Press Release
March 5, 2008

ACCESS TO MEDICINES A DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE FOR RP - ANGARA

Senator Edgardo J. Angara said that access to cheaper medicines is a development challenge for the country, and added that affordable drugs is a fundamental need which "will promote not only better health, but increased productivity for the individual."

"The problem of access to affordable drugs and medicines in the Philippines is one of the biggest development challenges we have to overcome," he said.

At the same time, in the face of great changes in the global health environment as well as continuing critical gaps in the country's health sector, Angara cited the need to review and chart a roadmap for the health sector by reviewing existing laws on health, the curriculum for medical and health sciences education, current efforts on health R&D, and public financing of health.

"The world has changed dramatically and we must set a strategic direction for our health sector. Primarily, we must review how we educate and motivate our health professionals," he said.

Angara said that the curriculum of medical and health sciences education as well as research initiatives must focus on solving the country's health problems.

He cited the high infant and maternal mortality rate, malnutrition and the emerging diabetes crisis as the country's top health challenges.

Angara is the author of major health laws including PhilHealth, the Breastfeeding Law, and the National Institutes of Health.

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