Two-day summit tackles equitable access to medicines

THE ACCESS to Medicines Summit 2024, held on Feb. 6 and 7, at the Diamond Hotel Manila, showcased a groundbreaking display of unity and determination to improve the lives of millions by making essential medicines accessible to all. With the theme “Building Bridges. A Blueprint for Collaborative and Innovative Access to Medicines,” this summit brought together the like-minded stakeholders and practices from across Southeast Asia to tackle the pressing issue of equitable access to medicines.

The summit focused on four key objectives: to highlight successful efforts of organizations in improving access to medicines, serving as examples for others to learn from; to foster collaboration opportunities, promoting collective impact in enhancing access to medicines; to initiate the development of a roadmap for stronger access to medicines through collaborative health innovations; and to advocate for policy changes and reforms to promote unbiased access to medicines across the region.

The summit witnessed the participation of more than 100 key stakeholders from the Department of Health (DoH), local government units, academia, healthcare industry, patient support groups, financial institutions, and medical societies. The summit also featured 32 influential speakers from various sectors and countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam, who shared their expertise and commitment to shaping thoughts and driving change across Southeast Asia.

Organized by Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. and RiseAboveNow Business Consulting Group, the summit commenced with a powerful keynote address from Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa.

“I challenge us to formulate more transformative interventions that will provide better access to medicines especially (to) the vulnerable and poorest population. Utilize this summit to discuss and ask the hard questions,” he said in his recorded message.

Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, undersecretary of Public Health and cluster lead of Public Health Services at DoH led the first plenary session at the summit. He presented the 8-Point Action Agenda established by DoH to improve the health of Filipinos. The session also featured discussions and presentations by other experts discussing the root causes of health disparities and strategies to improve access to medicines and patient care.

The day continued with Plenary Session Two, featuring speakers who shared initiatives and practical insights to empower attendees in their efforts to improve access to medicines. Michelle Erwee, Global Head of Access to Medicines, Growth and Emerging Markets at Takeda, provided a global perspective on Takeda’s initiatives, shedding light on the company’s commitment to addressing this critical issue. Daisy Cembrano, Healthcare Policy Director from the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), offered valuable insights into the efforts being made by its member companies to improve access to medicines in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the Hon. Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City shared the city’s commitment to addressing this important issue at the local level.

“No single organization or group can fix all the problems that cause unequal access to medicines. As a leading biopharmaceutical company, we understand that we can help by making our medicines and vaccines more accessible to patients. This not only improves people’s lives but is also essential to longterm sustainable business growth,” Ms. Erwee said.

The final session of the day showcased research and development programs, demonstrating commitment to address unmet medical needs and access to innovative therapies.

Day two of the summit commenced with the inauguration of the exhibition booths, marking the opening ceremonies for the Collaboration Hub. This hub serves as a platform for various exhibitors who are all working towards the common goal of advancing healthcare and improving access to medicines. Notable exhibitors include AVPN Asia, Cancer Coalition Philippines, Healthy Philippines Alliance, Hemophilia Advocates – Philippines, MedProjects Healthcare IT Solutions, Philippine Society of Pharmacists Vaccinators, Pilipinas Shell Foundation with their PROTECT Project, PASYENTE Project from the University of the Philippines, the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines and Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc.

Closing the summit through two distinct breakout sessions, participants discussed the next steps in crafting a blueprint and policy advocacy guidelines that will empower both public and private entities throughout Southeast Asia to overcome the challenges hindering access to medicines.