ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2777

Interdisciplinary - Health economics & health services research

ESTRO 2024

Only 21 (25.6%) out of the 82 provinces have a radiation facility with a linear accelerator, while only 12 (14.6%) and 5 (6.1%) provinces have brachytherapy and SRS/SABR-capable LINACs, respectively. Due to the Philippines being an archipelago, patients coming from 18 (22%) and 2 (2.4%) of the provinces need to travel (most accessible) by sea and air, respectively to reach an RT facility. Filipinos coming from 47 provinces (57.3%) need to travel at least 100 km to reach the nearest facility, while only 13 provinces (15.9%) can reach the nearest facility in <10 km. Furthermore, a total of 42 provinces (51.2%) need to travel at least 3 hours to reach the nearest facility, while only 23 provinces (28%) can reach an RT facility within an hour.

To bridge the significant gaps in radiation therapy availability and accessibility in the Philippines, a multi-sectoral collaboration involving government health agencies, healthcare institutions, philanthropic organizations, and local communities is imperative. Such collaborative efforts should focus on expanding infrastructure, increasing human resources, and enhancing transportation networks to ensure that all Filipinos, regardless of their location, have equitable access to essential radiation therapy services, thereby promoting comprehensive cancer care and health equity throughout the nation.