OBJECTIVES

: Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent disease of thick scaly plaques on red, inflamed skin. Now regarded as multisystemic, the care of patients runs long and expensive. The global incidence ranges from 0.05% to 11.43%; in the Philippines an estimated two million Filipinos suffer from it. This 2016 study aimed to present the state of psoriasis health care in the Philippines, specifically, health provider insights, expenditure, government allocation, and measures that ease patients’ financial challenges.

METHODS

: The author searched the literature on psoriasis and conducted key informant interviews with dermatology specialists, local government doctors, and psoriasis patient-advocates. Small-sample convenience sampling was also performed to capture the viewpoint of both private dermatologists and municipal or city health officers operating at the grassroots.

RESULTS

: The main burden that psoriasis patients suffer is the cost of treatment and the psychosocial stigma associated with the disease. In a pay setup, a single consult costs from Php 1,000 to Php 9,000. In 2016, there was no case-rate/coverage for psoriasis in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). Afflicted persons are included in the list of Persons With Disability (PWD), and through this - as well as through the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) - are able to avail of discounts on medicine and other benefits. Local health officers do not frequently see psoriasis cases. Many of the specialist-respondents were unaware of the absence of PhilHealth coverage. The partnership of the Philippine Dermatological Society with PsorPhil, an organization of psoriasis patients, constantly works for psoriasis awareness and better health care.

CONCLUSIONS

: Comprehensive health benefits may be made available to psoriasis patients in the Philippines through new laws that mandate coverage in the national health system, and marginalization of sufferers may be minimized through concerted efforts toward information dissemination, educational programs, and greater availability of treatment facilities.