Advocating for Patients' Interests Crucial to Improving Access to Medicines in Southeast Asia

Strategic Insights -

Patient advocates from the Philippines emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to improving access to medicines during the inaugural Southeast Asia Access to Medicine (SEA AtM) Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand. The summit brought together over 100 regional leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry players to address the region's healthcare challenges. With progress toward universal health coverage stalling since 2019, according to World Health Organization reports, stakeholders highlighted the need for collaboration to address gaps in screening, diagnostics, and treatment availability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Philippines faces significant challenges in primary care facilities, inadequate access to medicines, and limited healthcare services, affecting patients across socioeconomic statuses.
  • Innovative digital solutions can enhance medicine distribution, patient engagement, and treatment monitoring, expanding access channels and improving the healthcare system.
  • Collective efforts from patient advocacy groups and healthcare ecosystem stakeholders are crucial for driving meaningful change in the region.
  • The Southeast Asia Access to Medicines Pledge aims to establish a shared vision and collective responsibility for driving long-term and sustainable change in the region.
  • The pledge's goals include championing inclusive healthcare systems, collaborating for innovation, enabling policy transformation, elevating community voices, and demonstrating progress.

Statistics:

  • Since 2019, progress toward universal health coverage has stalled, leaving millions without adequate medical support (World Health Organization reports).
  • The Philippines faces significant gaps in screening, diagnostics, and treatment availability, affecting patients across socioeconomic statuses.
  • The Southeast Asia Access to Medicines Pledge aims to track and assess improvements in access to medicines across the region with achievable milestones.

Sources:

  • "Philippines News agency" (May 18, 2025)
  • World Health Organization reports
  • Professor Guido David, University of the Philippines and OCTA Research Fellow
  • Karen Villanueva, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations-Philippines president
  • Dr. N. Krishna Reddy, chief executive officer of Access Health International
  • Access Health International, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network, and SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute