Health Care Facilities, Providers, CAM, Quackery, and Consumer Rights – Key Points

Health Care Facilities in the Philippines

  • Hospital: General purpose facility.

  • Walk-in Surgery Center: focuses on surgery; patients may go directly for surgical services.

  • Health Center: serves people in a barangay (community area).

  • Extended Health Care Facility: provides treatment and nursing care.

Health Care Providers (examples)

  • Internist

  • Radiologist

  • Ophthalmologist

  • Psychiatrist

  • Cardiologist

  • Orthopaedist

  • Urologist

  • Obstetrician

  • Anesthesiologist

  • Dermatologist

  • Allergist

  • Pulmonologist

  • Neurologist

  • Gastroenterologist

  • Gynecologist

  • Geriatrician

Regulatory Bodies and Key Terms

  • DTI: Department of Trade and Industry

  • FDA: Food and Drugs Administration

  • RA 7875: National Health Insurance Act (Philippines)

  • RA 9502: Cheaper Medicines Act (access to affordable medicines)

Health Information and Consumer Health Components

  • Three components of consumer health information:

    • Health products

    • Health services

    • Health information

Types of Consumers

  • Impulsive consumer

  • Panic buying

  • Close-Fisted consumer

  • Bargain-addict

  • Spendthrift consumer

Wise Consumer Tips

  • Gather correct and sufficient information.

  • Compare and contrast details of available products/services.

  • Inquire for more information and review if possible.

Health Care Utilization and Professionals (Filipino context)

  • Health facilities and providers aim to protect public welfare and deliver quality care.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Related Concepts

  • Four CAM categories:

    • Biological-Based Practices (e.g., herbal medicines)

    • Energy Medicine (putative or measurable energy fields)

    • Manipulative and Body-Based Practices (e.g., chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation, massage, reflexology)

    • Mind-Body Medicine (health management approaches)

  • Examples often cited in PH contexts:

    • Herbal medicines (e.g., garlic, lagundi, sambong, pansit-pansitan, etc.)

    • Acupressure and acupuncture concepts

    • Cupping/Massage/Reflexology

    • TraFFicking of various traditional therapies

Forms of Quackery and Possible Effects

  • Three forms:

    • Medical Quackery

    • Nutrition Quackery

    • Device Quackery

  • Possible effects:

    • Delays or loses chance of healing

    • Placebo effects

    • Financial loss

    • False hope

    • Actual harm or damage

    • Risk of overdosage or unsafe use of medicines

Consumer Rights and Protections

  • 8 basic rights of the consumer:

    • Basic needs: goods and services that guarantee survival

    • Safety: protection from hazardous products

    • Information: accurate and non-misleading information

    • Choice: access to a variety of products and services

    • To be heard: consumer input should be considered

    • Redress: access to remedies and corrections

    • Consumer Education: acquire knowledge and skills to make informed choices

    • Health Environment: safe and non-hazardous environment

Importance of Consumer Health and Related Legislation

  • Consumer health protects the public against risks and injuries from products and services.

  • Access to affordable medicines is supported by laws such as RA 9502 (Cheaper Medicines Act).

Notes on Health Law and Institutions (Key Points)

  • Health information and services are regulated to ensure safety and efficacy.

  • The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the FDA oversee product safety and labeling.

  • PhilHealth (National Health Insurance) supports access to health care services and financial protection.