The Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), the umbrella organization of 54 patient groups representing 1 million patients announced their new Board with the election of Christopher Munoz as its new president.  The other Board Members include as vice president Einstein Rojas, Araceli Lanorio, secretary, Marimel Lamsin, treasurer and Janet Francisco-Kochis as trustee. Elected into the Board were Arsenia Torres and Atty. Millette Asuncion-Arnedo who will also serve as concurrent legal counsel. Karen Alparce-Villanueva, Immediate past president together with Girlie Garcia-Lorenzo, Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala and Nelia Medina serve as part of the Advisory Board.

    PAPO works with communities of patients and other key stakeholders in health to get our voices heard by all involved in healthcare and the group advocates for patient-centered Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Patients need to be able to easily navigate the health system thru the strengthening of the primary health care system.  Aside from coverage of essential health services, it is important to help reduce out of pocket expenses (OOP). Currently, 44% of total health spending is borne by Filipinos which leaves them at high risk of financial catastrophe.  The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends keeping OOP only 15-20% to ensure financial risk protection for Filipinos.

     With the passage of the WHO Resolution on Social Participation, PAPO looks forward to being included in various Technical Working Groups, councils and coalitions including participating in all health-related boards to better reflect the voices of patients. This will ensure the accountability and legitimacy of strengthening health systems and universal health coverage efforts anchored on a primary health care approach.