Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
MASTER IN PUBLIC HEALTH
SHERYL JOY S. SUMEDCA
SUBJECT: SEMINAR IN PUBLIC HEALTH
DATE: June 6, 2023.
FINAL EXAM
INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer the following questions.
Your output should be handwritten on a long bond paper. The total number of pages should
NOT exceed 15. Capture clear images of your output and send to; lambonemma@gmail.com
Deadline for submission JUNE 10, 2023.
1. Are branded medicines more effective than generic medicines? Explain your answer.
Both branded and generic medicines contain the same active pharmaceutical ingredients
(APIs), and therefore they are chemically identical and should have the same therapeutic
effects. The main difference between them is that branded medicines are developed and
marketed by pharmaceutical companies that invest significant resources in research and
development, clinical trials, and marketing, while generic medicines are produced and sold by
other companies after the patent for the branded medicine has expired.
Despite the chemical equivalence between branded and generic medicines, some people may
perceive branded medicines as being more effective because of the marketing and branding
efforts of the pharmaceutical companies. However, this perception is not supported by
scientific evidence, and regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
require generic medicines to meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy as branded
medicines.
In summary, both branded and generic medicines can be equally effective, but some people
may prefer one over the other based on factors such as brand recognition, price, or availability.
It is always important to follow the advice of a healthcare professional and to carefully read
and follow the instructions on the label of any medicine.
Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
2. Discuss the barriers to easy access to medicines in some parts of the country.
there are several barriers to easy access to medicines in some parts of the Philippines, including:
1. High Cost: The cost of medicines can be a significant barrier to access for many people,
especially those who are living in poverty or in rural areas. Branded medicines can be
expensive, and even generic medicines may be priced beyond the reach of many people.
2. Limited Availability: In some parts of the Philippines, there may be limited availability of
medicines. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as inadequate distribution systems,
insufficient funding, or inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
3. Distance and Transportation: People living in remote areas may have difficulty accessing
medicines due to the distance they need to travel to reach a pharmacy or healthcare facility.
Transportation can also be a challenge, particularly during inclement weather or in areas with
poor road infrastructure.
4. Lack of Information: Some people may not be aware of the medicines they need or how to
use them properly. This can be due to a lack of education or information about health and
medicine, or a lack of access to healthcare professionals.
5. Language Barriers: Language barriers can also be a challenge in some parts of the
Philippines, particularly for people who speak indigenous languages or dialects. This can make
it difficult for them to understand instructions on medicine labels or to communicate with
healthcare professionals.
To address these barriers, efforts are being made to improve healthcare infrastructure, increase
funding for healthcare, and expand access to affordable medicines. Efforts should be made to
improve health education and to provide information about medicines in local languages to
ensure that people have the knowledge they need to use medicines safely and effectively.
3. i. Is there any difference between climate change and global warming? Explain your
answer.
Climate change and global warming are related concepts, but they are not the same
thing.
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in global average temperatures,
primarily due to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases, such
as carbon dioxide, trap heat from the sun and cause the Earth's atmosphere to warm up.
Climate change, on the other hand, refers to the long-term changes in the patterns of
temperature, precipitation, and other weather-related factors that occur because of
global warming. Climate change can lead to more frequent and severe weather events,
Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, as well as changes in ecosystems and wildlife
habitats.
In other words, global warming is one of the main drivers of climate change, but climate
change encompasses a broader range of changes beyond just temperature. It is
important to note that climate change is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that
involves many different factors, including natural processes and human activities, in
addition to global warming.
Overall, while global warming and climate change are related concepts, they represent
different aspects of the same overarching issue of the Earth's changing climate.
ii. Give five causes of global warming.
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Burning coal, oil and gas produces carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
Cutting down forests (deforestation). Trees help to regulate the climate by
absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When they are cut down, that
beneficial effect is lost and the carbon stored in the trees is released into the
atmosphere, adding to the greenhouse effect.
Increasing livestock farming. Cows and sheep produce large amounts of
methane when they digest their food.
Fertilizers containing nitrogen produce nitrous oxide emissions.
Fluorinated gases are emitted from equipment and products that use these
gases. Such emissions have a very strong warming effect, up to 23 000 times
greater than CO2.
