Category: Medical

SEOUL — Second Health Vice Minister Park Min-soo urged doctors on Tuesday to halt their collective action as medical school professors considered weekly day-offs, escalating concerns over potential disruptions to the country’s healthcare system.

According to Philippines News Agency, approximately 12,000 trainee doctors have abandoned their posts since February 20 in protest against the government’s proposal to increase the number of medical students. This move has led to significant delays and cancellations of surgeries and other public health services across major hospitals. In solidarity with the junior doctors, medical professors have begun submitting their resignations. Park emphasized the importance of ceasing the collective actions and encouraged the medical community to participate in a new special commission on medical reform, which is set to launch this week to facilitate productive discussions on reforming the medical system.

The commission, to be formed under presidential direction, will include officials from the health ministry, representatives from other relevant ministries, and about 20 experts. They will explore various issues, including adjustments to medical school admissions and strategies for increasing investment in critical medical fields. Despite this initiative, both the Korea Medical Association and the Korea Intern Resident Association have announced their intention to boycott the commission.

The situation has further intensified as medical professors contemplate taking a weekly day off due to the prolonged absence of trainee doctors, which has drastically increased their workload. The emergency committee for national medical professors plans to hold a general meeting to discuss the potential suspension of all surgeries and outpatient treatments once a week. The specifics of this plan, such as its commencement, will depend on the conditions at individual hospitals, though emergency rooms and intensive care units are expected to continue operating.

This move by the professors aims to pressure the government for resolutions, especially as the deadline to finalize next year’s medical school admission quotas approaches at the end of April. Some hospitals, like Chungnam National University Hospital in Daejeon, have already begun to cut outpatient services on Fridays, with concerns that others may follow.

Adding to the complexity, medical professors at institutions such as Seoul National University began submitting their resignations on March 25, which could become legally effective after one month even without employer approval. The education ministry has noted that while the number of resignations is not extensive, none have been accepted yet.

The government has proposed forming the special commission and allowing universities to determine their own quotas within a range specified by the government for the coming year. However, these proposals have been rejected by the doctors, who demand a complete reassessment of the plan. The government argues that increasing the medical school admission quota is essential to address doctor shortages, especially in rural areas and vital medical specialties, anticipating a shortfall of 15,000 doctors by 2035 due to aging demographics and other factors. Doctors counter that increasing the quota could dilute the quality of medical education and services and lead to an oversupply of physicians, urging the government to encourage more practice in less popular medical fields such as high-risk surgeries and emergency medicine.

AYDIN, Turkey — Health experts are raising concerns about the increasing risks of disease transmission and the exacerbation of seasonal illnesses due to rising temperatures linked to climate change. Dr. Emine Didem Evci Kiraz, from Adnan Menderes University Medical School, emphasizes the multifaceted health challenges emerging as global temperatures climb.

According to Philippines News Agency, the escalation of climate-induced temperatures is predicted to significantly enhance the impact of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, affect the quality of food and water, alter the transmission patterns of infectious diseases, increase animal-derived diseases, and pose new threats to mental health. The emergence of novel diseases further underscores the heightened vulnerability of public health to the consequences of climate change.

Dr. Kiraz elaborated on the physiological stress that increased temperatures place on the human body, noting that the average body temperature ranges between 36.1 degrees Celsius (96.7F) and 37.8 degrees Celsius (100F). The body relies on mechanisms such as sweating and heat transfer to regulate its temperature. However, elevated temperatures can overburden the heart and blood vessels, deplete fluids in tissues and cells, and compromise kidney function. She warned of the potential for metabolic syndromes and disruptions in organ function, including emergencies like sudden drops in blood pressure and fainting due to heat exposure.

The health expert also pointed out that prolonged exposure to heat and water loss can lead to immobility and, in extreme cases, death. Mental health issues, violence, and unsafe behavior are additional concerns linked to sudden heat waves. Kiraz further mentioned that temperatures around 37 degrees Celsius create ideal conditions for bacterial growth, increasing susceptibility to food and waterborne diseases amidst deteriorating hygiene conditions.

Climate change-driven phenomena such as floods and power outages are likely to intensify the incidence of water and foodborne illnesses, leading to a rise in food poisoning cases. Dr. Kiraz highlighted the concerning trend of new diseases being transmitted by animals, including arboviruses, dengue fever, Chikungunya fever, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, as a result of climate change.

Moreover, Dr. Kiraz emphasized the critical impact of climate change on respiratory conditions and allergies. Pollutants and environmental disruptions caused by air pollution, floods, wildfires, and dust storms can alter pollen structures and extend pollen seasons, thereby increasing the frequency of asthma, rhinosinusitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections.

