February 27, 2022 — UP College of Medicine Professor Dr. Gene Nisperos stated that in our healthcare system, it is at the level of the community where it is weakest, because communities have low resources.
“Ang focus ng ating healthcare system madalas ay sa malalaking ospital, and the resources are centered in big urban areas. ‘Yung maliliit na barrio, sa kanila madalas kulang na kulang ‘yung health services. The irony of it all is these are the communities that need health services the most,” he explained during a webinar hosted by the UP College of Dentistry on February 9, 2022.
While the poorest of our communities struggle with hunger, unemployment, and limited health services; care and services became more difficult, especially for non-COVID patients. Dr. Nisperos lamented the reduction in the very limited healthcare that the poor were receiving pre-pandemic.
On top of COVID-19, the conditions were aggravated by a botched response to the pandemic, particularly the government’s punitive and militaristic approach to its management. “COVID is a public health crisis. It is high time we embrace the public as part of the solution,” he said.
The Vice Chair of UPCM’s Community Oriented Medical Education Unit reiterated that the community is where the people are, who are our greatest asset in fighting any disease. “Even the poorest of people have talents that we have not yet harnessed” he added. Ang taumbayan, katuwang natin sila.”
Partnering with the community does not necessarily mean grand gestures. As an example, he cited Ana Patricia Non’s community pantry initiative that sprouted around the country. Engaging with the community allows understanding and appreciation of the current situation in a different light. This awareness leads to empowerment to create action and partnerships. “In the communities, engagements lead to awareness. We understand saan tayo puwedeng magtulungan… Doon kumikilos at umuunlad ang komunidad,” he explained.
Dr. Nisperos called for dentists and professionals to be the platform for correct and relevant information. As many Filipinos listen to sources that are closest to them, they may not be able to ascertain which is true from the fake information. Healthcare professionals must recognize that they are part of a greater community beyond their clinics with the responsibility to provide the correct information to those who need it. “Habang naghihintay ang mga pasyente natin, puwede tayong maglagay ng fliers or posters na puwede nilang basahin.”
As a final note, Dr. Nisperos said that the first step to action is to overcome self-imposed limitations. “Sa community medicine, hindi tayo nag-uumpisa sa limitations natin. Kasi kapag doon tayo nagsimula, talo na tayo. Nagsisimula tayo sa kahandaan natin magpasya by what we are ready to do. Limits are always self-imposed but the potential of what we can do, that has no limit,” he concluded.
Anne Marie D. Alto
