Manuel Ariel Liwanag, Eric Malabanan, Names Project Philippines
Manila, Philippines

QUALITY OF CARE AND SUPPORT IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY:
PERSPECTIVE OF A PWA

NARRATIVE:

Why are there inequities in terms of services for PWA like me? Services are different in a developed country compared to a developing country. Services given in a private hospital is also different from that of a government hospital. The doctor - patient relationship is somewhat missing. If you are very sick and you need to be admitted, they just inject you medications which are never explained to you what these are and what they are for. They do not even discuss with you if you are regressing or progressing. Government's priority of fund allocation for AIDS programs is on the preventive aspect. What about addressing quality of life of PHIVs. They are economically productive and there is a need to maintain that status so as not to be detrimental to the family as well to the society. But look, drug availability is questionable. Purchase of drugs for AIDS patients is not a priority. Yes we know they are expensive but we have to accept the fact that we need to purchase to maintain quality of life of PLWHAs. In other countries, people's lives are important and they do every inch of a measure to save that life. I just hope that someday and somehow people will realize what I am saying. Once I get over this AIDS related conditions, I will continue my commitment to the AIDS program.

RECOMMENDATION:

An open dialogue between PLWHAs planners of government and private agencies and see how they can complement each other in terms of addressing quality of life of not only PLWHAs but the general welfare of the people. The very people comprising workforce that boost the country's economy. For the NGOs to do a lot of advocacy to all agencies to address this concern.