Healthcare costs continue to hinder many Filipinos from prioritizing their well-being despite increasing awareness of its importance, medical experts said.
During a panel discussion, infectious disease specialist Dr. Karl Henson cited multiple factors behind the tendency of Filipinos to deprioritize their health, with cost emerging as a key barrier.
Data from Pfizer showed that while 70% of Filipinos aspire to be fit and healthy, 37% admitted they do not take adequate care of their health.
“Most of my patients are already in the hospital, and we tend to get called when cases are already severe or complicated,” Henson said, noting the consequences of delayed medical intervention.
He emphasized that the country’s healthcare system, where many patients pay out of pocket, discourages early and preventive care.
“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 that many Filipinos place their health “on the back burner” in favor of daily necessities such as food, underscoring how personal perceptions of urgency shape health decisions.
“The value of importance is very subjective. It is up to physicians to have that conversation with patients and emphasize that health matters,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Henson noted 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 added.
Meanwhile, cardiologist Dr. Anthony Leachon, former president of the Philippine College of Physicians, underscored the importance of strengthening health education to improve outcomes.
The Pfizer study also cited concerns about side effects and a doctor’s reputation as factors influencing health decisions. 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.”
