Compliance key to effectively managing chronic diseases

THE Department of Health lauds the private sectors’ initiative in promoting health program that aims to help patients suffering from chronic lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes to effectively manage their illnesses via strict compliance to prescribed medications. Health Undersecretary Alex Padilla underscored the big role of private sectors in helping the health programs of the government during the launch of Patient Compliance Pack by Watsons Personal Care Store and Pharex Health Corp.

Non-compliance to prescribed drug regimen continues to be a serious problem in the Philippines and worldwide. It is also a major factor in the growing mortality brought about by these diseases.

To date, compliance to medications for chronic and acute ailments in developing countries is as low as 50 percent.

In the Philippines, the percentage is even lower, according to Philippine College of Physicians immediate past President Dr. Eugene Jose Ramos, who presented the importance of compliance as key to effectively manage these diseases.

“In the Philippines, about 10.5 million Filipinos have been found to be hypertensive, while an estimated 4 million Filipinos are diagnosed with diabetes. What’s alarming is that these diseases rank among today’s killer diseases,” Dr. Ramos said.

In spite of these findings, according to him, some patients find it difficult to comply with their drug treatment. There’s the issue of lack awareness on the severity of these killer diseases and on the importance of medication compliance itself. The high cost and poor access to prescribed drugs are major factors, which sadly continues to be a dilemma among disadvantaged patients.

“Its about time that we take our health as our responsibility. Therefore, we should allot certain amount for medication in the family’s budget,” Dr. Ramos said.

Explains Lyle Joseph Morrell, Health Business Unit director of Watsons: “It’s high time for patients to take charge of their health and be disciplined in managing their illnesses. Through this program, we want to build awareness on medication compliance as a vital tool for therapeutic health, especially when it comes to chronic ailments. This is because, despite having these illnesses, it’s still possible for patients to enjoy healthier, good quality life.”

To address these concerns, Watsons enlisted the support of Pharex Health Corp., one of the country’s pioneers in generic medicines, to ensure consumers get high-quality compliance packs at an affordable price.

“By supporting this program, Pharex wants to help patients get better access to high-quality, effective and affordable medicines so they can effectively manage their illnesses,” said Pharex Health Corp. President Tomas Marcelo Agana 3rd.

Watsons complements the program with a Patient Compliance Card, a rewards program that will give them great discounts and freebies from healthcare partners.

Among the medicines that will be included in the Watsons Compliance Pack are Pharex Amlodipine, Pharex Losartan for hypertension and Pharex Simvastatin for hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). –LEONY R. GARCIA, Manila Times