FIRST

QUARTER
 HEALTH
UNIT I
Consumer Health
LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION

CONSUMER HEALTH
Consumer health refers to the decisions you make about the purchase of product and use
of health information and services that will have direct effect on your health. It also involves the
facts and understanding that enable people to make wise choices.

CONSUMER
Means a natural person who is a purchaser, lessee, recipient or prospective purchaser,
lesser or recipient of consumer products, services or credit.

HEALTH CONSUMER
A Health Consumer is someone who examines health information in products and services

CONSUMER HEALTH EDUCATION

Is the wise selection and use of related information, products and services.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A WISE CONSUMER

 Seeks reliable source of information
 Is well informed and knows how to make wise decisions
 Does not believe health information right away and does not easily accept statements in
media or advertising
 Is wary of unskilled health practitioners and can identify quacks and quackery
 Selects health practitioners with great care and questions fees, diagnoses, treatments and
alternative treatments
 Reports Frauds, Quackery and wrong doing to the proper authorities

CONSUMER SKILLS
 Assertiveness - To stand up for one’s rights and to be self-advocate.
 Budgeting - Prevents Overspending. Establishing an upper spending limit and to avoid
impulsive buying
 Bargaining - It a natural game in the marketplace where the consumer bargains for the
best price without being obnoxious.
 Comparison Shopping - Comparing of prices of products from different stores to enable
them to spend their money wisely and to get their money’s worth.
 Data Collection - Consumer should read information about products and services from
reliable sources so they will not be victimized
CORE LIFE SKILLS
 Critical Thinking Skills
 Effective Communication
 Entrepreneurial / Productive Skills
 Interpersonal Skills
 Decision Making
 Problem Solving
LESSON 2: RIGHTS AND LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE CONSUMERS:

R.A 7394: Consumer Act of the Philippines

 It is the policy of the State to protect the interest of the consumer, promote general
welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry

 Objectives:
o Protection against hazards to health and safety
o Protection against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices
o Provision of information and education to facilitate sound choice and the proper
o Provision of adequate rights and means of redress
o Involvement of consumer representatives in the formulation of social and economic
policies

8 Consumer Rights

1. THE RIGHT TO BASIC NEEDS. Which guarantee survival, adequate food, clothing, shelter,
health care, education and sanitation. You may look forward to: the availability of basic and
prime commodities to consumers at affordable prices and of good quality.
2. THE RIGHT TO SAFETY. The right to be protected against the marketing of goods or the
provision of services that are hazardous to health and life. You may look forward to:
Manufacturers of consumer products to undertake extensive safety and performance testing
before selling their products in the market. Labels which contain the proper information as
regards the product, its use and how to operate it, if the need arises, and also precautions or
warning signs.
3. THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION. The right to be protected against fraudulent/dishonest or
misleading advertising/labelling/promotion and the right to be given the facts and information
needed to make an informed choice. You may look forward to: Complete information about
the product to be purchased, including its use, ingredients/chemical contents, precautions, if
any, limitations and expiry date.
4. THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE. The right to choose products at competitive prices with an
assurance of satisfactory quality. You may look forward to: A wide array of goods and
services which are offered in the market with diverse brands, sizes, shapes and colors with
differences in the price, quality and use
5. THE RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION. The right to express consumer interests in the making
and execution of government policies. You may look forward to: Legislators would propose
laws that would ensure that consumers have the chance to live a better life by getting the
best value for their hard-earned peso.
6. THE RIGHT TO REDRESS. The right to be compensated for misrepresentation, shoddy
goods or unsatisfactory services. You may look forward to: Manufacturers/storeowners would
replace defective goods pursuant to the provision "No Return, No Exchange" provided in
the DTI's Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7349, otherwise known as the
Consumer Act of the Philippines.
7. THE RIGHT TO CONSUMER EDUCATION. The right to acquire the knowledge and skills
necessary to be an informed consumer. You may look forward to: The three sectors of
society: business, government and consumer would embark on an information campaign
through tri-media on consumer related issues. A series of seminars, conferences, fora,
training, and public hearings for the welfare of the consumers.
8. THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. The right to live and work in an environment
which is neither threatening nor dangerous, and which permits a life of dignity and well-
being. You may look forward to: The government exerting an iron hand regarding the
alarming increase in the degradation of the environment, especially forests, dying wildlife,
depleted land fill space and environmental contamination to prevent further damage.
Constant monitoring of our seas, coral reefs, forest, and waste disposal practices of factories
to check if there is a violation of the laws on environmental protection.
LESSON 3: HEALTH INFORMATION

 It is information that people require to make wise choices and decisions about their health
or the health of [other people]” (Galvez Tan, et al., 2009).
 Health information is the data and facts you got from media and people including the
professionals and agencies.
 Is any concept, step, or advice that various sources give to aid the health status of an
individual.

