The Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) is set to host its Patient Congress, an event that will highlight the global commitment to social participation in healthcare. This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Universal Healthcare,” aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) call for countries to integrate community voices into healthcare decision-making.
The congress, which is scheduled for August 29 to 30 at the Asian Development Bank, will serve as a platform for patient leaders, healthcare professionals, government officials, and international experts to discuss how patient empowerment can drive more effective and inclusive healthcare policies in the Philippines.
WHO member countries have committed to social participation as a key strategy in achieving universal health coverage. This approach emphasizes the importance of involving patients and communities in the creation and implementation of health policies, ensuring that healthcare systems are responsive to the needs of all, particularly the most vulnerable.
The Patient Congress highlights the need to recognize people’s knowledge, the need to share power, and foster cooperation. It is also a chance for PAPO to empower Filipino patient leaders by providing them with the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to healthcare policy. Discussions will center on improving access to care, financial support for patients, and the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.
The congress will feature a distinguished panel of speakers, each offering valuable insights into healthcare challenges and solutions. Durhane Wong-Rieger, a well-known Global Patient Advocate and President and CEO of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, will talk about the challenges of patients and winning strategies for better access. Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, the principal author of the Universal Health Care Law, will discuss the law’s impact since its enactment in 2019 and the ongoing efforts to ensure its full implementation. Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., President and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), will provide perspectives on enhancing financial access to healthcare and PhilHealth’s role in advancing universal healthcare. Dr. Eduardo Banzon, Director of Health Practice from ADB will kick off the panel discussion on the role of the development partners in UHC while Loris Ramin, President of PHAPCares Foundation will talk about the role of the private sector in advancing health for all. Ogusa Shibata, WHO Technical Officer for Health Care Quality and Patient Safety, will speak on global standards for patient safety and how innovative solutions can be integrated into the Philippine healthcare system.
“The congress serves as a platform for dialogue among patient advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, the private sector and government to demonstrate that partners can work productively and meaningfully to provide solutions rooted in empathy for patients. We aim to highlight the views of patients and showcasing our capacity to contribute constructively to healthcare improvements,” said Karen Alparce-Villanueva, PAPO President
The Patient Congress is supported by the Asian Development Bank, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, PhilHealth, and various private corporations. Their involvement underscores the importance of collaboration across sectors to advance universal healthcare and elevate patient voices.
PAPO’s Patient Congress is more than just an event—it’s a movement towards a more inclusive, patient-centered healthcare system in the Philippines. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the congress aims to ensure that the voices of patients are not just heard but are instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare in the country.
For more information about the Patient Congress, please follow the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations on FB or email 1voicepapo@gmail.com; phpatientscongress@gmail.com
While the onsite participation is by invitation, the event will be livestreamed on the PAPO FB page.
ADVT.