PANGASINAN — Following a concerning uptick in rabies fatalities within the province, a health executive has underscored the critical importance of immediate vaccination for individuals bitten by animals. Pangasinan has witnessed an increase from two rabies-related deaths last year to three fatalities between January 1 and April 1 of this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a virtual forum on Wednesday, provincial health officer Dr. Cielo Almoite highlighted the tragic outcomes for three residents of Aguilar, Sison, and Bayambang towns, aged 84, 11, and 63. These individuals did not receive anti-rabies vaccinations after being bitten, two by pet dogs and one by a stray. Dr. Almoite emphasized the lethal nature of rabies, noting the absence of survival once symptoms manifest.

Dr. Almoite further detailed that anti-rabies vaccines are readily accessible at no cost in local health units and centers, with the treatment regimen varying up to four injections depending on the exposure category. She also advocated for responsible pet ownership, pointing out that the Provincial Veterinary Office offers free vaccinations for pets.

Echoing Dr. Almoite's concerns, Paula Paz Sydiongco, director of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region, spoke at the forum about the broader implications of the increase in rabies incidents. She called for a collaborative effort to enhance anti-rabies initiatives, emphasizing the importance of educating pet owners, ensuring vaccination of domestic animals, and making vaccines available across all animal bite treatment centers. The unified approach aims to mitigate the persistent rabies threat in the Philippines, a preventable yet devastating disease targeting the central nervous system.

MARINDUQUE - Authorities in Marinduque are intensifying efforts to vaccinate dogs against rabies amid a significant outbreak affecting the province's canine population. The local government units (LGUs) are providing free anti-rabies vaccinations, aiming to curb the virus's spread, which has already claimed two human lives on the island.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) head, an estimated 50 to 55 percent of the island's 65,000 dogs have been vaccinated. The PVO faces challenges in identifying rabid animals, as symptoms only become apparent in the terminal stage of the disease, often leading to rapid fatality.

The surge in the canine population and subsequent rabies cases are attributed to pet owners allowing their dogs to roam freely, particularly exacerbated during the pandemic. Efforts to manage the outbreak in 2022 faced resistance, including legal pushback from animal rights groups opposing 'selective culling' methods initiated by the authorities.

Recent human fatalities highlight the critical nature of the outbreak. In one case, a 56-year-old man succumbed to rabies after choosing traditional healing over medical treatment following a dog bite. Another incident involved a 16-year-old boy dying from the virus. In response, the province has procured 5,000 doses of human rabies vaccines to prepare for further incidents.

The outbreak has extended beyond domestic pets, with reports of rabid dogs attacking livestock, though these cases remain uncommon. Victoria emphasized the importance of community cooperation to expedite the eradication of rabies, urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and restrict their movement.

The PVO's goal is to vaccinate 80 percent of the dog population to create a 'protected population' that could significantly lower the outbreak's intensity. Boac, the provincial capital, has seen a higher vaccination compliance rate, with around 90 percent of dogs vaccinated, as per Luna Eulogio Manrique, head of Boac's Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

Authorities are also combating misinformation and traditional practices that hinder effective rabies treatment, advising bite victims to seek immediate medical care rather than relying on unproven rituals. The towns of Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, and Mogpog are currently recognized as focal points in the ongoing rabies outbreak.

MANILA - In response to the limited availability of booster shots for pertussis, also known as whooping cough, the Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday its strategy to focus immunization efforts on the most vulnerable segments of the population, including young children and pregnant women.

According to Philippine News Agency, the decision to target these groups stems from a need to optimize resource allocation amid constraints. Despite reports of insufficient vaccine supplies for other demographics at health centers, the department is actively seeking solutions to broaden access. The latest statistics highlight the urgency of the situation, with 568 reported cases of pertussis and 40 fatalities up to March 16, primarily affecting infants under one year.

The DOH advocates for the administration of the pentavalent vaccine, which offers protection against five different pathogens, to provide comprehensive immunity to infants starting from 6 weeks old. This approach not only addresses pertussis but also combats other diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenzae type B.

The emphasis on vaccination is further justified by the nature of pertussis, which evolves from mild respiratory symptoms to severe coughing fits, but is preventable with timely antibiotic treatment and standard hygiene practices. Additionally, DOH Undersecretary Eric Tayag revealed plans to augment vaccine supplies through procurement facilitated by the UNICEF, expected by June.

