Treatment gaps in Parkinson's disease care in the Philippines

Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2017 Aug;7(4):245-251. doi: 10.2217/nmt-2017-0014. Epub 2017 Aug 30.

Abstract

Neurological services and resources are scarce in low-income and developing countries, such as the Philippines. We looked into the treatment gaps in Parkinson's disease (PD) care in the Philippines in the following areas: epidemiology, healthcare, financial coverage, pharmacotherapy, surgical treatment and manpower. We collected relevant data on the above-mentioned areas. There is no available Philippine data on PD prevalence. Philippine healthcare is paid through user fees at the point of service. The average consultation fee in Manila ranges from US$10.57-31.74. The average minimum daily wage is US$9.39-10.17. Philippine healthcare is devolved to the local government units. Deep brain stimulation surgery is only available in Manila. Most PD medications are available in the Philippines. There are only nine movement disorder specialists for a population of 100.98 million. Gaps and challenges in PD care in the Philippines still exist.

Keywords: DBS; Parkinson’s disease; epidemiology; financial coverage; manpower; medical care; pharmacotherapy; physician density; treatment gaps.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Developing Countries / economics
  • Humans
  • Parkinson Disease / economics
  • Parkinson Disease / epidemiology
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Philippines / epidemiology
  • Specialization