Consumer Health Literacy

 Is the ability of a person to get, interpret and understand consumer health information,
products and services and the ability to use them in ways to promote health.

Reliable Unreliable

Health Professional Outdated Culture and Tradition

Health Agency
Health Organization
Health Journal/ Research
Health/ Medical Schools
Personal options and incomplete
information
Unreliable media and testimonials
Quacks or pseudo healers

Evaluating Health Information

1. Credibility – this includes the source and recency of information.

• Source: Who is giving the information, Is the person or organization or office
qualified to give the information
• Recency: Is the information up to date? If the information is older than three years
try to find some more recent information to go along with it
2. Content – this includes accuracy and completeness of information as well as an
appropriate disclaimer
• Accuracy: is the information correct or complete? Is there scientific basis of
information? Students should be aware that testimonials are not evidences. If the
information states 100 percent success or 100 percent failure, it is usually
dishonest.
• Disclaimer: Is there disclaimer stating the limitations, purpose, scope authority
and currency of the information? What is the source of the information? The
disclaimer should also emphasize that the health information is general and not
medical advice.
• Completeness: is the information complete and balanced? Does it give only one-
sided view with critical information missing? Does the information include pertinent
facts, negative results and a statement of any information not known about the
subject? Read opinions on different sides before making decision
3. Disclosure – this includes telling the consumer of the purpose for giving the health
information and whether the source of information is marketing products and services or a
primary information content provider.
• Purpose: what is the purpose of giving the information
• Caveat: Is the source of information selling products and services or are they
primary information content providers?
4. Interactivity – this includes feedback mechanism and means of exchange of information
among the consumers. Is there a way for consumers to offer their comments, corrections
and criticism? Can they ask question about the information provided?
LESSON 4: Health Products

Health products are those substances, materials, or equipment prepared or manufactured for
consumer purchase and used in the treatment, care, and maintenance of health (Cornacchia and
Barrett, 1989).

Health Products Consumers Commonly Used:

 Pharmaceuticals
 Personal care products
 Food
 Detergents
 Insecticides
 Disinfectants
 Pesticides
 Alternative health products
 Health books
 Health Equipment’s
 Medical uniforms

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

 are drugs that can be bought at local pharmacies without a doctor's prescription or those
available off the shelf and are sold by sales people with no pharmacy training.

Read the Package Label

A wise health consumer needs to distinguish the use of various products as well as their
advantages and disadvantages. A package label provides you some of the facts that you need.
Often included in the product label are the following:
 Name of product
 Kind of health product
 Quantity or amount
 Ingredients/composition
 Direction for use
 Precautions before use
 Price

Some information on the package label may be misleading. Words such as “new,”
“improved,” or “better” are often used. Those words are meant only to make manufacturers sell
their product. In fact, some give you only a glimpse about the product and its usage. These
schemes may actually hinder you from deciding the health product that best suits your need.
PARTS OF A FOOD LABEL
Advertising
 Advertising is recommending or praising something that calls forth the attention of the public.
One practical use of advertising is for the consumers to be aware of the different kinds of
new products and services. One goal of advertising is to convince you to switch to a new
product.

