Health literacy in the Philippines low

An official of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) has underscored the need to enhance the Filipinos’ “health literacy” to improve the dismal health condition in the country.

PCP president Anthony Leachon said the Filipinos’ knowledge about health and well-being impacts on how they address issues like poor health and high risk of hospitalization.

“There still are many gaps that need to be addressed to improve health literacy in the country. Poverty and lack of education remain to be some of biggest contributors that prevent patients to communicate, understand health information, and subsequently make sound decisions about their health,” he told the audience during the recent launching of Watsons’ generic line of essential medicines and vitamins.

Leachon maintained that what the country needs “is a pragmatic approach toward health literacy — not only involving the doctor and patient but also the pharmacist and product.”

The best way to address these gaps is to use a practical framework that illustrates how the physician, patient, pharmacist and product can work together to create a more health literate community.

“Ultimately, health literacy is achieved when patients and providers truly understand each other,” he added.

Leachon said it would help if drugstores, especially their pharmacists, explain to Filipinos how they can maintain their health and well-being.

The Watsons generic line includes maintenance medicine for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol, antibiotic to fight off the common bacteria, dietary supplements for skin enhancement, anti-ageing and over-all wellness, basic vitamins, oral analgesics, and other over-the-counter medicines

According to Danilo Chiong, Health Business director of Watsons, each Filipino family has its specific needs when it comes to their health, but “with the rising cost of not just medicines but all commodities, families may have difficulty meeting each specific need.”

“With the launch of Watsons Generics, we aim to help families by giving them more healthcare options and the ability to purchase affordable and high-quality medicines,” he said.

Watsons Generics has a group of highly trained pharmacists who support consumers by giving accurate medical decisions. –Philippine Star