Answering healthcare challenges in the Philippines
12-Jul-16, Manila Bulletin
Healthcare systems around the world are facing challenges that include the availability of resources, easy access to services, and quality of care. These challenges stem from global trends of growing and aging populations, and the rise of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases.
%20Manila%20Bulletin.jpg "Answering healthcare challenges in the Philippines (c) Manila Bulletin")
Image: Manila Bulletin
In the Philippines, the healthcare system is challenged by issues around resource constraints, affordability of healthcare services, and dated health systems with limited connectivity.
The Department of Health (DOH) reports that there are 10 hospital beds per 10,000 population in the Philippines - half the World Health Organization recommended number - and are largely concentrated in urban areas such as Metro Manila and other cities.
To address these challenges, the government has set goals complementing the UN-established Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 in achieving good health and well-being.