Purpose of Ads
 Inform consumers of the products availability
 Entice consumers to buy
 Basis to compare products

EFFECTS OF ADVERTISING TECHNIQUES

 Self-medication
 Hypnosis
 Impulse buying
 Spread confusion and Wrong Information

EXAMINING TYPES OF PROPAGANDA IN ADVERTISING

 COST - Uses claims that one product cost cheaper than the others in the market and yet
would yield the same result.
 BANDWAGON - The idea that everybody else is doing it, or everyone supports this person or
cause, so you should too. Bandwagon plays off the human desire to be accepted.
o Key words to watch:
 Everyone
 Ours
 Yours
 We
 Us
 Don’t miss out!
 Sweeping the Nation
 Call or Act Now!
 What are you waiting for?
 Join the sensation!
 COMEDY APPEAL - Use comedy to promote acceptance of their product
 TESTIMONIAL - The celebrity endorsement of a philosophy, movement, candidate, or
product.
 TRANSFER - The use of words or symbols that will transfer your feelings about one image to
the product being sold.
o Types of Transfer
 Patriotism
 Sex Appeal
 Love or Popularity
 Power and Fame
 Money and Wealth
 REPETITION - The product name or slogan is repeated several times within the
advertisement.
 EMOTIONAL WORDS - Words used to make you feel strongly about someone or something
 GLITTERING GENERALITIES - Uses appealing words and images to sell the product;
Generally accepted virtues are used to stir up favorable emotions.
 Name-Calling - Ties a person or cause to a largely perceived negative image.
 Fear - Presenting a dreaded circumstance of a choice or action.
 Plain Folks - The candidate or cause is identified with common people from everyday walks
of life.

Health Services
Health services are those activities, information, or works furnished or supplied to help
satisfy the needs or wants of the consumers (Cornacchia and Barrett, 1989). You need to know
where these are located, as well as their purpose and availability. A wise consumer should be
aware of these health services and how to access them because they are considered as valuable
consumer tools for the youth.
Health Professionals