The backdrop of this vaccination campaign is a broader context of declining immunization rates, attributed to vaccine hesitancy influenced by past controversies. Iloilo Representative Janette Garin, a former DOH secretary, underscored the negative impact of misinformation on public health, noting a significant drop in vaccine coverage in recent years. She emphasized the critical role of vaccination in combating preventable diseases and safeguarded public health.

ANTIQUE—The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has embarked on a mission to raise awareness about its Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program in Antique, encouraging local residents to take advantage of its comprehensive healthcare services.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative was officially launched in the province this Tuesday, highlighting its commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility.

The Konsulta program, designed to provide essential health services including consultations, laboratory tests, screenings, and medications at no cost to members, aims to foster a proactive healthcare environment. Monteverde called on the people of Antique to be active proponents of the program, ensuring widespread community engagement and utilization.

Junie Sabusap, the PhilHealth-Antique head, confirmed that all government hospitals and rural health units across the province's 18 towns are participating in Konsulta, ensuring that residents have ample access to its benefits. During the program's caravan, numerous residents, including 62-year-old Raymundo Gerona from Barangay Maybato Norte, experienced firsthand the advantages of Konsulta, receiving essential medical consultations and medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Since its initial rollout in Antique in January 2023, the program has significantly impacted local healthcare provision. Participating facilities are supported through a capitation fund, which allocates PHP500 per enrolled member or dependent, facilitating a sustainable model for healthcare providers. As of December 2023, Antique has received a substantial PHP4 million in capitation funds, with the San Jose de Buenavista rural health unit securing the largest allocation in Western Visayas.

San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran highlighted that the influx of capitation funds has been instrumental in enhancing local healthcare services, allowing for the recruitment of primary care physicians and the procurement of necessary medications, thereby strengthening the region's healthcare infrastructure.

Seoul - South Korea faces escalating tensions in its healthcare system as medical school professors join trainee doctors in protest against government policies. The ongoing dispute, now entering its second month, is expected to deteriorate further with mass resignations of faculty members slated to begin this week. This collective action aims to oppose the government's plan to increase medical school admissions to address healthcare shortages, particularly in rural areas and specialized fields.

According to Philippines News Agency, resignations will commence on Monday, accompanied by a reduction in work hours to prioritize critical care and emergency services. From April 1, outpatient services will be curtailed to focus on severe and urgent cases. The academic community urges the government to reconsider its enrollment expansion plan and engage in constructive dialogue.

In response, Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong expressed grave concerns over the impact of these resignations on patient care and the healthcare system at large. The government has pledged to bolster emergency medical services to mitigate service disruptions and called for collaborative dialogue on healthcare reform. Despite the protests, the government maintains its position on increasing medical student intake, emphasizing adherence to legal and principled action in addressing the sector's challenges.

MANILA — In response to the expected surge of travelers this Holy Week, the Department of Health (DOH) has announced the activation of a 'code white' alert from March 24 to 31, encompassing the Lenten period starting from Palm Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the alert aims to ensure the readiness of medical personnel and facilities for the timely treatment of any emergent health issues, recognizing the potential for mass casualty incidents or other emergencies during significant national events.

The declaration requires hospitals to be prepared with medical staff and resources on standby. The DOH's Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) is set to perform active monitoring throughout the period. Moreover, all Centers for Health Development are coordinating with Regional or Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, focusing particularly on areas known for tourism and religious significance.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the commitment of the DOH to public safety during this period, noting that the measures align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives. He expressed hopes for a solemn and safe Holy Week, underscoring the importance of preparedness for any medical emergencies.

The DOH has issued several health reminders for the public during the Lenten season, which include staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged heat exposure, being vigilant about seasonal diseases, and ensuring children's safety during water activities. Additionally, the department has called on motorists to exercise extra caution and patience to prevent road accidents, which tend to increase during this busy travel period.

In related advisories, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has encouraged travelers to support DOT-accredited enterprises to ensure service quality and compliance with tourism standards. The department also warned against scams targeting tourists, advising the public to rely on credible sources for travel information and assistance.

The DOH and DOT have provided contact details and resources for emergencies and travel assistance, reinforcing their commitment to public safety and service during the holiday season.

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Finance (DOF) has revealed that the Philippine government achieved a notable budget surplus in the initial months of 2024, signaling a positive trend in the nation's fiscal management.

According to Philippines News Agency, the surplus is attributed to significant year-on-year revenue growth coupled with measured increases in government spending.

