POST A COMMENT

Add your comment by filling out the form below in plain text. Comments are approved by a moderator and can be edited in accordance with RFAs Terms of Use. Comments will not appear in real time. RFA is not responsible for the content of the postings. Please, be respectful of others' point of view and stick to the facts.

COMMENTS

Hjordis Celis
Dec 08, 2020 01:02 AM

There is a want in leadership and governance. The Philippine government has shown indecisiveness in policy making and implementation which was eventually reflected in service delivery and responding to the lack in the health workforce. The government seemed to give more importance on what other people or other nations might say about us plus with the issue of corruption, the procurement and distribution of medicines and other medical supplies as well as the provision for testing has been greatly affected.

Maria Socorro M. Entera
Dec 10, 2020 08:05 AM

The primary health system building block identified in this situation is Health workforce which is overburdened by the increase number of COVID-19 patients. The health system failed due to burned out health care workers who are less motivated to deliver quality, responsive and efficient health services to the patients. There was difficulty in the recruitment of health care workers due to fear of contracting the disease, overprotective parents, mistrust to the government and lack of incentives.

Kathy
Dec 10, 2020 04:18 PM

We can help spread the virus by adhering strictly to these protocols thru BIDA solusyon campaign:
B -Bawal walang mask
I - I-sanitize ang mga kamay
D - Dumistansya ng isang metro
A - Alamin ang tototong impormasyon

Melody Christian R. Santos
Jan 16, 2021 07:32 AM

Let's face it, the Philippines is really struggling for the pandemic of Covid-19. All of us as whole, the government system, the health care system and even the communities are not ready for the strike of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, because we have no clear laws or even policies and guidelines on pandemic, it affect our health systems in terms of governance, use of logistics, human resource, finances, service delivery and information as well. Ever since the issue on health is always at stake because of the issues on the preparedness and implementation in all levels. On the other side, the Philippines come-up with a different strategies that could lead us to a direction and eventually prioritize our health care system.

CHARMAINE LOUISE J. PALMA
Jan 21, 2021 02:58 AM

Because of the pandemic, I might say that the Philippines didn't prepare for the possible outcome that brought by this virus. Last December 2019 it is already in the news that the virus is already spreading in the country of China, yes we are all aware of this but the Government did not plan ahead of time we wait that this pandemic enter our country and Filipinos suffered a lot. Many Filipinos are unemployed, our economy decrease, many people died, lack of health care workers and our front liners are tired, fear to go outside because we do not know where the virus is. People are affected physically, mentally, and emotionally. I' am still hoping that our Government should choose the right vaccine so that there will be no Filipino will die and the reason is because of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Gretchel J. Mendoza
Jan 26, 2021 12:28 AM

Building Block: Leadership and Governance
The Philippines have plenty of health workers, in fact we are main contributors of competent health workers all over the world. However, the main issue I believe is how to make Filipino health workers stay in the country and work for the country. The job offers for the health workers here in the country is not as tempting nor satisfying as the salary, benefits, privileges' and other perks accorded to our nurses abroad, hence leadership and governance comes in to formulate ways make our workers stay.

Grace E. Petalcorin
Jan 27, 2021 09:56 PM

This article touches the following health systems building blocks: service delivery and health workforce. The government was overwhelmed by the increase in the COVID-19 patients, which made the "bed occupancy" rate reached the "warning zone." And, it also talks about the need for additional health care workers, but unfortunately nobody wants to take the slots.

Christinne Marie S. Baluyut
Feb 01, 2021 09:55 PM

It only shows that in this time of pandemic we are lacking of health workers. Our government is lacking support in our health care system. They should give priority care to our health workers.

Madeleine H. Ampatin
Feb 24, 2021 11:50 AM

COVID-19 has a tremendous effect in the Philippine Health System as evidenced by the surge of cases and the number of deaths recorded. This public health crisis affected the whole system most specially the health workforce, service delivery, information and governance. Other health services slowed down or was even neglected.