4. Does global warming have any negative impact on health? Yes or No. Explain.
Yes, global warming can have negative impacts on health. As the planet warms, we can
expect to see more frequent heatwaves, which can lead to heat-related illnesses such as
dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Rising temperatures can also increase the
spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks, such as malaria, dengue fever, and
Lyme disease. Additionally, air pollution can worsen because of global warming,
leading to respiratory problems. So, it's important to take action to address global
warming and protect our health.
5. What were some of the measures introduced by the government as a way of controlling
the spread of COVID-19 in the country?. How effective were/ are these measures.?
The Philippine government has implemented various measures to control the spread of
COVID-19 in the country. These include community quarantines, travel restrictions,
mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing guidelines, and enhanced testing
and contact tracing.
Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
The community quarantines, which were initially implemented in March 2020, helped
slow down the transmission of the virus and gave the government time to prepare its
healthcare system and improve its response to the pandemic. Travel restrictions, on the
other hand, helped prevent the entry of new cases from other countries.
The mandatory wearing of face masks and social distancing guidelines also played a
critical role in reducing the spread of the virus. The government also ramped up its
testing and contact tracing efforts, which helped identify and isolate infected
individuals and their close contacts.
Overall, these measures have been effective in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases
in the country. However, there have been some challenges in terms of implementation
and compliance, especially in some areas with high population density. The
government continues to monitor the situation closely and adjust its measures
accordingly to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
6. i. What is healthcare Technology?
Healthcare technology, also known as healthtech, refers to the use of technology and
innovation to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and lower
healthcare costs. This includes a wide range of innovations, such as electronic health
records, telemedicine, wearable devices, mobile health apps, artificial intelligence, and
robotics.
Healthcare technology has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by
improving access to care, enhancing patient engagement, and empowering healthcare
providers with real-time data and decision-making support. For example, telemedicine
enables patients to receive medical consultations remotely, while wearable devices can
monitor vital signs and track health metrics. Artificial intelligence and machine learning
can analyze large datasets to identify disease patterns and develop personalized
treatment plans.
Overall, healthcare technology has the potential to transform the way healthcare is
delivered and improve health outcomes for patients, making it an exciting and rapidly
growing field.
ii. Discuss five importance of technology in health.
Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
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The five important ways technology is impacting the field of health:Improved
patient care: Technology has made it easier for healthcare professionals to monitor
patients remotely, provide telemedicine services, and even use predictive analytics
to prevent health issues. This leads to better outcomes for patients and more
efficient care.
Accelerated research: Medical researchers are using technology like AI to analyze
large amounts of data and identify patterns that can help them develop new
treatments and cures. This has the potential to speed up the drug development
process and bring new treatments to patients faster.
Enhanced communication: With electronic medical records and patient portals,
patients can easily access their health information and communicate with their
healthcare providers. This leads to more informed patients who are better equipped
to take control of their health.
Better training and education: Technology is also being used to train healthcare
professionals and students. Medical simulations and virtual reality tools help
students learn in a hands-on, interactive way, while remote training sessions make
it easier for healthcare professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in their
field.
Increased efficiency: Technology has streamlined many of the administrative tasks
that healthcare professionals must perform. From scheduling appointments to
processing insurance claims, technology has made it easier for healthcare providers
to focus on what they
7. i. What is health financing?
Health financing refers to the way in which financial resources are mobilized, allocated,
and used to purchase health care goods and services. It encompasses a wide range of
activities, including the collection of funds, pooling of resources, and allocation of those
resources to ensure that they are used efficiently and effectively to improve health
outcomes. Health financing is critical to achieving universal health coverage and
ensuring that everyone has access to the health services they need, without suffering
financial hardship.
ii. What is the impact of health financing on health outcomes in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, health financing has a significant impact on health outcomes. The country
has made significant progress in recent years, but there are still challenges, particularly in terms
of access to health care for lower-income or marginalized populations. Health financing can
help to address these challenges by ensuring that financial resources are available to support
the provision of health services and that these services are accessible to all.
Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
One key initiative in the Philippines is the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP)/
PhilHealth, which aims to provide universal health coverage to all Filipinos. The NHIP is
funded through a combination of contributions from individuals, employers, and the
government, and it covers a wide range of health services, including both preventive and
curative care.
Studies have shown that the NHIP/PhilHealth has had a positive impact on health outcomes in
the Philippines. For example, a 2018 study found that the NHIP was associated with a
significant reduction in mortality rates among children under the age of five. Other studies have
shown that the NHIP has helped to improve access to health services and reduce out-of-pocket
expenditures for health care, particularly for low-income households.
Overall, health financing plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes in the Philippines,
and initiatives like the NHIP are making a significant difference in the lives of Filipinos.
8. What is the main problem about health financing in the Philippines?
The main problem with health financing in the Philippines is the unequal distribution
of resources and access to healthcare services. Many Filipinos, especially those living
in poverty-stricken areas, do not have access to basic healthcare services due to
financial constraints and lack of resources. Additionally, the limited government budget
for healthcare also contributes to the issue. This often forces patients to pay for their
medical expenses out-of-pocket, leading to financial hardships and even bankruptcy for
some.
9. i. Give the various categories of safety officers with their corresponding
responsibilities.
In the Philippines, there are several categories of safety officers with varying
responsibilities:
Safety Officers (SO) - responsible for implementing and enforcing safety rules and
regulations within the company or organization.
Health and Safety Officers (HSO) - responsible for implementing and monitoring
occupational health and safety programs in the workplace, such as hazard identification,
risk assessment, and control measures.(RSI, CHO)
Environmental Safety Officers (ESO) - responsible for monitoring and ensuring
compliance with environmental regulations and requirements.
Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Fire Safety Officers (FSO) - responsible for ensuring the safety of people and property
from fire hazards. They conduct fire safety inspections, develop emergency
preparedness plans, and provide fire safety training. (BFP,CDRRM)
Security Safety Officers (SSO) - responsible for ensuring the safety and security of
employees, visitors, and assets. They develop and implement security plans and
procedures, conduct regular security assessments, and provide security awareness
training. (PNP,AFP,POSO etc)
Overall, safety officers play a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being
of employees and the public in various industries and settings.
ii. Discuss six basic steps in risk management.
the six basic steps in risk management:
1. Identify the risks: The first step is to identify all the potential risks that could impact
your project or organization.
2. Analyze the risks: After you've identified the risks, you need to analyze them.
Determine the likelihood of each risk occurring and the potential impact it could have.
3. Evaluate the risks: Once you've analyzed the risks, you need to evaluate them.
Determine which risks are the most critical and prioritize them accordingly.
4. Treat the risks: After you've identified, analyzed, and evaluated the risks, it's time to
treat them. This could mean taking steps to mitigate the risks or transferring the risk to
another party.
5. Monitor the risks: After you've treated the risks, you need to monitor them. Keep an
eye on the risks to ensure that your risk management plan is working as intended.
6. Review and update the risk management plan: Finally, you need to review and update
your risk management plan regularly. Risks can change over time, so it's important to
stay up to date on the latest developments and adjust your plan accordingly.
10. Discuss why the need for universal healthcare in the Philippines?
The need for universal healthcare in the Philippines is essential for several reasons.
Firstly, a significant percentage of the population in the Philippines is living below the
poverty line, and access to healthcare is a major challenge for them. With universal
healthcare, everyone has access to essential health services, regardless of their financial
status. This ensures that everyone is getting the best medical care available, and no one
is left behind.
Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Secondly, the healthcare system in the Philippines is fragmented, with different
healthcare providers having different systems and processes. This can make it difficult
for patients to navigate the system, leading to gaps in care and poor health outcomes.
With a universal healthcare system, there is a standardized approach to healthcare
delivery, ensuring that patients get the best possible care.
Thirdly, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having a robust
and accessible healthcare system. Universal healthcare would provide a means to
ensure that everyone has access to the healthcare they need during a pandemic or any
other health emergency.
In summary, universal healthcare in the Philippines is essential to ensure that everyone
has access to quality healthcare services, to standardize healthcare delivery, and to be
better prepared for future health emergencies.