Maintaining optimal health stands as a fundamental pillar of overall well-being for individuals. Yet, there is a concerning trend observed in the Philippines, where a significant portion of the population neglects regular health check-ups. To delve into this issue, Capstone-Intel Corporation, a reputable private research agency, undertook an in-depth study.
Through data panel research, the study on the frequency of Filipinos on medical checkups was conducted from August 1–10, 2023. A total of 1,205 respondents from 18 to more than 65 years old participated in the survey. The survey also aims to determine how respondent’s behaviors in getting their health checked are influenced by their age, monthly income, and source of money. This is especially relevant given the government’s Universal Health Care (UHC) law, which prioritizes addressing this issue. The UHC law offers coverage for consultations and tests to individuals who may encounter financial barriers when accessing healthcare services.
Based on the data collected, it is found that 40% of the respondents go for annual medical checkups, 33% only get a checkup when they feel unwell, 15% rarely do so, 7% undergo medical checkups every 2-3 years, and 4% never get a checkup.
According to the study’s analysis of age demographics, the frequency with which individuals undergo yearly medical checkups varies across age groups. Specifically, the study found that 51% of those aged 45-54 receive annual checkups, followed by 50% in the 35-44 age range, 41% in the 25-34 age category, 38% in the 55-64 age range, 31% of respondents aged 65 and above, and 24% of those aged 18-24 undergo yearly medical checkups.
“The resolution of this health concern is contingent upon consistent and informed guidance from our government especially since we have the Philippine Universal Health Care Act (UHC) which has benefits especially for seniors,” said Atty. Nic Conti, Chief of Public Affairs of Capstone-Intel.
From the survey, it was observed that out of 1,205 respondents, 26% of individuals with a monthly income opt for annual check-ups. Additionally, only 3.5% of respondents with a monthly salary undergo a health checkup every 2-3 years whereas 14.3% of people with monthly salaries only get a health checkup when they feel unwell.
For respondents who earn less than P10,000 monthly, 32% seek medical checkups only when feeling unwell, 26% rarely have health checkups, and 16% have annual health checkups. However, more than 50% of those with a monthly income of ₱65,000 or more have an annual health checkup.
“In a move towards providing universal health care, the Universal Health Care Act was signed by the government in 2019. In 2021, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 9072, also referred to as the ‘Free Annual Medical Checkup Act,’ which is linked to UHC. The appropriate implementation of these initiatives is crucial in ensuring that our fellow citizens benefit from these measures,” added Atty. Conti.
The research study also further demonstrated that a considerable percentage of individuals who undergo annual checkups are PhilHealth members, with a proportion of 36%, whereas only 3% of non-members reported undergoing such checkups. Moreover, among those who receive checkups every 2-3 years, 5% are PhilHealth members, while only 2% are non-members. For individuals who undergo medical checkups only when they feel unwell, 25% are PhilHealth members, whereas 8% are non-PhilHealth members.
