Quality healthcare is not just for the wealthy. Quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone. Yes, including those who cannot pay for it.

Quality healthcare is a basic human right. That is why health has been emphasized largely in the Development Goals of the United Nations. Quality healthcare delivery means respecting human rights. At least 80% of the world’s population is considered poor. And many of the world’s people do not have access to healthcare, or even the most basic necessities such as electricity and power. However, in the Philippines where natural resources are abundant, quality healthcare remains inaccessible to most poor Filipinos.

The government and other related institutions should primarily keep in mind the provision of quality healthcare to its citizens and be more than just profit-oriented institutions. More than the commercialization of health services, the welfare of humanity must be of prime importance. They should think of more ways of expanding quality healthcare down to the grassroots, where the most in need of health are found. If we bring quality healthcare down to the grassroots, we are building a healthier nation. A healthier nation spells out more progress.

By: Abegail B. Alunan RN , Public Health Nurse