All the building blocks in the health care system must work. Governance and leadership for the policies, guidelines and effective oversight with accountability and transparency. Service delivery for safe and effective health interventions with available health commodities to ensure efficient health services. The health workforce must be given attention and priority since lack of manpower has been a constant clamor in public health settings. Medical products, vaccines and technologies need to be assured of its safety, efficacy and quality especially that COVID vaccination is again posing as a big controversy. Information will play a great role in this COVID-19 crisis where proper information dissemination is needed to assure the public on the effective health system performance most especially with vaccination. Financing is a very important building block that could make the whole system go. Without this, people will not have the opportunity to be given the health services that they deserve and without financial burden.

So all systems go when all the building blocks will be strengthened. So that the Philippine health system will not be overwhelmed with this global health crisis

Ma. Portia D. Reyes
Mar 20, 2021 11:47 PM

This is a sad reality on the health care workforce in the country. A year has passed, the government has initiated stringent procedures to flatten the curve but there are still a lot of people who are not following the health protocols. If all people from all walks of life could have followed this minimum health protocols, this can definitely be of great help to our health workforce.

Brillantes, Celia Flor Cascolan
Mar 25, 2021 10:59 AM

We were all taken by surprise on this COVID-19 Pandemic and really has too much affected the Philippine health care system.. The Filipinos are known for RESILIENCY but despite the ill effects of the pandemic we did not give up to the whims of the virus but fought it out while health workers painstakingly continued to give the regular services every Filipino needs. The health-care system survived the most difficult times in the country and now we are starting to surge again but will not give up especially now that we have the vaccines.

Antonette allam
Dec 12, 2021 07:23 AM

Governments did not expect the huge spreading of covid 19 virus, that lead the health care system did not prepared that much. Health workers are overworked and exhausted in helping to lessen the illness. But since Philippines health system are always survive due to filipinos always helping each other, governments prioritizing in making health care program that will help the health workers.

Elma
Feb 01, 2022 02:00 AM

Challenges in Health system are inevitable so is the COVID 19 pandemic. It does not only affected our health care system but of the entire socioeconomic and political as well. In the frustration of "no new" medical worker applicants to fill in the "many" open positions can manifest little confidence in our country's Health system management. Overwhelmed by COVID 19 without immediate emergency response to reinforce the health workforce significantly affect how efficient the agency carry out its function during this crisis.

Anonymous
Feb 12, 2022 04:16 AM

There is a want in leadership and governance. The Philippine government has shown indecisiveness in policy making and implementation which was eventually reflected in service delivery and responding to the lack in the health workforce. The government seemed to give more importance on what other people or other nations might say about us plus with the issue of corruption, the procurement and distribution of medicines and other medical supplies as well as the provision for testing has been greatly affected.

Marites Torres
May 08, 2022 04:46 AM

We need help from our government especially health assistance. Also our healthcare workers who work so hard for the victims of Covid.

Danielle Ligores
May 15, 2022 11:41 PM

I believe the Philippines is struggling due to the poor COVID-19 response because the public officials were too lax during the start of the pandemic. They dismissed the threat of the virus-- did not close the borders and still allowed people from all around the world to enter the country. Aside from this, the budget allocation on the public hospitals were not sufficient in order for them to adjust and adapt to the surge of COVID-19 cases

jingjing
Jun 07, 2022 10:38 AM

As a filipino we need to participate our government's program. Spaecially this pandemic time we are all at risk. So we are going to be more self responsible.

Russell
Jul 14, 2022 08:13 AM

The government has proven to be effective in times of crisis. The Department of Health has made exemplary effort in providing health support to the people. Nonetheless, the Philippines have survived the COVID-19 pandemic because of the right leadership.

Adnessa Angelica Malanum
Jul 19, 2022 02:26 AM

The health-care system was on the verge of being overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic as infections surge, bed occupancy rate had reached the warning zone, many people died and also lack of health workers. The government has implemented health protocols mandated by DOH to decrease the arising cases in the philippines.

