In a country where cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for nearly one in every three deaths, the urgency to deliver timely, affordable, and quality cardiac care leaves to be desired.
In 2021, ischemic heart disease topped the list of causes of death in the Philippines, a sobering reminder of the nation’s growing burden of noncommunicable diseases.
Amid the challenge, hopeful change is coming.
In the PHA-PCC 55th Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting, Dr. Raul Lapitan tackled the enactment of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act in 2019. A past president, Lapitan is a well-respected cardiologist-echocardiographer.
The UHC marked a critical milestone in the Philippines’ journey toward equitable health access.
“By ensuring automatic PhilHealth coverage for all Filipinos, the law laid the groundwork for more inclusive care—especially in the detection, treatment, and long-term management of CVD,” Lapitan said.
UHC’s Impact on Cardiac Care
One example is the Konsulta package (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) which has started addressing the need for early detection and chronic disease management.
This package include essential diagnostics for heart health: lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar, ECGs, and chest X-rays—services that are now within reach for many who would otherwise have gone undiagnosed.
More significantly, PhilHealth’s expanded coverage under the Z Benefits package includes life-saving interventions like Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), fibrinolysis, cardiac rehabilitation, and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), among others.
For patients once burdened by the overwhelming cost of treatment, this signals a shift toward financial protection and survival.
For example, PhilHealth now covers up to ₱523,853 for PCI, ₱66,140 for cardiac rehabilitation, and up to ₱960,000 for CABG, depending on the patient’s condition—making life-saving heart treatments more accessible.
Challenge in Hypertension
Data from the PRESYON studies revealed a significant rise in hypertension prevalence, jumping from 22% in the 1990s to 37% in 2021.
Alarmingly, only 13% of hypertensive individuals in the Philippines achieve proper blood pressure control.
Such figures underline the urgent need for strengthened primary healthcare, where conditions like hypertension can be detected early and managed consistently.
This is especially crucial in underserved and rural areas, where disparities in access remain stark.
Systemic strains
Despite progress under UHC, challenges remain.
Nurse shortages, limited digital records, and uneven local capacity hinder consistent care across the Philippines.
To better address cardiovascular disease, experts called for stronger rural health facilities, improved digital systems, public-private partnerships, and a focus on prevention through community education and screenings.
Heartfelt call
The PHA and partners are dedicated to supporting UHC through training, advocacy, and awareness.
While progress is worth celebrating, the real challenge is ensuring every Filipino—whether in cities or remote areas—benefits from better heart health care.
Fr. L: Drs. Ronald Cuyco, Ma. Belen Carisma, Pamela Morris and Raul Lapitan
Fr. L: Drs. Pamela Morris and Raul Lapitan