During a briefing related to the Philippines' hosting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Roundtable, Secretary Recto announced that for January and February 2024, government revenues were up by 20 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, while expenditures increased by only 10 percent. This fiscal performance resulted in a substantial budget surplus, highlighting effective revenue collection and expenditure management.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury underscored this achievement, showing an impressive PHP88 billion surplus in January alone, nearly doubling the surplus recorded in January 2023. The increase in total revenues, which reached PHP421.8 billion for the month, surpassed the PHP348.2 billion recorded the previous year, while government spending was contained at PHP333.99 billion.

Secretary Recto emphasized the DOF's ongoing efforts to bolster the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), focusing on enhancing tax collection efficiency. By providing these agencies with detailed data analyses, the government aims to identify key areas and entities for targeted tax collection efforts.

Looking ahead, the Development Budget Coordination Committee has set an ambitious revenue target of PHP4.3 trillion for the year. Achieving this goal would represent a significant step toward sustaining the Philippines' fiscal health and supporting its broader economic objectives.

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Robinhood Padilla has successfully advanced the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines, or Senate Bill (SB) No. 2573, to the Senate plenary, highlighting a potential shift in the country's approach to medical cannabis. The bill, endorsed by 13 senators under Committee Report No. 210, aims to establish a regulated framework for the medical use of cannabis, ensuring access for qualified patients while maintaining strict oversight.

According to Philippines News Agency, SB 2573 is designed with robust safeguards to monitor the entire process from cultivation to patient delivery, employing electronic systems to ensure compliance with legal standards. The bill specifies that only patients who meet certain qualifications will be allowed to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes within designated facilities.

Key provisions in SB 2573 include restrictions on physicians, who must possess an S2 license to prescribe medical cannabis. Prescriptions would be prohibited if patients do not meet the criteria, if the intended use is not for a specific medical condition, or if the dosage exceeds the patient's needs. Additionally, medical practitioners are barred from prescribing cannabis to themselves or their close relatives.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, chair of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, expressed his support for the bill, referencing the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which emphasizes the need for balance in drug control to ensure patients have access to necessary medications. Dela Rosa affirmed that the bill aligns with government policies and would provide significant relief to patients suffering from various ailments.

Under the proposed legislation, the Philippine Medical Cannabis Authority (PMCA) would be established within the Department of Health (DOH), mirroring the structure of Israel's Medical Cannabis Agency. The PMCA would be responsible for issuing permits, regulating medical cannabis use, and overseeing industry participants. It would also spearhead research and development initiatives and maintain a registry of patients and approved products.

An advisory committee, led by the DOH Secretary and including key agency heads, would provide additional oversight and guidance. Patients would be required to register with the PMCA to receive an identification number and a QR-coded registry card.

The list of permissible medical cannabis products includes edibles, pills, oils, tinctures, flowers, topicals, and inhalers, with the goal of providing varied and appropriate options for patient treatment. As the bill progresses through the Senate, stakeholders anticipate a comprehensive debate on its provisions and potential impacts on healthcare and drug policy in the Philippines.

OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, Philippines - The inflation rate in Occidental Mindoro witnessed a modest increase in February, registering at 4.2 percent, up from 3.9 percent in January, amid ongoing challenges posed by the El Niño weather phenomenon. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has linked this slight uptick to rising prices in specific commodity groups, including food and beverages, transport, and information and communication sectors.

According to Philippines News Agency, the increase in Occidental Mindoro contrasts with the broader trend in the Mimaropa region, which encompasses Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, where inflation is on a downward trajectory. Maribel Bernardo, chief statistical specialist at the PSA's Occidental Mindoro Statistical Office, highlighted that despite the February rise, the province's inflation rate remains notably lower than the 8.7 percent experienced in February of the previous year.

The report identifies the food sector as the primary driver of last month's inflation, particularly pointing to cereals, vegetables, and meats as significant contributors. Nonetheless, some relief came from lower price increases in other essential food items like fish, dairy products, and fruits, indicating a mixed inflationary landscape within the province.

Emerson Kim Lineses, a chief economic development specialist with the National Economic and Development Authority in Mimaropa, emphasized that the duration and severity of El Niño could further impact regional inflation. Occidental Mindoro has been particularly hard-hit, with adverse effects on agriculture contrasting with less affected neighboring areas.

Amid these challenges, experts like Roberto Galang, dean of the Ateneo de Manila's John Gokongwei School of Management, stress the importance of timely responses from local government units (LGUs) to drought conditions. Proactive declaration of states of calamity can enable more effective mitigation and aid measures. Following recommendations from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Occidental Mindoro is moving towards declaring a state of calamity due to significant agricultural losses exacerbated by El Niño and an armyworm infestation, with estimated damages reaching substantial figures.

