Epidemic Investigations of El Tor Cholera in an Institution for the Mentally Retarded in Alabang, Metro Manila
An investigation of an epidemic of El Tor cholera serotype Ogawa, was conducted in an institution for the mentally handicapped in Alabang, Metro Manila in the Philippines. Thirteen of the 251 inmates were afflicted—an overall attack rate of 5%. There was one death. Only those with mental age of 6 years or less were ill. The source of infection and the mode of transmission were not conclusively identified. However, the sequence of events suggests that it spread initially from person-to-person and then was foodborne.
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Health workforce issues and recommended practices in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the Philippines: a qualitative study.
The Philippines' Universal Health Coverage program faces a critical workforce crisis that threatens its very foundation. A new Ateneo de Manila University study reveals that while the country exports healthcare workers globally, it struggles to retain the professionals needed for its own ambitious health reforms. With only 7.92 physicians per 10,000 population and a shortage of 127,000 nurses, systemic barriers—from restrictive hiring policies to uncompetitive salaries—are driving away the very people meant to deliver healthcare for all Filipinos. The research identifies promising solutions, including scholarship programs and comprehensive benefits, but warns that without addressing these fundamental workforce issues, universal healthcare remains at risk.
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Measuring and Understanding Geographic Inequities in Physician Distribution in the Philippines
Access to quality health care in the Philippines is shaped not only by the availability of physicians, but also by how equitably they are distributed across regions. Many communities, particularly in rural and geographically isolated areas, continue to face limited access to medical professionals, while urban centers often see a concentration of physicians and specialists. The project Measuring and Understanding Geographic Inequities in Physician Distribution in the Philippines seeks to address this challenge by providing a clear, evidence-based picture of physician maldistribution nationwide.