Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices of Metro Manila Urban Poor Residents on Patients’ Rights

Urban poor residents have demonstrated a relatively high level of knowledge of their rights as patients as indicated by the mean

scores generated from their responses to the various dilemmas presented in this exploratory study. A combination of factors including

a relatively high level of education, exposure to the mass media and interaction with non-government organizations (NGOs) may be

responsible for the level of awareness. However, knowledge does not necessarily translate into positive action where economically

disadvantaged people are able to claim their right to health, particularly patients’ rights. Implied in the reasons given by the respondents

for the choices they have made is an attitude of subservience and passivity when relating with people vested with authority and power

like health professionals. Thus, it is imperative to build on the people’s knowledge and understanding of patients’ rights by enhancing

their skills and capabilities in negotiation, organization and advocacy to empower them in claiming and asserting their right to health,

particularly their rights as patients. Moreover, there is a need to raise the health care providers’ level of knowledge and understanding of

patients’ rights so they can help provide an enabling environment that will meet the health needs and concerns of the community