Paving the Road for 2025: HAP Successfully Organizes Stakeholder Consultation on Government-Funded Hemophilia Treatment

Under the powerful theme “One Voice, One Goal: Access to Care for All,” Hemophilia Advocates-Philippines (HAP) gathered key stakeholders from government agencies, hospitals, policymakers, medical societies, and local patient organizations last January 9 for a collaborative consultation aimed at improving healthcare access for Filipinos living with hemophilia.

This one-day consultation, supported by Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc., was organized by HAP in partnership with the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and the Philippine General Hospital. The event brought together 45 participants with a shared purpose: to address the challenges faced by people with hemophilia, discuss the status of critical pending bills, and outline a path toward improved treatment and support.

Key discussions underscored the urgent need for collaboration across sectors. Notable speakers included Dr. Jose Gerard B. Belimac, MPH, Director III of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DOH), who shared insights on the Integrated Rare Disease Management Program for Hemophilia Treatment. Dr. Pinky M. Casas, OIC-Division Chief of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), provided updates on the Medical Assistance Program, while Atty. Exequiel Sy from PhilHealth discussed developments in hemophilia coverage.

The event also featured legislative updates from policymakers, including Mr. Johd Carlos, representing Senator Bong Go’s office, and Atty. Virginia Jeng Jose, Chief of Staff for the CIBAC Partylist. Their contributions shed light on ongoing efforts to advance the Hemophilia Bill, currently pending in the House of Representatives.

Practical solutions for hemophilia patients were also presented. Mr. Jeric Obillo of Globo Asiatico Enterprises explained the Patient Navigator System for accessing medicine and financial assistance, while Mr. James Damasin, President of Hemophilia Association of Davao (HAnD), emphasized the importance of a modern patient registry. Mr. Edwardson Co, Vice President-External of the Hemophilia Association of the Philippines, Inc.-Cebu (HAPI-C), shared valuable insights into the Filipino Patient Journey, and Ms. Herminia C. Palacio, President of HAPLOS Hemophilia Philippines, provided updates on advocacy strategies.

Ms. Andrea Trinidad, HAP President, highlighted the current state of hemophilia care in the Philippines, noting that HAP remains the largest patient organization and a key channel for humanitarian donations of factor medicines in the country.

The consultation culminated in a Strategic Planning Workshop led by Dr. Maria Ofelia Alcantara, former Mayor of Tolosa, Leyte, and Consultant for the Department of Health. Participants from the Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (PSHBT), Philippine College of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (PCHTM), Philippine Society of Pediatric Hematology (PSPH), Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, and National Children’s Hospital collaborated to map out a clear action plan for the future.

The workshop focused on six essential components for operationalizing hemophilia care: service delivery, family care coordination, health systems, financing, monitoring and evaluation, and governance. As a result, a breakthrough roadmap was developed, detailing concrete activities, responsible agencies, and timelines to fast-track the passage of the Hemophilia Bill and strengthen advocacy efforts for improved care and treatment access.

The success of this consultation underscores the power of unity and collaboration. By coming together with One Voice and One Goal, we are one step closer to making access to hemophilia care a right for all, not just a privilege for a few.

This event marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to improving the lives of those living with hemophilia and working towards a future where quality healthcare is within reach for every Filipino affected by this condition.