagon/PAMMCO)
