The Hospitals That Won't Let Patients Go Home
In the Philippines, many people struggle with the high costs of private hospital care, even after recovering from their illnesses. Some private hospitals, including those owned by Ayala, a large company, have been accused of holding patients who cannot pay their bills, even after they are healthy enough to leave. This practice is illegal but continues due to loopholes in the law. The World Bank's investment arm, the IFC, which aims to reduce poverty and improve healthcare, has provided significant funding to companies like Ayala. However, investigations suggest that this funding might be supporting hospitals that engage in abusive practices, like patient detention, instead of truly helping the poor. Many wonder if the IFC is doing enough to check these practices before investing.
Key Vocabulary
The process of making suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.
Examples:
- The new policy aims for the alleviation of traffic congestion in urban areas.
- Providing clean water is a crucial step for the alleviation of health issues in remote villages.
- The financial aid offered brought some alleviation to the family's immediate struggles.
Designated or set aside for a particular purpose.
Examples:
- Funds for the community center were specifically earmarked for renovation and equipment upgrades.
- A portion of the annual budget is earmarked for employee training and development.
- The grant was earmarked for research into sustainable energy solutions.
Making a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
Examples:
- Ignoring the small crack in the foundation only led to exacerbating the structural damage.
- The harsh criticism, instead of helping, ended up exacerbating the tension between the team members.
- Poor communication among departments is exacerbating the delays in project completion.
Ambiguities or omissions in a law, rule, or contract that can be exploited to avoid or circumvent it.
Examples:
- The company found a legal loophole that allowed them to avoid paying certain taxes.
- Despite strict regulations, some clever individuals always seem to discover loopholes.
- The new agreement was carefully drafted to close any potential loopholes.
Punishment inflicted in return for an injury or offense.
Examples:
- The whistleblower feared swift retribution from the powerful organization.
- He sought no retribution for the injustice, only a fair resolution.
- The community worried about potential retribution after speaking out against the local authority.
Claiming that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof that this is the case.
Examples:
- The report is alleging widespread corruption within the municipal government.
- She is alleging that her former employer withheld wages unfairly.
- Witnesses are alleging that improper procedures were followed during the incident.
Extremely offensive or hurtful; also, involving cruel and violent treatment.
Examples:
- The manager was dismissed due to his consistently abusive behavior towards staff.
- The company faced criticism for its abusive labor practices in overseas factories.
- She reported the abusive comments made by a fellow passenger on the train.
In a manner expressing sorrow or misery; also, to a very great degree, indicating severe inadequacy.
Examples:
- The old building was woefully inadequate for the growing needs of the community center.
- His knowledge of ancient history was woefully lacking for the advanced course.
- The project was woefully underfunded from the start, leading to inevitable delays.
Large corporations formed by the merging of diverse companies, often in unrelated industries.
Examples:
- The media conglomerate owned television networks, film studios, and publishing houses.
- Many large conglomerates have diversified their portfolios to include technology and real estate.
- The acquisition transformed the small firm into part of a vast international conglomerate.
The basic monetary unit of several countries, including the Philippines, Mexico, and some South American nations.
Examples:
- The souvenir cost 500 Mexican pesos.
- She exchanged her dollars for Philippine pesos at the airport.
- The concert ticket was priced at 1200 pesos.
Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time; common.
Examples:
- Smartphones are highly prevalent among young adults today.
- The belief in folklore remains prevalent in many rural communities.
- During the winter months, colds and flu are often prevalent.
The organized provision of medical care to individuals or a community.
Examples:
- Access to affordable healthcare is a major concern for many citizens.
- The country's healthcare system provides universal coverage to all residents.
- Technological advancements are rapidly transforming the field of healthcare.
Regarded or considered in a specified way.
Examples:
- The new proposal was deemed unacceptable by the committee.
- He was deemed fit for duty after a thorough medical examination.
- The information provided was deemed confidential and not for public release.
Established organizations, especially those providing a public service or dedicated to a particular cause.
Examples:
- Universities are important institutions for higher learning and research.
- Financial institutions play a critical role in the global economy.
- Charitable institutions rely on public donations to fund their programs.
Books of instructions, especially for operating a machine or learning a subject.
Examples:
- The new software came with a comprehensive user manual.
- He consulted the repair manual to fix the complex engine problem.
- Training manuals are essential for consistency in service delivery.
To allow or cause to leave, especially from a hospital or military service.
Examples:
- The patient was medically ready for discharge from the hospital after a week.
- The soldier received an honorable discharge after serving for twenty years.
- The factory was fined for illegally discharging pollutants into the river.
A person in the same position, involved in the same activity, or otherwise associated with another.
Examples:
- He shared his findings with his fellow researchers at the conference.
- She always supported her fellow artists in the local community.
- The team celebrated their victory with their fellow competitors.
A heavy load or responsibility; something difficult to bear.
Examples:
- The constant worry about finances became a heavy burden on the family.
- He felt the burden of leadership resting heavily on his shoulders.
- The new regulations will place an additional administrative burden on small businesses.
To make full use of and derive benefit from a resource; often, to use a person or situation in an unfair or selfish way.
Examples:
- The company failed to exploit the full potential of its innovative technology.
- Some employers unfortunately exploit vulnerable workers by paying them very low wages.
- She was able to exploit her linguistic skills to secure an international position.
Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default.
Examples:
- He used his house as collateral to secure the business loan.
- Without sufficient collateral, it was difficult to obtain the necessary funding.
- The bank required additional collateral due to the high risk of the investment.