A snapshot of catastrophic post-disaster health expenses after Typhoon Haiyan

Authors

  • Noel Espallardo Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines
  • Lester Sam Araneta Geroy Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines
  • Raul Villanueva Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines
  • Roy Gavino Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines
  • Lucille Angela Nievera Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines
  • Julie Lyn Hall Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2015.6.2.HYN_017

Abstract

Introduction: This paper provides a snapshot of the health-care costs, out-of-pocket expenditures and available safety nets post-Typhoon Haiyan.

Methods: This descriptive study used a survey and document review to report direct and indirect health-care costs and existing financial protection mechanisms used by households in two municipalities in the Philippines at one week and at seven months post-Haiyan.

Results: Reported out-of-pocket health-care expenses were high immediately after the disaster and increased after seven months. The mean reported out-of-pocket expenses were higher than the reported average household income (US$ 24 to US$ 59).

Discussion: The existing local and national mechanisms for health financing were promising and should be strengthened to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and protect people from catastrophic expenditures. Longer-term mechanisms are needed to ensure financial protection, especially among the poorest, beyond three months when most free services and medicines have ended. Preparedness should include prior registration of households that would ensure protection when a disaster comes.

Author Biographies

Noel Espallardo, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines

Department of Family and Community Medicine

Lester Sam Araneta Geroy, Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines

Health Systems and Recovery

Raul Villanueva, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines

Department of Family and Community Medicine

Roy Gavino, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines

Department of Family and Community Medicine

Lucille Angela Nievera, Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines

Health Systems and Financing

Julie Lyn Hall, Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines

WHO Representative

Published

06-11-2015

How to Cite

1.
Espallardo N, Geroy LSA, Villanueva R, Gavino R, Nievera LA, Hall JL. A snapshot of catastrophic post-disaster health expenses after Typhoon Haiyan. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2015 Nov. 6 [cited 2024 Nov. 21];6(5). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/382

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