Philippine Heart Association Aims to Boost Cardiologist Distribution Nationwide
CAGAYAN DE ORO. The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) has announced an ambitious long-term vision to enhance the distribution of cardiologists across the Philippines, with a particular focus on addressing shortages in northwestern Mindanao and other provincial areas. This initiative seeks to improve public access to specialized cardiovascular healthcare, which is currently unevenly distributed throughout the country.
Current Cardiologist Ratio and Regional Disparities
According to Dr. Walid Amil, president of the Philippine Heart Association, the existing ratio of cardiologists to the Filipino population stands at approximately one specialist for every 44,000 individuals. This figure highlights a significant gap in healthcare coverage that the PHA aims to bridge through strategic expansion efforts.
Dr. Amil, who also serves as a member of the Philippine College of Cardiology, emphasized that about half of all cardiologists in the Philippines are currently concentrated in Metro Manila. The remaining specialists are distributed across provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, creating regional imbalances that affect patient care and outcomes.
Northwestern Mindanao's Cardiology Landscape
In northwestern Mindanao, which encompasses the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga regions, there are currently 85 practicing cardiologists. Dr. Nashiba M. Daud, chapter chair of the Philippine Heart Association-Northwestern Mindanao, provided this statistic, underscoring the need for increased specialist numbers in these areas.
Dr. Daud further explained that the PHA is actively coordinating with other medical doctors who possess various specializations. These professionals are being engaged as associate members to collaboratively address cardiovascular health challenges and support the association's goals.
PHA's Membership and Expansion Initiatives
The Philippine Heart Association boasts a membership of over 2,500 individuals, reflecting its significant role in the country's medical community. To further its mission, the PHA recently conducted its Midyear Convention in Cagayan de Oro City on January 30 and 31, 2026, fostering dialogue and planning among healthcare professionals.
Looking ahead, the association is set to launch a new sub-chapter in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in March. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to establish specialist presence in every province and city across northwestern Mindanao and the entire nation, ultimately aiming to reduce cardiovascular disease burdens through improved access to care.
