[Rappler Investigates] When health is wealth in a poor country

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'Family members line up in government offices in hopes of securing assistance and temporary relief, in the absence of a more systematic and developed healthcare system'

I’m back writing this Rappler Investigates newsletter after weeks of mourning the passing of my husband. The journey has not been easy — from 18 days spent in the hospital until physical parting, and then coming to terms with absence. The latter remains a daily struggle even after getting past what is traditionally marked as the 40th day since death.

My own experience in the hospital left me wondering several times how many Filipinos strain to pay staggering bills that pile up over time as doctors try to keep their loved ones alive, if not physically better. What about those from the provinces who have no homes in Manila and who cannot afford to travel back and forth, nor have the means to stay in nearby accommodations to save on transportation expenses?

Political reporter Dwight de Leon and intern Jia Erikah Fajardo wrote about “guarantee letters” issued by politicians, government offices or officials, that Filipinos, who have no means to pay, resort to. These essentially promise specific sums “to cover medical expenses while patients wait for formal healthcare assistance,” explained Dwight and Jia.

Family members line up in government offices in hopes of securing assistance and temporary relief, in the absence of a more systematic and developed healthcare system. The poor end up enduring long queues because there are little to no options left for them.

Reporter Eirene Manatlao also discovered the plight of parents with kids who suffer from type 1 diabetes. They can end up spending from P12,000 to P15,000 a month on medical expenses alone, including thousands on sensors for continuous glucose monitors that need regular replacement. These sensors cost about P1,600 to P4,000 each, lasting only for 15 days.

These challenges being faced by countless Filipinos are exacerbated by the present fuel crisis that has seen pump prices rising exponentially as a result of worsening conflict in the Middle East.

Keep track of the latest Middle East developments that have not abated and which have left us scrambling for alternatives, including going solar:

• IN NUMBERS: Philippine sources of electricity affected by Middle East crisis
• Where else can Middle East-dependent Philippines get its oil? 
• Can solar save the Philippines? How much, what are its gaps and promise? 
• Sara impeachment vs energy crisis? Camps battle to control the story 

Speaking of Sara’s impeachment, the Vice President has brought her case to the Supreme Court in an effort to stop it. She presented four major arguments: the complaints violated the one-year bar; the referral of these complaints is invalid; she opposed the “trial” nature of the proceedings at the House; and the justice committee crafted additional impeachment rules.

The High Court, however, did not issue a temporary restraining order that she requested. The public hearing will resume on Tuesday, April 14. 

As we enter the second quarter of the year, let us know what issues you want us to investigate or check out.

Till Thursday after next!

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– Rappler.com

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