The health care delivery system employs health care providers who perform specialized
roles in their area of expertise. Health care providers like doctors, nurses, dentists, nutritionist-
dietitians are professionals who directly deliver these services to the consumers. The health care
delivery system also provides indirect services.
PROFESSION DEFINITION
An Audiologist is a doctor who handles
problems with hearing. These doctors also
1. AUDIOLOGIST
help hearing impaired children learn to
communicate.
An Allergist is a doctor who helps with
allergies. Any allergies you may have, such
2. ALLERGIST
as, hay fever or asthma will be checked out
by this doctor.
An Anesthesiologist is the doctor that helps
you to sleep through painful operations and
medical diagnoses. They are responsible for
3. ANESTHESIOLOGIST
administering the anesthesia and be present
during surgeries to help in complications
arising from anesthesia medications.
A Cardiologist is certified to treat any problem
4. CARDIOLOGIST dealing with heart diseases and cardiovascular
diseases.
A Dentist handles any dental problem from
5. DENTIST tooth decay to dentures to retainers. They
also treat any gum diseases and oral defects.
A Dermatologist is a doctor that treats any
6. DERMATOLOGIST ailment related to the skin and its appendages
such as hair, nails, etc.
Emergency Doctors handle trauma and
emergency conditions in the Emergency room
and are available at all times. Emergencies
7. EMERGENCY DOCTOR
treated may vary from poisoning to broken
bones, burns, heart attack concussions,
accident trauma, etc.
An Endocrinologist handles thyroid problems,
8. ENDOCRINOLOGIST hormone problems or any problems with the
endocrine system.
An Epidemiologist is a doctor who specializes
in epidemic illnesses which are highly viral.
They are more of scientists who identify new
9. EPIDEMIOLOGIST
diseases, virus mutations and develop cures
and modes of prevention of diseases with
vaccinations, etc.
An ENT Specialist is a doctor who treats
problems with the ear, nose and throat. An
10.ENT SPECIALIST ENT surgeon would be a specialist who will be
performing surgeries on these parts of the
anatomy.
A Gastroenterologist is a doctor for illnesses
11.GASTROENTEROLOGIST related to digestive system including the
common problem of gastritis and acid reflux.
A Gynecologist treats any problems with the
12.GYNECOLOGIST
female reproductive system.
A General Psychiatrist is a doctor who
specializes in mental illnesses and will study,
13.GENERAL PSYCHIATRIST
diagnose, counsel and treat any person with
mental illnesses such as schizophrenia,
 depression, Bipolar dementia, Alzheimer's and
anxiety problems
14.HEMATOLOGIST A Hematologist studies blood and its diseases.
A Hepatologist is a doctor who is responsible
15.HEPATOLOGIST for diagnosing and treating diseases of the
liver.
An Immunologist is a doctor responsible for
16.IMMUNOLOGIST studying everything about the immune
system and treats any diseases related.
A Medical Geneticist is a doctor who is
responsible for testing, identifying and
17.MEDICAL GENETICIST
treating patients with genetic diseases and
disorders
A Microbiologist is a doctor who studies the
18.MICROBIOLOGIST causes, diagnosis and treatment of infectious
diseases where microbes are involved.
A Neonatologist is a doctor for new-born
19.NEONATOLOGIST
babies, premature or critically-ill babies.
A Nephrologist is a specialist doctor that
20.NEPHROLOGIST treats kidney diseases and renal problems
with treatments such as dialysis.
A Neurologist is a doctor studies various brain
21.NEUROLOGIST disorders such as Parkinson's disease and
Alzheimer's disease
An Obstetrician is a specialist in the
gynecological field of study and handles
22.OBSTETRICIAN
various aspects of the female reproductive
system such as childbirth, caesareans, etc.
An Oncologist is a specialist physician who
diagnoses and treats cancer patients with
23.ONCOLOGIST
drugs, chemotherapy, radiation and where
needed, surgical interventions.
An Ophthalmologist is a doctor who treats
24.OPHTHALMOLOGIST eyes and various eye defects, blindness and
performs different eye surgeries.
An Orthopedic Surgeon needs to be consulted
if you suffer from arthritis and osteoporosis
25.ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
and other bone related illnesses or broken
bones.
An Orthopedist treats broken bones from falls
26.ORTHOPEDIST
or osteoporosis.
Pathologists are specialist scientists who study
abnormalities in living organisms and study
DNA, tissue, blood and other various human
27.PATHOLOGIST
and animal cells. They are also responsible for
performing autopsies on dead bodies to
determine the cause of death
A Pediatrician is a doctor who treats children
28.PEDIATRICIAN
for any illness from birth to adolescent.
A Plastic Surgeon is a doctor that can
transplant skin, muscles or change the
29.PLASTIC SURGEON
structure of a face or other body parts for
cosmetic and reconstructive purposes
A Physiologist is a life science doctor who
30.PHYSIOLOGIST specializes in physiology and helps
rehabilitate.
A Urologist treats any urinary problems and
31.UROLOGIST
urinary tract infections.
A Podiatrist is a specialist doctor who treats
32.PODIATRIST
disorders of the foot and ankle.
 A Pulmonologist is a doctor who is responsible
for diagnosing and treats lung conditions and
33.PULMONOLOGIST
treating or managing critical care patients
admitted in the ICU with ventilator support.
A Radiologist is a doctor who specializes in
34.RADIOLOGIST use of X-rays or other imaging technologies in
order to diagnose various illnesses.
A Rheumatologist is a physician responsible
35.RHEUMATOLOGIST for handling autoimmune disorders and
allergic conditions.
A Surgeon is a doctor who specializes in
36.SURGEON
surgical operations
A Veterinarian are responsible for the
37.VETERINARIAN
treatment of sick animals

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Allied health professionals are healthcare practitioners with formal education and clinical
training credentials through certification, registration and/or licensure.

