Never-ending Learning Process: Dr. Autajay’s Universal Health Care Journey

Dr. Rene Feman Autajay’s storied career in healthcare is marked by continuous learning. “In my 28 years of service, 23 years were spent as a Department of Health (DOH) representative to local government units (LGUs). I have learned so much about the different styles of governance and how to adopt them, to dance the way of politics, but still stick to your principles.”

Programs for Steady Progress 

Upon leaving his position as a Medical Officer for a hospital in Antique, Dr. Autajay decided to go into public healthcare when he transferred to Aklan. Filled with idealism and promise, Dr. Autajay supported Aklan’s series of innovative initiatives. He consistently participated in Provincial Health Board meetings, a platform for deliberating on and aligning Universal Health Care (UHC) implementation tactics. He ensured these tactics were synchronized with DOH budget allocation while considering community needs and concerns.

The province addressed health disparities among indigenous groups and underserved communities. By deploying Doctors to the Barrios (DTTBs) to serve the health needs of the Indigenous Peoples (Ati) in Boracay and mainland Malay, the province ensured access to vital healthcare services and also significantly enhanced their health outcomes, aligning with UHC’s objective of equal healthcare access and showcasing his dedication to health equity.

Dr. Autajay focused on expanding healthcare services by securing funding for infrastructure development. He is instrumental in completing the Yapak Mega Health Center in Boracay to meet the island’s increasing healthcare demands. He also prioritized enhancing the skills of healthcare workers through Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid training sessions. This project, backed by the DOH and the Provincial Health Office (PHO), improved the emergency response capabilities of healthcare professionals in Boracay Island and surrounding areas. 

Partnership with Zuellig Family Foundation

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) played a crucial role as a supporter and partner. ZFF’s programs supported the implementation of UHC in Aklan by providing essential technical assistance and resources. 

The Foundation’s emphasis on leadership and governance in healthcare also complemented Dr. Autajay’s work. ZFF’s assistance ran parallel to his commitment to upholding the UHC legislation by supporting Aklan’s engagement in the Provincial Leadership and Governance Program (PLGP) when it was introduced in July 2022. His support for the Governor and PHO in completing modules 1 and 2 of the Governor’s Executive Session, helped harmonize local strategies with UHC objectives and resulted in notable enhancements within Aklan’s healthcare system. 

Dr. Autajay’s involvement in the Bridging Leadership (BL) orientation workshop alongside appointed Development Management Officers also helped prepare them to guide LGUs under the Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP). The program explained the importance of integrating Province-Wide Health System (PHWS) for UHC and sharing UHC grants to build health facilities for the different municipalities. He effectively secured UHC grants to support provincial MLDP modules, with the University of the Philippines Visayas playing a pivotal role as educational partner. All his efforts in fostering a cooperative atmosphere for implementing UHC were all for the province of Aklan. 

Enhancing Resources and Building Strong Healthcare Networks

With Dr. Autajay’s guidance and the PHO team’s hard work, Aklan has made strides toward enhancing its healthcare infrastructure. This partnership led to the establishment of six District Health Boards in Aklan as model PHWS, Aklan being designated as one of the four Healthcare Provider Network (HCPN) demonstration sites, and the rise in Primary Care Facilities (PCFs), with operational licenses increasing from just one facility to 11 out of 17, aiming for complete coverage by May 2023—proving the importance of collaborations in successfully executing healthcare projects.

Looking to the Future

As Dr. Autajay gets ready for his next role, his contributions to Aklan are a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence in healthcare. His innovative strategies, partnerships with stakeholders, and commitment to implementing UHC have helped set an example for maximizing learning while navigating the complexities of public healthcare systems. He intends to continue promoting UHC and utilizing his knowledge and skills to oversee healthcare facilities. He says, “I hope those I’ve worked with will continue to feel motivated to help the province. Because if we are not going to act, who else will?”