Bridging the gap in the needs of health care

AT the Philippine General Hospital (PHG), a government-funded institution, charity patients receive free medical services. However, with increasing costs and growing healthcare needs, philanthropy is playing a vital role in supporting the institution's ability to subsidise costs, says Gerardo Legaspi, director at PGH.

The neurosurgeon was speaking at a panel session at the Credit Suisse Philanthropists Forum 2017 held on Nov 16. Moderated by Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the panel also included Anita Fam, vice-president of the National Council of Social Service; Philip Ma, director, Tai Sang Land Development, Tai Sang Bank and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals; and David Zuellig, a Trustee of the Philippines-based Zuellig Family Foundation.

"The biggest role that philanthropy plays in a government institution is the availability of funds when we need it. Although we get money from the government, the inefficiencies don't allow us to use it properly," says Dr Legaspi.