Alignment of Government-Funded Biomedical Engineering Research with Health Priorities in the Philippines

This paper examines the alignment between biomedical engineering research funding and national health priorities in the Philippines from 2017 to 2023. An analysis of 75 funded projects reveals interesting patterns when comparing project percentages with the top six causes of mortality. The data indicates a significant focus on foundational research areas, such as screening and monitoring, rather than direct disease treatment. This early-stage emphasis reflects the initial phase of the field in the country. As the field progresses, there will be opportunities to transition towards research that is more treatment-oriented and disease-specific, which could enhance the effectiveness of biomedical engineering innovations in addressing the leading causes of death. The findings highlight the need for a more balanced funding approach that aligns with major health challenges, aiming to improve overall public health outcomes through strategic research investments.