A fair allocation approach to the ethics of scarce resources in the context of a pandemic: The need to prioritize the worst‐off in the Philippines

Abstract

Using a fair allocation approach, this paper identifies and examines important concerns arising from the Philippines’ COVID‐19 response while focusing on difficulties encountered by various sectors in gaining fair access to needed societal resources. The effectiveness of different response measures is anchored on addressing inequities that have permeated Philippine society for a long time. Since most measures that are in place as part of the COVID‐19 response are meant to be temporary, these are unable to resolve the inequities that have led to the magnitude of morbidity and mortality associated with the pandemic. These cannot improve the country’s readiness to deal with pandemics and other emergencies in the future. Transition to a new normal recognizes the possibility that other infectious diseases could come and endanger our health security. Our pandemic experiences are proving that having an egalitarian society will serve the interests not only of disadvantaged sectors but also of everybody else, including the privileged. Response measures should thus take the opportunity to promote equity by giving importance to the concerns of the underprivileged and vulnerable while giving preference to initiatives that can be sustained beyond the period of the current pandemic.

Evaluating the influence of service quality, hedonic, and utilitarian value on shopper's behavioral intentions in urban shopping malls during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…To which, a budget of 2,000PhP ($35) or less was considered with approximately 1-2 people going with a person for shopping mall visitation. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the economy of countries, especially in the Philippines, De Castro et al (2020) justified how having a low budget during the COVID-19 became substantial for commodities and other necessities during the pandemic. This, proper budgeting while still being to achieve a level of leisure was seen in this study’s demographic characteristics.…”

Healthcare Encounters and Outcomes of Filipino Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Managed at a Tertiary COVID-19 Referral Center

“…4 The number of face-to-face (FTF) consultations were limited to 5-10 per service starting March 2020, and teleconsultation became the main mode of healthcare delivery for outpatient consult, but not without its own limitations. 5 Data on several aspects of the care of SLE patients during this unprecedented time is lacking in the Philippines. Therefore, there is a need to put forward the challenges encountered and lessons learned in managing these patients.…”

Filipinos’ health information‐seeking behaviors and their implications for COVID‐19 vaccination

“…These realities contribute to the country's increasing COVID‐19 cases, placing the country's health care system in jeopardy, especially frontline workers who are already overworked at their jobs (Biana & Joaquin, 2020). Additionally, many Philippine hospitals, particularly those in Manila and adjacent cities, cannot admit COVID‐19 patients due to a severe shortage of beds and health care personnel (de Castro et al., 2020).…”

“…Philippine health officials employ various methods to emphasize the importance of immunization, utilizing the means available to reach all Filipinos (DOH, 2021). Moreover, other logistical and individual concerns need to be considered along with the goal of vaccinating all Filipinos (de Castro et al., 2020). Other countries have promoted vaccination through public awareness campaigns (Savulescu et al., 2021).…”

“…The Philippines is among the top 20 countries globally, with the high-est overall and rising number of COVID-19 cases as of August 25, 2021 (WHO, 2021). COVID-19 cases, along with the realities on the ground, have significantly impacted frontline workers and the entire health care system in the Philippines (de Castro et al, 2020). Despite the Philippine government's vigorous immunization campaign, which has resulted in over 26 million Filipinos getting vaccinated, the number of COVID-19 cases are still increasing (Department of Health [DOH], 2021).…”