Gracezeil Mae R. Royo
Oct 06, 2022 10:20 PM

Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, one identified challenged during the surge of COVID-19 virus in the Philippines is the number of health care workers rendering their services in the Hospitals. Our healthcare workers were overwhelmed by the number of cases increasing each day leading to poor healthcare services. The jobs they have done is not compensated well here in the Philippines despite of their hard work and dedication.

mavy
Oct 08, 2022 12:13 AM

covid 19 vaccines really helps people to lessen the severity of the symptoms, maybe it cannot get rid the virus but it can lessen to save us for not getting worst from it.

Jeseryl Dugeno
Oct 14, 2022 09:25 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how vulnerable our health system is. Aside from containing and mitigating the spread and infection rate, we must also strengthen the capacity of health systems to respond swiftly and effectively. One way to strengthen the system is to encourage our healthcare professionals to apply and to keep them from leaving the country, especially during this time of pandemic, by offering them greater remuneration.

Denor M. Acula
Oct 22, 2022 07:43 AM

Workforce which is overburdened is the primary building blocks identified in the article. Health workers were burned out of work. As health workers are only limited since most of them go to work abroad for greener pasture for the family.

Karissa Cheska Nunez
Oct 22, 2022 09:20 AM

Building Blocks Identified:

1. Delivery of Health Services & Supplies ( Lacks financial support leading to scarcity of hospital supplies and medical resources)

2. Healthcare Worker Workload ( Health workers reported stress and mental health exhaustion that eventually led to ineffective delivery of health services )

Reena May J. Apawan
Nov 14, 2022 08:04 AM

Vaccination and following health protocols such as wearing mask and social distancing can be a big help for our government in fighting Covid-19 virus.

JC Besario
Nov 14, 2022 11:37 AM

During pandemic a lot of HCW resigned due to heavy workloads thus making the problem more difficult. The government seek help to med students in other universities which created manpower during pandemic. It also participated in the clinical trials with four drug manufacturers in China and Taiwan which led to allow that the Philippines had an access to a vaccine developed by China.

Rowena Magnanao
Nov 15, 2022 02:08 AM

it was such a worsed nightmare to everyone the time of pandemic.Fear of what will happen next and what is the assurance of a health worker by that time,exhausted but still no time of complaining.Hopefully more the government will address the very need of our unsung heroes during the pandemic and make the first priority above all agencies.

Normela M. Maruhom
Dec 02, 2022 11:13 PM

The article: "Philippines: Health system in danger of being overwhelmed by COVID-19" just reflect that our health system is weak and not prepared for any pandemic to occur. It shows almost all the building blocks of a health system are weak and inadequate. for Service Delivery, there are not enough hospitals to accommodate patients, and much more with isolation facilities/capability of a hospital. The Health WorkForce as well is not enough or as stated in the article that there are a lot of positions but no takers, which could be maybe a lot of our nurses work abroad due to fewer opportunities and being under-compensated here in the Philippines and also a lot of healthcare workers were affected with COVID-19 because of shortage of Personal Protective Equipment available for them. and Obviously, our health system is too far behind in terms of medical products, vaccines, and technologies. we might have brilliant scientists/doctors who could develop medicines and vaccines but there's no support from the government and there it goes another building block of a health system about leadership and governance which we are weak also. Leaders don't prioritize health and there's no strong policy about the health program of our nation. the UHC law is just new and not yet implemented fully. Financing as well as another obstacle in health, because health is not a priority of the leaders, the national budget for health is less. With this, the most important and to address first building block of a health system is Leadership/Governance because they prioritize the Health sector allocating enough budget, and creating effective policies the other building blocks will follow. there will be good service delivery, enough workforce if adequate compensation and opportunity are provided, there will be new technologies will be introduced, and coming up with our own invention of medicines and vaccines and even laboratories will be available all over the country. then there will be no financial burden to those who need health services.

