Patients forum tackles UHC and cancer care, forms Panay alliance

The Iloilo Patients Forum concluded today at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Mandurriao, with a commitment to form the Panay Chapter of the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO).

The forum focused on “Strengthening Universal Health Care (UHC) Localization and Cancer Care in Iloilo City,” aligning with National Wellness Month goals.

The event, organized by De La Salle University in partnership with the Richard T. Clark Fellowship for Global Health, PAPO, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), and the Iloilo City Health Office, gathered cancer patients, healthcare professionals, and government officials.

Resource speakers Dr. Luzviminda Jamandre, Harren Christopher Fegarido, and Dr. Athena Lauron led an open forum, addressing questions about PhilHealth and UHC benefits, service gaps, and healthcare access.

Dr. Lauron emphasized PhilHealth’s role in ensuring quality healthcare services, while Fegarido clarified specific UHC coverages and policy issues.

Focused group discussions (FGDs) in the afternoon allowed cancer patients and caregivers to explore critical concerns such as limited access to cancer treatment, high medication costs, delayed diagnoses, and inadequate healthcare coverage.

Other issues raised included a shortage of oncologists, geographic disparities in care, and the emotional and psychological toll on patients and families.

The forum also tackled the stigma surrounding cancer, lack of palliative care, financial burdens, and the need for patient support groups.

Participants shared personal stories of their struggles with cancer, highlighting the need for systemic changes.

The FGDs resulted in resolutions to push for localized cancer treatment facilities, organize a movement among cancer patients, and shift toward a patient-centric healthcare system.

Attendees agreed to establish the PAPO Panay Chapter to advocate for improved healthcare access across the region.

Fatima Lorenzo, PAPO founder, stressed the importance of collective action in addressing healthcare challenges. “There is strength in numbers,” she said, emphasizing PAPO’s mission to unite patient organizations and advocate for patients’ rights.

Jess Lorenzo, Senior Fellow at De La Salle University’s Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance, highlighted the value of community-based awareness in bridging healthcare access gaps. “Ground-level conversations are vital,” he said.

Dr. Nordy Siason Jr., President of ISUFST, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to public health through research and extension services. He emphasized the importance of partnering with DLSU to advance local health initiatives.

Dr. Lalit Chopra, MSD Richard T. Clark Fellow, expressed hope in finding sustainable, patient-centered solutions to the barriers hindering cancer care. He underscored the significance of patient stories in shaping healthcare policies.

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 highlighted the availability of cancer screenings and essential services at local health centers, particularly for marginalized communities.

The forum is part of a broader effort to enhance UHC and cancer care in Iloilo.

A dedicated forum for cervical cancer patients and survivors is scheduled for Sept. 11, followed by a free cervical cancer screening and policy discussion on Sept. 12 at West Visayas State University, Lapaz.

Next week, FGDs will be held in three selected barangays in Iloilo City, as part of ongoing initiatives to improve cancer care and foster a patient-centered health system. (Herman M. Lagon/PAMMCO)