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by Joyce Socao-Alumno

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our hospitals, both public and private, are themselves in need of emergency intervention, so to speak. This is a challenge that all Filipinos, rich or poor, must come together to meet. Otherwise, there won't be adequate healthcare for most Filipinos.

Private hospitals, particularly, do not receive any financial support from government and, as a result, they depend on revenues coming from patients. Unfortunately, patients en masse have been too afraid to go to hospitals during the pandemic. This has severely drained the income of many private hospitals in the country. So the usual stereotype that a private hospital is rich and awash with cash simply doesn't apply in our current situation: many are bleeding out, money-wise, and God help us if they begin closing down--because where else will patients go for treatment?