 CHIROPRACTOR - diagnoses and treats neuromuscular disorders, with emphasis on

treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.
 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST - assesses, diagnoses, treats and helps prevent mental
disorders
 DIETITIAN / NUTRITIONIST - promotes good health through proper diet and
treatment of diseases
 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN – also known as ambulance technician; responds
quickly to any emergency and life-threatening situation to immediately treat serious
injuries, physical or mental trauma to increase a patient’s chances of survival
 GUIDANCE COUNSELOR - assists students with personal, family, education, and career
decisions and concerns; also helps them develop job-finding skills and other life skills
needed to prevent and deal with problems
 HEALTH EDUCATOR - specializes in health education and promotes the development of
health knowledge, life skills, and positive attitudes toward the health and well-being of
students
 MASSAGE THERAPIST - performs the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the
body for normalizing those tissues; uses manual techniques that include applying fixed or
movable pressure on affected parts of the body
 MEDICAL ASSISTANT – performs, under the direction of a physician, various routine
administrative and nontechnical clinical tasks in hospitals, clinics, and other similar
facilities
 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST – performs a variety of tasks on body fluids, from simple
blood tests to more complex tests to uncover abnormalities in the body, and underlying
causes of illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer which are not easily detected
through physical
Examination
 MIDWIFE - professionals with the expertise and skills in helping women maintain healthy
pregnancies, assist in or perform childbirth delivery, and help in women’s recovery
process through the postpartum period
 NURSE - trained to provide care for people who are sick or injured; monitors patients’
health and records symptoms, assists physicians during examinations and treatment, and
administers medications.
 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - uses purposeful activity and interventions to maximize
the independence and health of any client who is limited by physical injury or illness,
cognitive impairment, psychosocial dysfunction, mental illness, or learning disability
 ORTHOTIST/PROSTHETIST – makes and fits prosthetics or artificial parts for the
human body
 PARAMEDIC - gives emergency medical treatment or assists medical professionals in
emergency situations
 PHARMACIST - prepares and dispenses medication prescribed by licensed health
professionals; also provides information to patients regarding drugs, and consults with
healthcare professionals on advances in drugs or Medicine.
  RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST/RADIOGRAPHER - healthcare professionals who
perform imaging procedures, such as x-ray examinations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) scans and Computed Tomography (CT) scans
 Physical Therapist - examines, evaluates, and treats physical impairments through use
of special exercise, application of heat or cold, and other physical modalities
 SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST - diagnoses and treats patients with functional and
organic speech defects and disorders
 PHLEBOTOMIST - professionals with special training in phlebotomy or drawing blood
from patients
 RADIATION THERAPIST - administers radiation therapy services to patients and
observes patients during treatment; other duties may include tumor localization, patient
follow-up, patient education, and record keeping
 RESPIRATORY THERAPIST - specializes in the promotion of optimum cardiopulmonary
function and health; regularly deals with various chronic respiratory diseases, such as
asthma and emphysema
 SOCIAL WORKER - investigates, treats, and gives aid to people with social problems and
helps people with mental illness, serious health conditions, financial difficulties, substance
abuse problems, domestic or child abuse, unwanted pregnancy and other social problems

HEALTH FACILITIES
Hospitals and ambulatory medical clinics are the more common healthcare facilities in the
Philippines

I. Hospitals are usually designed to provide both inpatient and outpatient care. Inpatient care
means patients are admitted to spend night/s in the healthcare facilities. a health facility for
the diagnosis, treatment and other forms of health care of individuals suffering from
deformity, disease, illness or injury, or in need of surgical, obstetrical, medical or nursing
care. It is an institution where there are installed bassinets or beds for 24-hour use or longer
by patients in the management of deformities, diseases, injuries, abnormal physical and
mental conditions, and maternity cases.

Classification:

a. General or Special

 General – provides services for all types of deformity, disease, illness or injury.
 Special – primarily engaged in the provision of specific clinical care and management.

b. Ownership

 Private
 Government Owned

c. As to service capability

 Level 1
o emergency hospital that provides initial clinical care and
management to patients requiring immediate treatment, as well as
primary care on prevalent diseases in the locality.
o Clinical services include general medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and
nonsurgical gynecology and minor surgery
o General administrative service and may provide ancillary services (primary
clinical laboratory, first level radiology, pharmacy)
o Provides nursing care for patients who require minimal category of
supervised care for 24 hours or longer
  Level 2
o Non-departmentalized hospital that provides clinical care and
management on the prevalent diseases in the locality.
o Clinical services include general medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and
gynecology, surgery and anesthesia
o Appropriate administrative and ancillary services (secondary clinical
laboratory, first level radiology, pharmacy)
o Nursing care provided in the Level 1 Hospital as well as intermediate,
moderate and partial category of supervised care for 24 hours or longer
 Level 3
o Departmentalized hospital that provides clinical care and management
on the prevalent diseases in the locality, as well as particular forms of
treatment, surgical procedure and intensive care.
o Clinical services provided in Level 2 Hospital as well as specialty clinical care
o Appropriate administrative and ancillary services (tertiary clinical laboratory,
second level radiology, pharmacy)
o Nursing care provided in level 2 Hospital as well as total and intensive skilled
care
 Level 4
o Teaching and training hospital (with at least one accredited residency training
program for physicians) that provides clinical care and management on the
prevalent diseases in the locality, as well as specialized and sub-specialized
forms of treatment, surgical procedure and intensive care.
o Clinical services provided in level 3 Hospital as well as sub-specialty clinical
care
o Appropriate administrative and ancillary services(tertiary clinical laboratory,
third level radiology, pharmacy)
o Nursing care provided in level 3 Hospital as well as continuous and highly
specialized critical care

II. AMBULATORY MEDICAL CLINICS are usually designed to provide only outpatient care.
Outpatient care means patients are not admitted and do not spend night/s in the healthcare
facilities.

