Costs hinder Filipinos from staying fit, healthy — experts

Healthcare costs continue to prevent many Filipinos from prioritizing their health despite growing awareness of its importance, medical experts said Tuesday.

During a panel discussion, infectious disease specialist Dr. Karl Henson said multiple factors contribute to why Filipinos tend to deprioritize their well-being, with cost emerging as a major barrier.

Pharmaceutical firm Pfizer said studies showed that 70% of Filipinos aspire to be fit and healthy, but 37% admitted they do not take adequate care of their health.

"Most of my patients are in the hospital, and we tend to get called when cases are already severe or complicated,” he said.

“We see almost every day the impact of delaying preventive strategies and important health decisions” Henson added.

He said the country’s healthcare system, where many patients pay out of pocket, discourages early intervention.

“In the Philippines, cost is a major factor. Unlike in countries such as Singapore, many of our patients shoulder healthcare expenses themselves," he said.

"As a result, they tend to prioritize what they perceive as more immediate needs, sometimes at the expense of their health,” Henson added.

He added that many Filipinos place their health “on the back burner” in favor of necessities such as food, noting that perceptions of what is important vary from person to person.

“The value of importance is very subjective. It is up to physicians to have that conversation with patients and emphasize that health matters,” Henson said.

Despite these challenges, Henson pointed out that 55% of Filipinos still trust healthcare professionals as their primary source of health information.

“That level of trust is significant, and we should not take it lightly. It presents an opportunity for us to engage patients and guide them toward informed decisions,” he said.

Meanwhile, cardiologist Dr. Anthony Leachon, former president of the Philippine College of Physicians, underscored the role of education in improving health outcomes.

Pfizer’s study also identified concerns about side effects and a doctor’s reputation as factors influencing health decisions.

It added that while many adults research their options before consulting a doctor, physicians remain the most trusted source of information across Asia.

“If trust lies with physicians, then we must provide data-driven, evidence-based guidance,” Leachon said. “Doctors must step up and help address gaps in knowledge and awareness.”