Press Release:
June 1, 2016
New Health Secretary: Pro-People not Pro-Profit
Health Alliance for Democracy asks incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint a secretary of health who is pro-people. She/he must uphold the interest of the people instead of capitalists whose interest is profit.
To uphold the people's interests, the next secretary of health should work for the strengthening of the public health care system especially in underserved communities. According to HEAD Chairperson Dr. Darby Santiago, “A community-based approach to healthcare must be established, which will ensure that the marginalized poor and far-flung rural areas has access to much-needed health services."
To better serve the majority of Filipinos, the next secretary of health must renounce the policy of privatization of public hospitals, facilities, and services. "Privatization of hospitals are rampant during the Aquino administration, with government-owned public hospitals threatened to be either privatized or abolished such as the Philippine Orthopedic Center and Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. Under privatization, the cost of healthcare services skyrockets and it becomes inaccessible to the poor,” added Dr. Santiago.
To uphold the people's interests, the next secretary of health should work for the strengthening of the public health care system especially in underserved communities. According to HEAD Chairperson Dr. Darby Santiago, “A community-based approach to healthcare must be established, which will ensure that the marginalized poor and far-flung rural areas has access to much-needed health services."
To better serve the majority of Filipinos, the next secretary of health must renounce the policy of privatization of public hospitals, facilities, and services. "Privatization of hospitals are rampant during the Aquino administration, with government-owned public hospitals threatened to be either privatized or abolished such as the Philippine Orthopedic Center and Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. Under privatization, the cost of healthcare services skyrockets and it becomes inaccessible to the poor,” added Dr. Santiago.
Immediately she/he should stop the transfer and abolition of the Fabella Hospital which will deprive the poor mothers and babies' access to free services. "Current Department of Health Secretary Janette Garin maintains that Fabella Hospital must be abolished because of 'structural defects.' Yet the Manila City Engineer's Office states that only 4 out of the 8 buildings in the maternity complex need strengthening to withstand earthquakes. There is no need to abandon the hospital. In this regard, we deem the likes of Janette Garin unfit for the position,because she favors business interests over the healthcare of underprivileged masses,” Dr. Santiago further added.
As a basic right, healthcare should be free, accessible, and available for the poor, deprived, and oppressed Filipinos.
The next DOH secretary must also work for the interest and welfare of health workers by increasing wages and benefits, ensuring security of tenure, and recognizing the right to organize and unionize.
No comments:
Post a Comment