Women's health care in the Philippines is five years behind other Southeast Asian countries, raising concerns about access and awareness, an expert said Thursday.
“There is so much potential for growth and development here in the healthcare industry, especially women's health,” said Carol Joanna Violago-Olivarez, Founder and CEO of Aluvo Health. businessworld in an interview.
“We are already five years behind our Southeast Asian neighbors and global institutions. It's just a matter of taking what's already there and putting it here,” he said.
Data from the Hologic Global Women's Health Index Year 4 global report showed that the Philippines ranked 109th out of 141 countries, scoring 45 points. This is a 3 point decline on the score index year-on-year.
In the East and Southeast Asian region, Taiwan ranked highest globally with 68 points, followed by Singapore with 64 points. Japan and Vietnam remained behind with 62 points.
The global index aims to measure women's health through five categories, including preventive care, emotional health, opinions of health and safety, basic needs and personal health.
The Philippines scored 16 points in preventive care, 57 points in emotional health, 75 points in health and safety opinion, 30 points in basic needs and 71 points in personal health.
“I would say that our experience in training, when it comes to public hospitals and our experience in private hospitals… I think our level of expertise is at par with the international level,” Ms Olivarez said.
“There is a lot of potential for us because we have the best compassionate health care providers in the world,” he said.
Awareness and access to women's health is linked to the country's culture as a conservative nation, where over 80% of the population identifies as Catholic.
“It goes back to this idea that women have come from this notion that you only need to get tested when you're pregnant. In fact, it shouldn't even be reactive,” she said. “We must examine ourselves because that is how we empower ourselves.”
“I have to say, this is something that we don't completely touch upon during our training. Community awareness, training and culture as well,” he said.
eluvho health
The Aluvo Health Clinic, launched on Thursday, aims to address gaps in women's health and how Filipinas get their wellness needs.
“Eluvo is for modern women who want to be their best and who take control of their health,” said Ms. Olivarez.
She added, “Also by design…we want it to be something that women are proud to go to. Like, you don't feel embarrassed to go.” “It's like, I'm going here because I have this level of wealth, this is me taking control of my health.”
The clinic offers other services including fertility, maternal health, family planning, sexual health and hormone health, ranging from P3,000 to P90,000.
In the second quarter of 2026, Aluvo will open its second branch in Quezon City and its third branch in Makati by the third to fourth quarter.— Almira Louise S. Martinez