Filipinos tend to think only about their health when they are sick and more often than not, have a strong tendency to self-medicate during times of illness.
These and other surprising health truths were uncovered in 2014 when PhilCare commissioned the PhilCare Wellness Index where more than 1,200 Filipinos nationwide were asked about their views on health and their well-being.
"Do you know that out of 100 million Filipinos only 35 to 37 million are covered by the government thru its Philhealth program?"
Now, the question on who covers the rest of the population together with the results of the recent study provided PhilCare - a multi-service HMO provider (Health Maintenance Organization) in the Philippines - with an in-depth look on how Filipinos approach health and wellness.
In spite the fact that 59% of Filipinos have access to doctors, majority – or 74 percent—still choose to self medicate than consult a doctor. What makes this alarming is that Filipinos view on health is often on the “curative” aspect and not preventive. Meaning, they will only consult or see a doctor when they are already sick. For others, it’s the high cost of consultation that prevents them from seeing a doctor upon on-set of illness.
PhilCare is addressing this situation with the introduction of its Unlimited Medical and Dental Consultation cards which allows its holder to avail of consultation services for 12 months from its nationwide network of more than 10 thousand PhilCare-designated affiliated doctors.
Understanding that each age range has specific health concerns, PhilCare developed three variants of the Unlimited Medical and Dental Consultation Cards, according to the age of its users:
Medical and Dental Consultation for Kids
 |
| For kids aged 1 to 17 years old (selling price: Php 3700) |
Offers unlimited medical consultations to more than 5,500 PhilCare-affiliated pediatrician and one year unlimited consultation with Dental Network dentists.
Medical and Dental Consultation Cards for Adults
 |
| For adults aged 18 to 64 years old (selling price: Php 3600) |
Card offers unlimited medical consultations to more than 9,600 PhilCare-affiliated family medicine specialists, internal medicine specialists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists nationwide. One year access to Dental Network dentists
Medical and Dental Consultation Cards for 65+
 |
| Ideal individuals ages 65 years old and above (selling price: Php 5000) |
Card offers unlimited medical consultations to more than 9,600 PhilCare-affiliated family medicine specialists, internal medicine specialists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists nationwide. One year access to Dental Network dentists
*** Medical Consultation covers almost all cases except maternal and psychological concerns.
*** Dental Consultations include temporary fillings and prophylaxis.
What sets these cards apart from the usual HMO cards in the market is that "pre-existing conditions" are covered! What a great way to reach and help Filipinos especially the seniors who has more serious age-related health concerns and need. Philcare is truly making health happen.
 |
| Ms. Patty Henson, Senior Vice President of Philcare |
Patty P. Henson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for PhilCare shares, “The unlimited consult cards makes consultations easy, affordable and available for everyone – especially for senior citizens. No long paper work to register, activation of the card is done by text and can be used three days immediately after activation. We always said that PhilCare Makes Health Happen – this is a testament to that commitment.”
The first of its kind in the Philippines, this latest approach on preventive health upholds Philcare's mission on touching and reaching the common Filipino.
 |
| Ms. Noemi Azura, President and CEO of Philcare |
“PhilCare believes that prevention is always better than cure. Other than leading a healthy lifestyle, Filipinos should also be able to have immediate access to their doctors during onset of any illness or even just to check the progress of their health. Our new Unlimited Medical and Dental Consultation cards will address this need,” shares Noemi G. Azura, president & CEO of PhilCare.
========================================================================
==================
ABOUT PATTY HENSON (Senior Vice President of Philcare)
Ms. Henson is an experienced marketing and business development executive with established success in developing commercially viable and winning strategies for both start-up and existing businesses and transforming strategy and implementing concrete product and service propositions across multiple channels and customer touch points. She has more than 15 years of exposure to business analytics, insighting and campaign design as a marketer scientist.
She has worked with various stockholders from senior management to functional units covering operations, sales, risk, finance, compliance and legal within a matrix environment. Externally, she has worked with off/on-line creative agencies, PR agencies, research agencies and maketing services providers to craft advertising and PR plans for image building and corporate social responsibility projects. She has over eight years of people management experience.
Ms. Henson took up Biology at the University of the Philippines, and earned her degree in Bachelor of Science in International Relations at Mount Holyoke College. She completed her masters degree in Business Administration at the University of the Philippines.
PhilCare, together with Ms. Henson, is committed to respect, promote, and protect the interests of its partners, agents, employees and other stakeholders.
ABOUT NOEMI AZURA (President and Chief Executive Officer of Philcare)
Ms. Azura brings more than 23 years of work experience in consumer banking gained from global financial institutions. She has a track record in successfully leading teams to success with her exemplary skills in building distribution channels of new businesses, driving performance of large sales force, and transforming businesses to position for growth and expansion.
She earned her degree in Bachelor of Science in Accounting from De La Salle University and completed her master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines.
Ms. Azura leads PhilCare in the forefront of taking healthcare to a higher notch with continuous innovations with its products and services going beyond the usual assistance of a healthcare provider in addressing the ever growing needs of Filipinos.
PhilCare, together with Ms. Azura, is carrying out its mission with integrity, dedication, competence, and responsiveness to market while ensuring cost and service efficiency.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************
--- Lovelots ---
Krystal
Labels: Health and Wellness, Personal Thoughts and Works, Press Release
