Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. announce tie up to help improve access to quality healthcare

With financial and medical concerns coming to the fore amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. (Sun Life) and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. are coming together in a bid to help Filipinos address their challenges.

Sun Life, the number one life insurance company in the country, and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), one of the leading research-based and innovative pharmaceutical companies, have teamed up to launch initiatives focused on the financial, medical, and insurance needs of Filipinos.

“What a pleasure it is to find in Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) an ally in our advocacy,” Sun Life President Alex Narciso said. “Their expertise will surely add another dimension to how we deliver our purpose to Filipinos. Together, we can help more of our countrymen achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.”

“At Boehringer Ingelheim, we embrace the power of strategic partnerships to make a difference and real impact on our patients’ lives,” General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Yee Kok Cheong said. “This tie-up marks a milestone for Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. and it is our aim to educate and empower patients, especially those who are underserved and vulnerable.”

The collaboration kicks off with a medical-financial literacy program which will consist of webinars, forums, and the development of educational materials. Two health webinars are already in the pipeline: Pulmonary Care on August 19, 2022, and Critical Pulmonary Illnesses on September 23, 2022.

Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim will also explore possible insurance solutions covering critical non-communicable diseases affecting Filipino patients, beginning with pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

The tie-up was recently formalized in a virtual gathering attended by the organization’s top executives. Joining Narciso and Cheong were Sun Life’s General Counsel, Atty. Edgar Tordesillas, Head of Distribution & Business Development, Deo Orpilla, Head of Health & Accident, Lirio Torres, and Sun Life Affinity Partnerships Manager, Francesca Tolentino. Representatives from Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) included Dr Greta Cortez (Head of Medicine), Ermel Teodoro (Head of Finance and Administration), Gerry Alcantara-Dorotan (Head of Market Access and Healthcare Affairs), Jackie Cortez (Healthcare Affairs Manager), and Dr Giov Nazario (Medical Advisor).

“We thank Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) for their trust in Sun Life,” Narciso said. “This alliance has much potential and we look forward to exploring the possibilities ahead.”