Leni bats for more investments in preventive health care
Naga Mayor Leni Robredo emphasized the need for increased investments in preventive health care, such as HPV vaccination, to reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve public health outcomes in the Philippines. She highlighted the current reactive approach of treating illnesses rather than preventing them and called for stronger awareness campaigns to support preventive measures.
Naga Mayor Leni Robredo stressed the importance of shifting healthcare priorities toward prevention during an interview following the Cervical Cancer Elimination Summit in Naga City last week. She argued that focusing on preventive services like vaccination would alleviate the burden on the healthcare system and free up resources for other needs. Robredo noted that the current system is primarily reactive, addressing illnesses only after they occur, rather than preventing them through proactive measures. She cited low rates of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination as examples of missed opportunities to reduce deaths from preventable diseases. The mayor emphasized that while vaccination requires significant upfront investment, the costs of treating preventable illnesses are far greater in the long run. Robredo urged the Department of Health and local governments to allocate more funds to preventive care and launch complementary awareness campaigns to reduce inefficiencies. She described preventive healthcare as a ‘worthy effort’ and a smart use of resources, stating that Naga City’s approach demonstrates its value. Robredo’s call follows broader discussions on strengthening public health infrastructure to address gaps in preventive services across the Philippines.
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