Modern medicine has allowed people all over the world to enjoy longer, more fruitful lives. However, the growing gap between the haves and the have-nots has made it more difficult for people with limited budgets to access essential healthcare services.
This is especially true in the Philippines with the stark contrast between available medical care in far-flung barrios and that in urban centers. Even in provinces where medical care is readily available, the high costs can make it nearly impossible for the poorest of the poor to avail of it.
The Access to Medicines Summit held at the Diamond Hotel Manila brought together like-minded industry stakeholders and practitioners from across Southeast Asia to tackle the pressing issue of equitable access to medicines. More than 100 individuals from the Department of Health, local government units, academia, healthcare industry, patient support groups, financial institutions, and medical societies.
The summit focused on four key objectives. Firstly, it highlighted successful efforts of organizations at improving access to medicines, serving as examples for others to learn from. Secondly, it fostered collaboration opportunities, promoting collective impact in enhancing access to medicines. Thirdly, it initiated the development of a roadmap for stronger access to medicines through collaborative health innovations. Lastly, it advocated for policy changes and reforms to promote unbiased access to medicines across the region.
Organized by Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. and RiseAboveNow Business Consulting Group, the summit commenced with an address from Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, secretary of the Department of Health, Philippines who urged participants to find effective ways to address the need for equitable access to medicine.
“I challenge us to formulate more transformative interventions that will provide better access to medicines especially (to) the vulnerable and poorest population. Utilize this summit to discuss and ask the hard questions,” he said.
“Today’s activities contribute to the ultimate fulfilment of Universal Healthcare where health equity is one of its guiding principles. Let’s continue to forge ahead with determination, innovation and compassion ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit for a healthier, more equitable society,” he added.
Michelle Erwee, Takeda’s global head of Access to Medicines, acknowledging the need for collective efforts, said “No single organization or group can fix all the problems that cause unequal access to medicines. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, we understand that we can help by making our medicines and vaccines more accessible to patients. This not only improves people’s lives but is also essential to long- term sustainable business growth.”
