January 31 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Over the past decade, most ASEAN countries have enjoyed relatively rapid economic development which was accompanied by significant poverty reduction, a comprehensive improvement in education system, and an increase in life expectancy (ASEAN MDG 2017). The progress in population health statistics, however, lack behind with much slower improvement in some health targets such as maternal mortality or tuberculosis incidence. Disparities among the countries persist and internal disparities even increased in some countries due to uneven socio-economic and health development. Women ‘s unique health needs are poorly addressed and access to health care for vulnerable populations such as migrants or stateless populations remains a major challenge.

These conditions are increasingly affected by regional integration processes unleashed by the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Although not many in the region are aware, health care is one of the 11 prioritized sectors for accelerated liberalization being viewed as highly attractive for business. Still-to-be-implemented harmonization measures are meant to free up the cross-border flows of health products and services. Member states are committed to lifting all restrictions on the cross-border supply of health care, such as telemedicine, and on healthcare consumption abroad through medical tourism. They have also agreed to up to 70 percent share ownership in healthcare businesses for ASEAN investors and to the movement of mutually recognized health professionals, particularly doctors, nurses and dentists. [i]

In this rapidly changing context, questions about the distribution of financial and human resources in health among counties and groups in the region become more pressing to ensure adequate health protection and promotion for all and, as promised by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda, no-one is left behind.

The panel discussion organized by SEA Junction in collaboration with the Equity Initiative, Ashoka Thailand, and the Foundation for Leadership Development Network for Health on 31 January at 5.30-7PM will reflect on these health equity issues in the ASEAN countries. Particular attention will be given to implications of regional development and regionalization processes on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and to policies and interventions that are or could be pro-equity.

The panelists and their tentative topics are:

Kai Hong Phua, “Equity Trends in Southeast Asia: An Overview”

Faculty Health Policy and Management, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Jon Ungpakorn, “Health and Human Rights in Southeast Asia”

Director iLaw and Ramon Mangsasay Awardee

Rashidah Shuib, “Gender and Health Issues in Southeast Asia: Mind the Gap?”

Professor and Director of the Women’s Development Research Centre (KANITA), Universiti Sains Malaysia

Eduardo P. Banzon, “Roaming Health Insurance”

Principal Health Specialist, Asia Development Bank and Former President and CEO Philippine Health Insurance Corporation

From Abdullah Cholil, Meiwita Budiharsana & Rosalia Sciortino (1999) The Life Saver: The Mother Friendly Movement in Indonesia. Yogyakarta: Galang Press

NB: The event is free, but donations are most welcome

For information/reservation for our events please email southeastasiajunction@gmail.com or phone/wa: +66970024140

About the Organizers:

SEA Junction, OUR Venue on Southeast Asia

SEA Junction aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions –from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 408 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium) SEA junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information see www.seajunction.org