Bayanihan E-Konsulta: A volunteer-driven response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines

Janine  Robredo; Raymond Naguit; Keisha Mangalili

doi:10.21153/thl2023art1769

Authors

Janine Patricia G. Robredo Harvard Medical School
Raymond J. Naguit The Institute of Politics and Governance
Keisha C.P. Mangalili Angat Buhay

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/thl2023art1769

Keywords:

Community health, covid-19, volunteer, leadership

Abstract

COVID-19 stretched health systems worldwide, but its deepest impacts were disproportionately felt across certain population segments. In the Philippines, a low-middle income country with one of the longest pandemic-induced lockdowns, the most marginalised communities suffered the most, and had little agency to afford and access care. Socioeconomic barriers, compounded by the misallocation of limited resources and the militarisation and overall mismanagement of the response, widened inequities, and resulted in poorer health outcomes for these groups.

In an attempt to redress this, the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines sought to fill gaps in health delivery and access by launching Bayanihan E-Konsulta (BEK), a free telemedicine platform for indigent Filipinos. Through a Facebook messenger service that ran on free data, patients were given the opportunity to consult with health professionals regarding their medical concerns at no cost. Relevant social services, such as prescription delivery, laboratory assistance, and food and financial aid, were also streamlined in the platform. Recognising limitations in funding, the program banked on the mobilisation of health professionals and volunteers, and relied on capacity building initiatives and the establishment of inter-agency collaborations.

Institutional credibility, intersectoral collaboration, and effective management of team dynamics were identified as enabling factors for the program's effectiveness. Transparency attracted partnerships, and trust in leadership inspired solidarity, volunteerism, and continued service. Inclusivity in different project stages improved engagement and encouraged shared participation and accountability, allowing for resilience and sustained action. Overall, BEK stands as a successful example of a low-cost public/private/volunteer health response in a time of crisis.

This paper discusses the critical challenges, considerations, and the iterations to the service implemented by the BEK team, providing insights for public health leaders and other low-to-middle income countries when tailoring responses to future public health emergencies.

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Author Biographies

Janine Patricia G. Robredo, Harvard Medical School

Janine is a medical doctor and a public health consultant from the Philippines. She has worked with both private organisations and public agencies in developing programs aimed at reducing disparities and improving health outcomes, including Bayanihan eKonsulta. Janine is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Global Health Delivery at Harvard Medical School, but she continues engaging with local leaders and civil society organisations to design relevant health services and improve program delivery. She is also involved in health research, with special interests in health equity and social justice in low and middle income countries.
Raymond J. Naguit, The Institute of Politics and Governance

Raymond is a public and mental health consultant for the Institute of Politics and Governance, a non-government organisation that works with local government units for the integration of harm reduction in Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Programs in the Philippines. He graduated with a Medicine and Nursing degree from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently taking up his Master in Community Development from the University of the Philippines. He served as one of the core Bayanihan E-Konsulta doctors under the Office of the Vice President.
Keisha C.P. Mangalili, Angat Buhay

Keisha currently serves as the Program Manager for Nutrition, Food Security, and Universal Healthcare for Angat Buhay (Angat Pinas, Inc.), a non-governmental organisation in the Philippines. She graduated from the Intarmed (Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine) program of the University of the Philippines in 2019 and has been involved in different pandemic-response programs in the national capital region. She is a founding member and core team member of the Bayanihan E-Konsulta program.

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