Bridging Gaps in Healthcare: GPCCI Roundtable Calls for Unified Action on Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Care

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in partnership with the German Embassy Manila and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, convened a multi-stakeholder roundtable discussion to address the pressing issue of cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) health and explore strategies for more integrated and patient-centered care.

The roundtable brought together leaders and experts frommedical associations, patient advocacy groups, academic institutions, and the pharmaceutical industry. Discussions focused on aligning efforts across sectors and government agencies to respond to the growing incidence of interconnected cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic conditions.

“Addressing CRM conditions is not only about clinical treatment. It is about equity, education, and empathy,” saidDr. Cherry Sevilla-Arenas, from the Philippine Heart Center on her keynote address. “Despite growing awareness, many patients continue to fall through the cracks due to unevenaccess and fragmented systems of care. If we want to move toward meaningful health outcomes, we must align our efforts—across government, industry, and communities—to preventcare fragmentation and ensure no Filipino is left behind.”

From the patient perspective, Mr. Ralph Degollacion of Healthy Philippines Alliance described the real-world implications of managing CRM conditions, including theemotional, social, and financial burdens that patients and families endure. He emphasized the persistent stigma and exclusion faced by many, rooted largely in the lack of universal access to high-quality, accessible health services, including early diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Rodney Jimenez of the Philippine Heart Association advocated for the institutionalization of interdisciplinary training through elective rotations and certification options in CRM care. He pushed for unified workflows, shared care plans, and integrated support roles as essential components in delivering consistent and effective patient care. He further advocated, along with other medical associations, for the establishment of disease registries and implementation of universal healthcare.

Offering the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Greta Cortez of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines reflected onthe evolution from fragmented disease awareness toward amore systemic understanding of CRM interconnectedness. She highlighted initiatives such as It Starts with U: Get CheCKD which aimed to provide health screening and diseaseawareness for chronic kidney disease and related CRM conditions.

During the open forum, participants from across sectors raisedkey concerns and potential solutions to improving CRM care. Discussions touched on the importance of early intervention, unified data systems, community-level engagement, and integrated care models. Experts also emphasized the need for greater public awareness, improved workplace wellness, and continued collaboration between public and private stakeholders. The roundtable served as a platform to identify challenges while also reaffirming a collective commitment to systemic, long-term improvements.

“This roundtable served not only as a space for exchange but as a launching point for more unified action and healthcare delivery reforms for CRM.” says GPCCI President Ms. Marie Antoniette E. Mariano, reflecting from the conclusion of the event “Our goal is to help create bridges between patients,practitioners, business community, and policymakers, and wewill continue to support efforts that bring impact to Filipino communities.”

In his closing message, Dr. David Klebs, Economic Counsellor of the German Embassy Manila, affirmed Germany’s support for CRM awareness and the importance of cross-sector partnerships. He emphasized the value of long-term collaboration to strengthen public health education, policy implementation, and holistic care.

According to a representative from the public health sector, strengthening the country’s healthcare system is imperative to effectively respond to the rising incidence of chronic illnesses and to increase resilience in the face of future public health challenges. They emphasized the need for culturally appropriate, high-quality care across all levels, as well as the continued provision of free consultations and medicines for common non-communicable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.