In 2012, Dr. Rumalie Corvera launched the Ruth Foundation. Operations formally commenced by Jan. 2013. Its vision ever since has been to provide palliative and hospice care to those with life-limiting illnesses, whether men or women, children or senior citizens. These are patients who, for one reason or another, have had to leave the hospital or medical facility and spend the rest of their days at home. The foundation now consists of seven full-time staff, nine consultant physicians, 13 part-time staff members, and a network of passionate volunteers. Over the last 12 years, this has resulted in 30,839 care encounters.

The timing for setting up the Ruth Foundation took on added significance when, in 2015, a Quality of Life Index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit found the Philippines to be at the bottom five countries when it came to “quality of death” or palliative care. This referred to systemic problems in the delivery of health service, the cost of medicine, and the finding that many patients die without adequate pain relief. 

There was much to celebrate as the Ruth Foundation marked its 12th year with a dinner that had Sec. Sonny Angara and Philippine General Hospital director Dr. Gap Legaspi as guests of honor. As Dr. Mae Corvera mentioned in her welcome remarks, “It’s good to know that the Philippines is no longer in the ‘bottom five,’ but there is still a long way to go if we want universal health to function efficiently here and for palliative and hospice care to be accessible to our less fortunate and economically challenged.” The Ruth Foundation volunteers were recognized by Dr. Covera as selfless warriors. It is hoped the cause can only be strengthened via meaningful partnerships, active participation, and respected accreditations. [email protected] | www.ruth.ph