What comes next after the boom in hospital constructions?

Dr. Jaime Almora, M.D., Philippine Hospital Association’s VP for Luzon, reveals his thoughts.

Before being the board secretary and eventually the vice president for Luzon of the Philippine Hospital Association, Dr. Almora has also held several relevant positions, such as governor of the Philippine Medical Association, Northeastern Luzon, and president of the Kalinga Medical Society.

A BS Biology and Doctor of Medicine graduate from St. Louis University, Baguio, Dr. Jaime Almora is currently the owner and medical director of Almora General Hospital, a level 1 hospital with 50 beds in Tabuk City, Kailnga--concurrent to his expertise of management of a small rural hospital.

Jaime is part of the panel that will talk about the topic Philippine Healthcare: Growing through investment at the Manila leg of the upcoming inaugural Healthcare Asia Forum 2016. Here’s more about Jaime:

HCA: What are your previous experiences and positions held that contributed to who you are today as a health care practitioner?

I have been chief of clinics at Kalinga Provincial Hospital in Tabuk City, Kalinga from 1994 to 1997, and I’m also the current owner and medical director of Almora General Hospital since 1998. I have also been a member of the board of governors, the secretary, and then vice president of the Philippine Hospital Association. Additionally, I have also been a fellow in the Philippine Society of Ultrasound in Surgery, as well as the Philippine Society of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery. I obtained my Doctor of Medicine degree in 1982, and my General Surgeon degree in 1990.

HCA: What are your key health care philosophies and ideologies?

I believe that the foundation of quality health care is based on timely and accurate diagnosis. Utilization of recent scientific and technological advancement in diagnostic and life support equipment is the key factor lacking in the delivery of quality health care in majority of rural hospitals in the country.

Additionally, private enterprises should not perform regulatory function of the government. Health regulators and policy makers must engage the participation of Health care institutions and health care professionals to formulate better policies and health directives. The inflationary effect in the cost of health care must be vigorously studied before implementing any increase in regulatory fees and charges. 

HCA: Can you give us a glimpse of what you will talk about at the 2016 Health care Asia Forum?

I will talk about the following topics: What will come next after this present “Boom” in hospital constructions; which can survive better: the conglomerate-owned or the doctors-owned hospitals and; the effects of ASEAN Free Trade on the Philippine Rural farming communities and their access to health care.