Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH), the country’s first dedicated cancer care facility and the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) joined forces to advance initiatives aimed at promoting universal access to healthcare and allied services.
Their collaborative efforts will prioritize and elevate patient care and health outcomes, specifically focusing on those with cancer.
HCCH, established by Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) and the Healthway Medical Network, aims to provide accessible and quality cancer services to more Filipinos.
PAPO, a coalition of patient organizations, advocates for meaningful reform in three fundamental areas to improve the quality of healthcare in the country—respect for patient’s rights, universal healthcare, and participation in health policymaking, which includes cancer control policies.
“PAPO is pleased to partner with Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, the first of its kind in the Philippines and which aims to elevate cancer care for Filipino patients. Our partnership is more than just about treatment but includes the entire continuum of care—from prevention through disease awareness and health literacy, to diagnostics and screening, to treatment, recovery and quality of life care,” said PAPO president Karen Alparce-Villanueva.
She said PAPO supports HCCH’s desire to offer the most affordable rates in order to ease the out-of-pocket expenses of patients.
“Through this partnership, we aim to elevate patient-centered care and support for cancer patients and their families; forge a stronger alliance between patient organizations and healthcare providers to tackle cancer challenges; empower the public with increased awareness and knowledge about cancer prevention, treatment, and support, and advocate for a more supportive policy landscape that prioritizes cancer care and patient rights in the Philippines,” said HCCH medical director. Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas.
The HCCH and PAPO partnership will focus on four key areas: comprehensive cancer care services, hospice and palliative care, patient advocacy groups and health literacy and patient safety.
“Under comprehensive cancer care services, we will explore joint initiatives aimed at cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship support,” said Roxas.
The partnership entails collaboration on initiatives for the care and treatment of multiple myeloma, lung, and liver cancers, as these are priority areas for PAPO in supporting and finding funding for patients in need.
HCCH and PAPO also committed to promoting interdisciplinary approaches to hospice and palliative care, incorporating best practices and ensuring access to these services for all eligible patients.