Universal Health Care (UHC) is a system that aims to provide equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens of a country.

QUESTION

I. Discuss Universal Health Care and its implication to Public/Community Health within the Philippines.

II. Velma is 25 years old G5P5 mother from far-flung Agusan del Sur who gave birth to her fifth baby at home with the assistance of a traditional birth attendant (TBA). She was instructed to watch out for bleeding. She thought heavy bleeding was part of normal pregnancy. A day passed and she was still bleeding profusely and later experienced dizziness. Her husband went to see the only midwife in their barangay, but she was attending to another delivery, then he wanted to bring her to the provincial hospital but they had no means of transportation at that time. Finally, he was able to bring her to the hospital, but it was already too late. She died of heavy bleeding.
1. What is your assessment of the case?
2. How should the mother be managed?
3. If you are the health care provider, what is your role in preventing Velma’s death? What will be your plan of action?

ANSWER

I. Universal Health Care and its Implications to Public/Community Health in the Philippines

Universal Health Care (UHC) is a system that aims to provide equitable access to healthcare services for all citizens of a country. In the context of the Philippines, UHC is a critical initiative with significant implications for public and community health. The implementation of UHC in the Philippines has several positive impacts:

Access to Healthcare Services: UHC ensures that every Filipino, regardless of socio-economic status, has access to essential healthcare services, including preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care. This increased access can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced health disparities.

Financial Protection: UHC reduces the financial burden on individuals and families by providing a mechanism for pooled funds, such as through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). This protects households from catastrophic health expenses and helps alleviate poverty related to medical costs.

Focus on Preventive Care: UHC emphasizes preventive healthcare, leading to early detection and management of diseases. This approach reduces the burden of chronic illnesses and promotes overall community health.

Strengthening Primary Healthcare: UHC supports the development and strengthening of primary healthcare facilities and services, especially in rural and underserved areas. This ensures that communities have access to essential health services closer to their homes.

Health Education and Promotion: UHC fosters health education and health promotion programs, empowering communities to take charge of their health and adopt healthy lifestyles.

Improved Health Outcomes: By providing timely and comprehensive healthcare services, UHC can lead to improved health outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and increased life expectancy.

II. Assessment and Management of Velma’s Case

Assessment of the Case

Velma’s case highlights the challenges faced by individuals in remote areas of the Philippines in accessing timely and appropriate healthcare services. Her reliance on a traditional birth attendant and delayed access to a skilled healthcare provider resulted in severe consequences.

Management of the Mother

In Velma’s case, immediate action was required to manage her postpartum bleeding and dizziness. If she had received timely medical attention, she could have been treated for postpartum hemorrhage and its potential complications.

Role of the Healthcare Provider and Plan of Action

As a healthcare provider, my role in preventing Velma’s death would involve proactive measures and community engagement. The plan of action includes:

Community Outreach and Education: Conducting regular health education sessions in far-flung areas to raise awareness about the importance of skilled birth attendance, recognizing danger signs during pregnancy and childbirth, and the significance of seeking timely medical care.

Strengthening Referral Systems: Collaborating with barangay health workers and traditional birth attendants to develop efficient referral systems to connect pregnant women and mothers to skilled healthcare providers in case of emergencies.

Training of Community Health Workers: Providing training to community health workers and midwives in basic emergency obstetric care to manage common maternal health emergencies promptly.

Access to Transportation: Advocating for improved transportation services in remote areas, ensuring that pregnant women and mothers have access to emergency transport when needed.

Strengthening Health Facilities: Advocating for the improvement of health facilities, ensuring availability of essential drugs, and skilled healthcare providers in rural and underserved areas.

Conclusion

Universal Health Care in the Philippines holds immense potential to improve public and community health by providing access to essential healthcare services for all. Velma’s case underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance access to skilled healthcare providers, promote community awareness, and strengthen healthcare facilities in far-flung areas. By implementing these measures, we can work towards preventing tragic outcomes like Velma’s and strive for better maternal and community health outcomes in the Philippines.