Millions of Filipinos are living with interconnected heart, kidney, and metabolic conditions, often without knowing it until the diseases have progressed. Collectively known as cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases, these conditions share common risk factors and frequently occur together, creating a growing health and economic burden for patients, families, and the healthcare system.

To address this challenge, ACCESS Health International (AHI) convened the Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Policy Roundtable on July 30, 2026, together with the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, with support from Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

The forum brought together representatives from government, healthcare organizations, patient groups, academia, and the private sector, including PhilHealth, the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI), the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), and the Ateneo Policy Center.

In the Philippines, around one in five Filipinos aged 15 and older lives with at least one chronic condition such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. CKD alone was estimated to cost the country ₱593.7 billion in 2023, equivalent to 41% of total healthcare expenditure.

“Because these conditions do not exist in isolation, protecting our citizens requires investing in early primary care,” said Atty. Eli Dino D. Santos, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of PhilHealth, highlighting the importance of stronger primary care financing and sustainable chronic disease management.

The roundtable identified key priorities including prevention, early detection, patient access, coordinated care, and evidence-informed policymaking. Participants also emphasized strengthening health information systems, disease registries, and sustainable financing mechanisms to support more connected long-term care.

“ No single institution can advance integrated cardio-renal-metabolic care alone,” said Dr. Rohini Omkar Prasad, Regional Director and Director for Research and Advisory at AHI. She emphasized the need to translate evidence into practical action through collaboration across sectors.

Boehringer Ingelheim continues to support initiatives focused on prevention, earlier detection, and more coordinated care for people living with interconnected heart, kidney, and metabolic conditions.