PHA eyes expansion as Basulta has no assigned cardiologists

Cardiologists of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) are seeking to expand specialist coverage in underserved provinces, particularly in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi ( Basulta), where no assigned cardiologists are currently available.

The PHA, a premier organization dedicated to cardiovascular health, education, and research, held a two-day convention in Cagayan de Oro City on January 30–31, spearheaded by its Northwestern Mindanao Chapter.

PHA President Dr. Walid Amil underscored the country’s limited number of heart specialists, noting that the current ratio stands at one cardiologist for every 44,000 Filipinos.

Amil said the association has around 2,500 members, with roughly half based in Metro Manila and the rest spread across the provinces. 

However, he noted that PHA currently operates only six provincial chapters, including those in Southern Tagalog, Cebu, and Northwestern Mindanao.

To help address the shortage, Amil said the organization is prioritizing expansion into areas without cardiologists, with plans to establish a BASULTA chapter by March.

“Our flagship initiative right now is to better serve other areas of the Philippines by increasing the number of chapters, especially in regions without existing chapters,” Amil said.

“There are still areas across the country that do not have cardiologists at all,” he added.

One strategy being considered is empowering other physicians through associate membership, enabling them to help cascade and implement PHA programs in communities with limited access to heart specialists.

Amil said the initiative forms part of the association’s long-term vision to ensure broader access to specialized cardiovascular care for Filipinos nationwide.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nashiba Daud, president of the PHA Northwestern Mindanao Chapter, said the region currently has around 85 cardiologists.

Daud said the chapter is strengthening coordination with doctors from other specialties through associate membership to further expand efforts in addressing cardiovascular health needs, particularly in far-flung areas.