With heart disease and stroke ranking among the leading causes of death in the Philippines, the need for improved diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation systems has never been more urgent. To address this growing health concern, experts from the medical, government, and private sectors convened on September 26, 2025, for a roundtable discussion organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GPCCI).
In partnership with the German Embassy in Manila and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, the event explored how German healthcare technology and expertise can help strengthen the Philippines’ stroke care system, particularly through better prevention, early intervention, and long-term patient support. The initiative also underscored the importance of international collaboration in building a more resilient and equitable national health framework.
Mathias Kruse, Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Manila, highlighted the significance of such cooperation. “Creating integrated, whole-of-society approaches is key to strengthening stroke care implementation in the Philippines,” he said.
Government officials emphasized aligning the National Stroke Policy Framework with the Universal Health Care Act to ensure that innovative solutions and new technologies are accessible to Filipinos across all regions.
Dr. Cristina Macrohon-Valdez, president of the Stroke Society of the Philippines, underscored the value of sustained support for stroke care programs. “Support—whether through financial aid, training, or partnerships—is vital to enhance programs and services for stroke patients,” she said, noting ongoing efforts to expand training and strengthen the Hub and Spoke Model for regional stroke centers.
From the private sector, Dr. Giovanni Paolo Nazario, medical advisor at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, stressed that collaboration and innovation must go hand-in-hand. “By aligning initiatives and leveraging technology, we can build a stroke care ecosystem that is inclusive, resilient, and future-ready,” he said.
PhilHealth officials Suzette Ann Sarmiento and Atty. Exequiel Sy shared updates on expanding financial benefits for stroke patients beyond Metro Manila. “PhilHealth continues to collaborate with healthcare partners to reach more communities in the provinces,” Atty. Sy added.
Patient advocate Karen Alparce-Villanueva of the Philippine Alliance for Patient Organizations (PAPO) called for compassionate and equitable healthcare. “We have the tools and the knowledge—what we need now is the will to act together with purpose and compassion,” she said.
Participants agreed that merging German innovation with local healthcare expertise and policy can significantly improve the quality and accessibility of stroke care in the Philippines.
“Stroke care is multidisciplinary, and today’s collaboration moves us closer to quality, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Lennie Lynn Chua-De Castillo of the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital in her closing remarks.