ASoG, BMGF, NUS, SEARCH host forum on strategic health purchasing in Southeast Asia

The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) through the Ateneo Policy Center (APC), in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the National University of Singapore (NUS) Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, and Southeast Asia Regional Collaborative for Health (SEARCH) Network, recently hosted a hybrid forum titled “Strengthening Health Purchasing in Southeast Asia: Progress, Opportunities, and Recommendations” on 31 January 2024.

Initiating the discussion, Dr. Kiesha Prem introduced SEARCH, a regional team from ASEAN countries seeking to raise knowledge and capacity for universal health coverage in Southeast Asia. The collaborative aims to achieve these objectives through strategic purchasing and primary healthcare.

This was followed by the discussion of Dr. Hong Wang, Health Economist and Senior Policy Advisor of BMGF, on the significance of moving from passive to strategic purchasing in pursuing equitable and effective primary health care. Dr. Wang also presented case studies of countries like Thailand and China that demonstrate promise in reducing expenditures and improving quality of care.

Finally, Ms. Capucine Barcellona of SEARCH discussed the six elements of strategic purchasing, probing the different priority areas that apply to the Philippines.

The forum culminated in the formation of discussion groups among participants, with representatives of each group presenting the key functions, priorities, gaps, and capacity-building needs for strategic purchasing in the country. Groups were represented by Dr. Jonathan David Flavier, Faculty of the graduate school of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, Mr. Deinzel Uezono, Health Systems Partner from Roche Philippines, Inc., Dr. Via Morales, Public Health and Policy Manager from Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc., and Dr. Alberto “JR” Ong, Secretary-General of the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSHSP) and President of Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes.

Representatives from various sectors were present at the forum, including individuals from the public health organizations, the government, and the private sector. Attendees included Dr. Madeleine Valera and Dr. Eufemia C. Yap, Senior Technical Advisors of Vital Strategies, Dr. Pura Angela Co, the Country Director of Thinkwell Philippines, Ms. Esther Wileen Go, President and CEO of MediLink Network, Inc. (MediLink), Mr. Charlie Villaseñor, the CEO of the Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA), and Ms. Blesilda Gutierrez, Deputy Director for Admin and Finance for the OFW Hospital. Ms. Nery B. Aspili of the Commission on Audit, Ms. Juica Dayrit of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, and Ms. Jovy D. Galvan of the Public-Private Partnership Center also participated in the forum. Other esteemed representatives were from St. Luke’s Medical Center, Manulife Philippines, Unilab Foundation, Pfizer, Zuellig Pharma, SEED Inc., Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) Inc., Ferring Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, Bayer, Palladium Global Philippines, and HI-Esai Pharmaceutical, Inc.

The academic community was well-represented by Dr. Enrico C. Mina from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, Dr. Leland dela Cruz, the Assistant Vice President for Social Development, Environment, and Community Engagement, Dr. Manuel Dayrit, Professor at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Alberto Teodoro Malvar, the Lead for the Dr. Rosita G. Leong Primary Health Care Hub, and Dr. Ma. Francisca del Mundo, the Physician and Research Data Analyst for the John Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP). Participating in the forum from international development agencies were Mr. Akihito Watabe, the Health Specialist of the Asian Development Bank, and Mr. Grape Spiro of the Japan International Cooperation Agency - Philippines.  

Dr. Michael Caampued, the President of the Philippine Society of Public Health, delivered his closing remarks, underscoring the critical role of collaboration in addressing challenges and exploring opportunities in health purchasing. 

The forum is part of ASOG’s efforts to promote and strengthen health financing in the country, supporting the University’s thrust in advancing universal health care.