Filipinos expect govt to provide healthcare to all

ABOUT 87 percent of adult Filipinos expect the government to provide healthcare for all, including those who cannot afford to pay for it, according to a Social Weather Station (SWS) survey. It also found that 60 percent of the respondents felt satisfied with the government in providing quality health services for all. In addition, 25 percent never consulted a doctor or a health facility during sickness, while 55 percent have no health insurance; and that the majority were willing to pay higher premium to cover dependents/children (67 percent) and other healthcare costs (55 percent).

The survey learned that 78 percent gave importance to the issue of health insurance in choosing their president in the May 2010 polls.

The study also showed that 75 percent of the respondents consulted a doctor when they felt sick, of which 31 percent said that they did so in the past 12 months; 19 percent—about one to two years ago; 9 percent—three to four years ago; and 16 percent—five years ago or more. On the other hand 25 percent have not gone to a doctor or a health facility when they were sick.

Of those who went to a doctor or health facility upon falling ill, the survey revealed that only 8 percent of the respondents used PhilHealth to pay for their medical bills.

The SWS also said that 72 percent of those who participated in the survey paid for their medical bills, while 16 percent got it for free from a public doctor. Only 5 percent said that they had family or friends to help them pay for their medical bills.

According to the study, the most common reason for not going to a doctor or health facility was “I knew what medicine to buy in order to cure myself” (33 percent). Other reasons cited include: “I couldn’t afford it” (24 percent), “Never consulted a doctor when sick” (17 percent), and “There is no doctor or hospital nearby” (4 percent).

The survey also found that 55 percent did not have any public or private insurance to cover for their healthcare expenses, with higher proportions coming from Class D (54 percent) and E (66 percent), as compared to those belonging to the upper and middle classes (28 percent).

Asked if part of what the government spends for road-building should be better spent for healthcare, 59 percent said that they agree with the statement. On another question, 64 percent disagreed with the statement that getting health insurance is a waste of money, while 25 percent agreed. The remaining 10 percent were undecided on the matter.

About half (49 percent) also disagreed that “only rich people can afford to buy health insurance,” while 39 percent agreed. 12 percent were undecided.

The SWS survey, which was commissioned by the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, was conducted from January 29 to February 1, during the administration of former President and now Rep. Gloria Arroyo of Second District of Pampanga. –THE TIMES