Health Care Plans And Financing Systems

Health Care System is a systematic plan of health services that are being rendered to the
people including organizing and networking health facilities and human resources to carry out
the task.

A. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)

 is a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC)
 created through the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act of 1995 or Republic Act 7875.
 It is the administrator of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) which was
established to provide health insurance coverage for ALL FILIPINOS and ensure
AFFORDABLE, ACCEPTABLE, AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTH CARE
SERVICES for ALL CITIZENS of the PHILIPPINES

Concept of Social Health Insurance

Social Solidarity or “Bayanihan”, where:
 The rich subsidizes the poor
 The young subsidizes the old
 The healthy subsidizes the sickly
PhilHealth Members:
1. Formal economy - enrolled by their respective employers
a. Employees in the government and private sectors
b. All other workers rendering services, whether in government or private offices such
as job order contractors, project-based contractor, and the like
c. Owners of micro enterprises, Owners of small, medium and large enterprises
d. Household helpers
e. Family Drivers
2. Informal Economy - applies for membership on their own
a. Workers not covered by formal contracts and whose premium contributions are self-
paid or subsidized
b. Migrant workers (documented or undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers: Sea-
based and Landbased)
c. Informal sector - street hawkers, market vendors, pedicab and tricycle drivers, small
construction workers, and homebased industries and sevices
d. Self-Earning individuals (Professionals)
e. Filipinos with dual citizenship
f. Naturalized Filipino citizens
g. Citizens of other countries and/or residing in the Philippines
3. Indigents
a. Persons who have no visible means of income, or whose income is insufficient for
family subsistence, as identified by the DSWD based on specific criteria
4. Sponsored Members
a. Members whose premium contributions are paid for by another individual,
government agency or private entity
b. Members in the informal sector from the lower income segments who do not qualify
for full subsidy under the means test rule of the DSWD
c. Orphans, abandoned and abused minors, out-of-school youths, street children,
persons with disabilities, senior citizens, battered women under DSWD custody or
any of its accredited institutions run by NGOs of any non-profit private organization
d. Unenrolled women about to give birth (and as detemined by means test recognized
by DSWD)
e. Barangay Health workers, nutrition scholars, barangay tanods, and other barangay
workers and volunteers
5. Lifetime Member
a. Those who have reached the age of retirement, and have made 120 monthly
contributions
6. Senior Citizens
a. All elderly who are not covered under the NHIP

“Once enrolled under PhilHealth, a member must declare his or her legal dependents so they
can also be given the same health care protection as that of the principal member. “

Who are the qualified dependents of PhilHealth members?

 What are the Benefits of a PhilHealth Member?

a. Inpatient Benefits - Benefits for sickness or ailments that need confinement of not less than 24
hours.
b. Outpatient Benefits

Day surgeries and treatment procedures done in accredited hospitals and free-standing clinics
that don’t require confinement

Primary Care Benefits

Primary preventive services, diagnostic examinations, and drugs and medicines, initially
available to Indigent/Sponsored members, Organized Groups, and land-based migrant worker-
members and dependents. Recently expanded to the DepEd personnel. Availed through Rural
Health Units (RHUs) and Out Patient Department (OPD) of government hospitals.

Z Benefits

Benefits designed for illnesses that are life-threatening and requires prolonged hospitalization,
extremely expensive therapies or other treatments that can deplete family’s financial
resources, unless covered by special health insurance policies.

MDG Benefits and other Special Benefit Packages

Benefits in line with 3 Millennium Development Goals of reducing child mortality, improving
maternal health and combating HIV and other infectious diseases.

B. Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

With the increasing cost in the medical and health-related activities, prepared plans
covering medical expense have been designed by insurance companies. These insurance plans
are known as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The individuals who are enrolled in the
HMO respectively pay their monthly premiums regardless of how often they visit their doctor or
seek medical care. Furthermore, HMO expanded the accredited roster of hospitals and doctors to
capture a bigger market. Clients can now choose from a number of prepaid programs from
independent practitioner associations (IPAs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and point
of service (POS).

C. Private Health Insurance

People used to go to the hospital or doctor and pay directly, from their pocket, for their
services. Since medical and health care services became more expensive and sophisticated,
people could no longer afford to pay directly for such services. With the experience of private
health insurance, individuals or groups pay a premium to the insurance company. The amount
and the type of health care services included and not included are stipulated in the insurance
policy. Moreover, the policy may also include coverage for extended care such as home care,
out-patient care, and disability, aside from acute hospitalization.

Quackery
 Quackery is the promotion of a false or unproven method for profit (Barrett et al, 1997).
According to Weinstein (2003), quackery occurs when:
o Health care is administered by unlicensed health care providers.
o Promises of cures are made about products that are actually useless.
o Self-proclaimed therapeutic procedures are performed before they are scientifically
validated.

Victims of quackery think that they have made the right choice. Often, they exhibit the
following attitudes:
  Gullible. They tend to believe easily to something that is printed or broadcasted without
verifying the truthfulness of the particular service.
 Desperate. They are facing an incurable health condition leaving this their last option.
 Isolated. They become attracted to unconventional methods because they distrust
medical science.
 Belief in the supernatural. They tend to believe in the promising influence of mystical
power.
 Overconfident. They firmly believe that they are more knowledgeable and skilled than
scientific researchers or experts.

Types of Quackery
Quacks use print and non-print media promos in the form of advertisements, well-
designed home mailings, and e-mails. The most common items used in quackery are medicines,
nutritional substitutes, products, and health equipment.

A. Medical. “Alternative” practitioners engage in practices that are not science-based and have
no proven value. Some physicians are not giving quality patient care. They only prescribed too
many drugs, order too many tests, or pay insufficient attention to preventive measures. For
example, an optometrist fail to examine the eyes thoroughly when they prescribe glasses or a
dentist fail to get optimal results because they work in a hurry.
B. Nutrition. Multilevel companies market a wide variety of health-related products, almost all
of which are either inappropriate or overpriced. Some products are sold by individual
distributors who also attempt to recruit friends, neighbors, relatives, and others to do the same.
Likewise, health market abounds with products of every description to accommodate people’s
need-dietary supplements, exercise gadgets, diet pills, beauty aids, and other over-the-counter
products. Although most over-the-counter drug products are acceptable, their advertising is
often promotional rather than educational. Advertising encourages pill-taking for insomnia,
lack of energy, constipation, and many other problems that may have better solutions.
C. Devices. Many people believe that health is purchasable. Thus, many worthless devices are
claimed to synchronize brain waves, improve eyesight, relieve stress, relieve pain, remove
unwanted fat deposits, or heal diseases. Exercise equipment and other weight losing devices
varies greatly in quality, functions, and cost. It is important that before investing, it is
recommended to determine what it can do and whether it can meet one’s needs or will be too
monotonous for regular use. More important than the financial risk of quackery is the possibility
that reliance on an ineffective method could delay effective treatment, thus resulting to serious
illness, moreover, fatal.

Herbal Medicine

The timely approval of Republic Act 8423 (R.A. 8423) otherwise known as the
Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997 gave rise to the creation of the
Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), a government owned and
controlled corporation (GOCC) attached to the DOH to answer the present needs of the people on
health care through the provision and delivery of traditional and alternative health care (TAHC)
products, services and technologies that have been proven safe, effective and affordable.

The common medicinal plants approved by the Department of Health (DOH) are shown below.

