Millions of Filipinos live with overlapping heart, kidney, and metabolic conditions – often without knowing it until the disease has already advanced. These interconnected illnesses, collectively known as cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases, share common risk factors, frequently occur together, and place a growing health and economic burden on patients, families, and the healthcare system.
Recognizing this challenge, ACCESS Health International (AHI) convened the Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Policy Roundtable on July 30, 2026, together with the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), with support from Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.
The forum brought together leaders and representatives from government, healthcare organizations, patient organizations, academia, and the private sector—including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI), the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), and the Ateneo Policy Center, among others, to identify policy opportunities for strengthening integrated CRM care in the Philippines.
“Because these conditions do not exist in isolation, protecting our citizens requires investing in early primary care. PhilHealth stands firm in its commitment to expanding financial risk protection, strengthening primary care financing, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of chronic disease management,” said Atty. Eli Dino D. Santos, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, PhilHealth.
In the Philippines, about one in five Filipinos aged 15 years and older lives with at least one chronic condition, including hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
The economic impact is equally significant, with CKD alone costing an estimated PHP 593.7 billion in 2023, equivalent to 41% of the country’s total healthcare expenditure. Because CKD often occurs alongside other CRM conditions, these interconnected diseases place a compounding strain on patients and the healthcare systems, reinforcing the need for coordinated action to strengthen prevention, early detection, and long-term CRM care.
“The burden of chronic kidney disease extends beyond direct healthcare costs. It affects patients’ ability to work, creates productivity losses, and impacts families and the healthcare system. Understanding these costs can help inform interventions and policies that support earlier detection, prevent disease progression, and improve patient outcomes,” said Dr. Anthony Russell Villanueva, Consultant Nephrologist, NKTI.The roundtable identified key opportunities to strengthen integrated CRM care, with discussions centered on prevention, early detection, patient access, coordinated care, and evidence-informed policymaking. Participants underscored the importance of helping people receive earlier diagnoses, more connected care, and better long-term health outcomes through collaboration across sectors. They also highlighted opportunities to further integrate CRM priorities into national health policies and programs, including strengthening health information systems, disease registries, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
Reinforcing these priorities, the Department of Health (DOH) highlighted ongoing efforts to bridge gaps and expand access to chronic kidney disease care, while PhilHealth reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening financial protection for sustainable chronic disease care.
The forum featured a presentation from ACCESS Health International on CRM policy gaps and opportunities in the Philippines, alongside insights from the National Kidney Transplant Institute, the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, and the Ateneo Policy Center on the economic burden of chronic kidney disease and key policy recommendations. Boehringer Ingelheim also shared regional health systems perspectives on integrated CRM care across Asia Pacific.
“No single institution can advance integrated cardio-renal-metabolic care alone. The next step is translating evidence into action by identifying shared priorities, defining responsibilities, and sustaining collaboration across sectors. Through this dialogue, we hope to build consensus on practical steps that can help advance integrated CRM care in the Philippines,” said Dr. Rohini Omkar Prasad, Regional Director and Director for Research and Advisory, ACCESS Health International.
As part of its long-standing commitment to improving outcomes for people living with interconnected heart, kidney, and metabolic conditions, Boehringer Ingelheim continues to support initiatives that strengthen prevention, enable earlier detection, and promote more coordinated care.
