Everything We Need to Know about the 2019 Champions for Health Governance (CHG) Awards
One of the many
challenges of the local government in our country is how to ensure the good
health and wellbeing of its constituents. As the go-to government body much is
expected on how they will implement these programs for the good of all.
It is a known fact
that the Philippines are one of the nations that face numerous challenges when
it comes to receiving optimal healthcare. Challenges in the devolved health systems,
more so access to products and services, has been detected in remote communities
and its barangays that have competing priorities with healthcare. UHC intends to
address these obstacles by defining the critical role of LGUs in the delivery
and implementation of health services at the local level.
Giving commendation
to these LGUs for their effort is rewarded thru the Champions for Health Governance
(CHG) Awards.
The Kaya Natin!
Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, on its fourth run is once
again giving awards for the Health Governance Champions. For 2019, they are
collaborating anew with global biopharmaceutical company MSD in the Philippines
and non-profit organization Jesse M. Robredo Foundation.
At the press
conference held last November 8, 2018, this year’s search was officially launched
led by Kaya Natin board member Harvey S. Keh. Several distinguished guests and
past winners graced the event.
During the
presentation, Jessica Marie Robredo, chairman of Jesse Robredo Foundation, in
her speech, explained, ‘My father, Jesse Robredo had always believed in the
power of the local government. CHG seeks to challenge our local leaders to
generate innovative ways to solve their localities' health problems despite the
odds.”
While Kaya Natin! Champion
and acting Olangapo City Mayor Sara Garcia made affirmation that, “The success
of UHC relies heavily on government and hospital participation in city and
municipal levels. The vision of a healthy Filipino community will be attained
when the public and private sector spark a partnership to genuinely serve
available, accessible, affordable, and quality health care programs to all
Filipinos.”
The partnership
between the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership and
the Foundation is an intrinsic element of MSD's comprehensive vision to improve
access to innovative therapies through far-reaching programs and partnerships,
with the mission to provide healthcare solutions to people who need it the
most. Anchored on its commitment to improving health and well-being around the
world, the company develops research-based medicines and vaccines for many of
the world's most challenging diseases which includes but are not limited to
cancer, HIV, vaccine-preventable diseases, cardio-metabolic ailments and
antibiotic-resistant infection as well as emerging global pandemics.
“We, at the private
sector, aims to be a partner of choice of all our stakeholders. Aligned to our
vision to continuously invent for life, we share the responsibility of
improving the health and access to quality healthcare among Filipino people.
One way of realizing that goal is through meaningful collaborations with key
government units,” said Dr. Beaver Tamesis, president of MSD in the
Philippines.
He added that we will
continue to share our expertise and resources until gaps in health systems are
filled and equitable access to true UHC is achieved."
In a recorded message
during the press con, Vice President Leni Robredo believes that the first step
to expanding universal healthcare coverage is through creating stronger
connections with communities and stakeholders. “My husband is an advocate of
developing strong, robust and reliable social services because he believes good
leadership is measured by the amount of trust built between the government and
its citizens. When people have faith in their leaders, people are more likely
to participate in government initiatives," she said.
Mayor Herminigildo M.
Velasco of San Gabriel, La Union also shared, “Our fourth class municipality of
San Gabriel where 90 percent of the population is comprised of indigenous
people, lack the resources that higher-class municipalities and cities have at
their disposal. We viewed this challenge as an opportunity to revisit and review
our programs, study local data, analyze and effect policies that will address
identified priorities using the resources at hand.”
San Gabriel bagged
the award two years ago.
‘CHG’s initiative
spurs municipalities like us to bring out our 'best practices’ in healthcare.
The recognition we received continues to inspire our people to work hard in
promoting and sustaining our various efforts.” Mayor Velasco added.
While resources may
not be a main problem for a first class municipality like Plaridel, this
Bulacan town cites its consistent drive to improve the community’s welfare as
the reason behind their proactive approach to healthcare. "We won the Best
Mental Health Implementer in February 2017 for our Women and Child Crisis
Center. We also received the ‘Best Health Practice' in December 2017 for our
‘Ugoy. Haplos. Aruga’, which promotes Eady Childhood Care and Developmental
Intervention,” said Mayor Jocell Casaje.
“The prize we
received as CHGA in 2017 was allocated back to our Barangay Health Leadership
Management program for our 19 barangays and in the procurement of mental health
commodities, Plaridel is consistent,” Mayor Casaje added.
Kaya Natin! Movement also
recognizes that the private sector is a vital enabler in countries with disease
burdens and poor healthcare systems in terms of fulfilling its health goals and
in promoting the wellbeing of its people. Through multi-sect oral partnerships
with key government agencies, non-government organizations, private companies
and the media, it aspires to push Philippines towards achieving its Sustainable
Development Goals by encouraging the private sector to share its business and
technical expertise.
'We value our
partnership with MSD because we believe that good and innovative health governance
will ultimately lead to a healthier cities and municipalities. This will then
lead to more productive Citizens In our country which will then lead towards
solving poverty and inequality in our country,‘ said Keh.
ALL ABOUT THE CHAMPIONS FOR HEALTH GOVERNANCE (CHG) AWARDS
CHG commends top
performing local government units (LGUs) that ensure good health and wellbeing
of its constituents through excellent and efficient implementation of their
local health programs. This is in accordance with the United Nations'
Sustainable Development Goals on health and the Department of Health (DOH)
framework to achieve universal health care for all Filipinos.
The biennial Citation
was first launched in 2013 and is now in its fourth run.
Entries will be
evaluated based on local leadership, transparency and accountability,
effectiveness. Innovativeness, health resource management, and community
engagement in health. They will also be assessed based on their contribution to
achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The top five winning
LGUs from the city or municipal level will receive a cash grant worth P100,000
to fund their best health programs and continue their outstanding initiatives
in health.
For more information
on the criteria and mechanics, interested LGUs may visit the CHG website
http://healthgovemance.weebly.com or Facebook page
http://facebook.oorn/HealthGovemanoe.
Deadline for the
submission of entries will be on December 23, 2018.
0 comments