HERBAL PLANTS SCIENTIFIC NAME MEDICINAL USES PROCEDURE APPLICATION

Pound
Akapulko
Skin fungal
leaves,
infections such as Apply topically
squeeze the
AKAPULKO ringworm, jock itch, on affected
juice and
(Ringworm CASSIA ALATA insect bites, area twice a
apply topically
Bush) ringworms, eczema, day until
on affected
scabies and cured.
area twice a
itchiness
day until
cured.
 Boil 6
tablespoons
of chopped Drink 1/3
leaves in 2 cup of the
AMPALAYA glasses of solution 3
MOMORDICA Lowering of Blood
(Bitter Gourd/ water for times a day
CHARANTIA sugar, Hemorrhoids
Bitter melon) 15 minutes Apply in
Get extract affected
of area
ampalaya
leaves
Antibacterial
properties

Anti- Massage on
hypertensive affected
properties Crush areas in a
ALLIUM SATIVUM
BAWANG enough circular
(Garlic) Reduces fresh cloves motion
cholesterol in the Cook cloves Eat with
blood hence meals 3
helps control times a day
blood pressure

Divide the
Boil
solution
chopped
into 4
leaves in 2
parts. Take
glasses of
1 part
water for
Diarrhea and every 2 to
BAYABAS PSIDIUM 15
Stomach-ache 3 hours
(Guava) GUAJAVA minutes.
Toothache Chew but
Cool and
do not
strain.
swallow the
Clean
fresh
leaves
young
thoroughly
leaves
Boil 5 to 6
leaves in 1 Drink ¼
glass of glass of
LAGUNDI VITEX NEGUNDO Cough
water for mixture
(5-leaved Cold
15 every 4
chaste tree) Asthma
minutes. hours in a
Cool and day
strain

NIYOG- Not to be
The seeds
NIYUGAN given to
QUISQUALIS Intestinal are taken 2
(Chinese children
INDICA L parasitism hours after
honey below 4
supper
suckle) years old

Divide
Boil
SAMBONG decoction
BLUMEA chopped
(Ngai into 3
BALSAMIFERA Treating kidney leaves in a
camphor or parts, drink
stones glass of
Blumea one part 3
water for
camphor) times a
15 minutes
day.
TSAANG EHRETIA Stomach-ache Boil clean Drink
GUBAT MICROPHYLLA Diarrhea leaves in 1 Concoction
 (Wild tea) glass of Divide
water for decoction
15 into 4
minutes. parts.
Cool and Drink 1
strain. part every
Boil 3 hours
chopped
leaves in 2
glasses of
water for
15
minutes.
Cool and
strain
Chopped
and boiled
as
decoction Can be
PANSIT-
The leaves eaten as
PANSITAN PEPEROMIA Treating arthritis
can be salad
(ULASIMANG PELLUCIDA and gout
eaten fresh Drink as
BATO)
(about a Decoction
cupful) as
salad or
like tea
Pound Apply moist
washed cotton
YERBA
CLINOPODIUM Toothache and fresh affected
BUENA
DOUGLASII rheumatism leaves. area for 30
(Peppermint)
Extract minutes to
juice 1 hour

Preparation of medicinal plants

Hers are most frequently prepares into decoctions, infusions, and poultices.
 Decoctions. It is done by boiling the roots, stems, and leaves of a plant to extract its
medicinal properties. It is usually prepared by putting leaves in 2 glasses of water and
bringing it to a boil at low fire.
 Infusions. It is prepared by allowing the stems, flowers, leaves to remain in a hot or cold
liquid. Hot infusions use dried chopped leaves while cold infusions use fresh leaves.
 Poultices. It made by heating fresh leaves or flowers, then applying it like an ointment
directly to the wounded or affected area.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE MODALITIES

A. Acupuncture. It is a technique that involves piercing the skin with thin long needles at
specific anatomical points to relieve pain or illness. Heat, pressure friction, suction, or
electromagnetic energy is used to stimulate the points.
B. Ventosa Massage. This painless technique uses cups that form a vacuum on the skin to
promote blood circulation. Cups may be made of glass placed on specific acupressure
either on the person’s back, shoulder, or neck to treat various conditions such as arthritis,
anemia, and skin infections.
C. Reflexology. It recognizes the hands and feet having reflex points that when
manipulated, could produce a physical effect on the body. Such treatment is relaxing and
beneficial during periods of stress and pain.
D. Naturopathy. It is a system that employs a wide range of natural means to restore
health such as diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine, and acupuncture.
E. Acupressure. Acupressure uses the same technique as that of acupuncture. The only
difference is that acupressure does not use needles but hands to apply pressure on certain
points of the body.
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