Normela M. Maruhom
Dec 02, 2022 11:32 PM

The article "Philippines: Health System in Danger of being Overwhelmed by COVID-19." just shows that our health system is weak and vulnerable to respond a pandemic. almost all the building blocks of a health system cited in this article were weak and not enough to accomodate the health services that Filipino needs. The first and foremost important building block of a health system to start with and focus on is the Leadership/Governance because if our leaders prioritize health, they will give enough budget allocation and make health policies that will be effective to the needs of our people. Service delivery: there will be programs that answers the needs of the Filipino and more hospitals will be available to accomodate more patients during pandemic. Health workforce will be enough if our nurses/doctors will not work abroad just because there is no adequate compensation and opportunities here in Philippines. Medical products, vaccines and new technology will be available if our scientists/doctors were supported to make inventions and financially supported. and that goes with enough finacinf aspect with our health Insurance to lessen the finacial burden of the Filipinos when they are sick.

hermel
Apr 08, 2023 02:15 AM

It is important for individuals to take responsibility for their own health and well being by following recommended guidelines, such as wearing facemask,practicing social distancing and avoid large gathering. The situation highlights the urgent need for all stakeholders to come together and work towards containing the spread of virus, protecting the health of population and that health care facilities have enough resources including health care personnel.

Jeanne Mabborang RM
Apr 13, 2023 12:45 AM

The government can increase the salary of health workers because in terms of this kinds of pandemics.They will the one to give their services but some of them are not supported of government benefits.

Mildred Igar
May 22, 2023 11:16 PM

The Philippine Healthcare system really faced a lot of challenges during the pandemic and caused a crisis to us Filipinos. We need more Healthcare workers and some preventive measures to ensure that we stop the spread of Corona virus as much as possible. And it is good that vaccinations and health protocols resulted to improvements in our community to bring everything back to normal.

Carmella Ann de los Santos
May 23, 2023 02:10 AM

Shortage of Nurses in the Philippines has greatly affected the Philippine Health Care System. We need the government to have strategies on how to encourage Nurses to work here than working abroad.

Princess
May 23, 2023 06:42 AM

It is important for us to receive a covid 19 vaccine

Carmella Ann De los Santos
May 24, 2023 08:20 AM

COVID 19 PANDEMIC HAS REALLY CHALLENGED OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN SO MANY WAYS. MANPOWER HAS TOTALLY DECLINED AS MORE NURSES AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ARE CONTRACTING THE VIRUS. MOREOVER, THE COMPETETION WITH OTHER COUNTRIES ESPECIALLY THOSE OFFERING A MUCH HIGHER WAGE COMPARE WITH THE PHILIPPINES HAS LEFT US EMPTY HANDED AS WE FACE THIS GLOBAL HEALTH PROBLEM

LOZANO JONA
May 25, 2023 03:36 AM

I think it's important for everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. It's also important for governments to provide adequate resources to healthcare workers and hospitals to ensure that they can handle the increasing number of cases.

HILDA TEJERO
May 25, 2023 10:57 PM

Covid 19 surge in the Philippines resulted to HealthCare and economy chaos in our country, many healthcare workers ended up over fatigue that resulted them to quit their jobs in the hospital. Luckily our neighboring countries developed a vaccine that is really helpful in eradicating the deadly virus that by now we slowly going back to normal life and Thankyou God for that.

Angela Alaman
May 31, 2023 08:51 AM

Really wished the pandemic response could've been better.

MARJORIE PASIAN PAD-ENG
Oct 31, 2023 04:26 AM

facing such pandemic was overwhelming and we are still facing the after effects until now.

Jhercy Palayen
Dec 07, 2023 02:17 AM

Covid-19 is an infectious disease that affect many people in the country such as work, close businesses and lost thier family and love ones.

Jhercy Palayen
Dec 07, 2023 02:30 AM

Because of this disease wen can help in to follow the BIDA Campaign and get vaccinated..