As the region navigates these climate-related adversities, authorities and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, prepared to implement further strategies to alleviate the impact on the local economy and residents' livelihoods.

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Finance (DOF) has revealed that the Philippine government achieved a notable budget surplus in the initial months of 2024, signaling a positive trend in the nation's fiscal management.

According to Philippines News Agency, the surplus is attributed to significant year-on-year revenue growth coupled with measured increases in government spending.

During a briefing related to the Philippines' hosting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Roundtable, Secretary Recto announced that for January and February 2024, government revenues were up by 20 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, while expenditures increased by only 10 percent. This fiscal performance resulted in a substantial budget surplus, highlighting effective revenue collection and expenditure management.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury underscored this achievement, showing an impressive PHP88 billion surplus in January alone, nearly doubling the surplus recorded in January 2023. The increase in total revenues, which reached PHP421.8 billion for the month, surpassed the PHP348.2 billion recorded the previous year, while government spending was contained at PHP333.99 billion.

Secretary Recto emphasized the DOF's ongoing efforts to bolster the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), focusing on enhancing tax collection efficiency. By providing these agencies with detailed data analyses, the government aims to identify key areas and entities for targeted tax collection efforts.

Looking ahead, the Development Budget Coordination Committee has set an ambitious revenue target of PHP4.3 trillion for the year. Achieving this goal would represent a significant step toward sustaining the Philippines' fiscal health and supporting its broader economic objectives.

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Robinhood Padilla has successfully advanced the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines, or Senate Bill (SB) No. 2573, to the Senate plenary, highlighting a potential shift in the country's approach to medical cannabis. The bill, endorsed by 13 senators under Committee Report No. 210, aims to establish a regulated framework for the medical use of cannabis, ensuring access for qualified patients while maintaining strict oversight.

According to Philippines News Agency, SB 2573 is designed with robust safeguards to monitor the entire process from cultivation to patient delivery, employing electronic systems to ensure compliance with legal standards. The bill specifies that only patients who meet certain qualifications will be allowed to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes within designated facilities.

Key provisions in SB 2573 include restrictions on physicians, who must possess an S2 license to prescribe medical cannabis. Prescriptions would be prohibited if patients do not meet the criteria, if the intended use is not for a specific medical condition, or if the dosage exceeds the patient's needs. Additionally, medical practitioners are barred from prescribing cannabis to themselves or their close relatives.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, chair of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, expressed his support for the bill, referencing the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which emphasizes the need for balance in drug control to ensure patients have access to necessary medications. Dela Rosa affirmed that the bill aligns with government policies and would provide significant relief to patients suffering from various ailments.

Under the proposed legislation, the Philippine Medical Cannabis Authority (PMCA) would be established within the Department of Health (DOH), mirroring the structure of Israel's Medical Cannabis Agency. The PMCA would be responsible for issuing permits, regulating medical cannabis use, and overseeing industry participants. It would also spearhead research and development initiatives and maintain a registry of patients and approved products.

An advisory committee, led by the DOH Secretary and including key agency heads, would provide additional oversight and guidance. Patients would be required to register with the PMCA to receive an identification number and a QR-coded registry card.

The list of permissible medical cannabis products includes edibles, pills, oils, tinctures, flowers, topicals, and inhalers, with the goal of providing varied and appropriate options for patient treatment. As the bill progresses through the Senate, stakeholders anticipate a comprehensive debate on its provisions and potential impacts on healthcare and drug policy in the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Finance (DOF) has revealed that the Philippine government achieved a notable budget surplus in the initial months of 2024, signaling a positive trend in the nation's fiscal management.

According to Philippines News Agency, the surplus is attributed to significant year-on-year revenue growth coupled with measured increases in government spending.

During a briefing related to the Philippines' hosting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Roundtable, Secretary Recto announced that for January and February 2024, government revenues were up by 20 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, while expenditures increased by only 10 percent. This fiscal performance resulted in a substantial budget surplus, highlighting effective revenue collection and expenditure management.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury underscored this achievement, showing an impressive PHP88 billion surplus in January alone, nearly doubling the surplus recorded in January 2023. The increase in total revenues, which reached PHP421.8 billion for the month, surpassed the PHP348.2 billion recorded the previous year, while government spending was contained at PHP333.99 billion.

Secretary Recto emphasized the DOF's ongoing efforts to bolster the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), focusing on enhancing tax collection efficiency. By providing these agencies with detailed data analyses, the government aims to identify key areas and entities for targeted tax collection efforts.

Looking ahead, the Development Budget Coordination Committee has set an ambitious revenue target of PHP4.3 trillion for the year. Achieving this goal would represent a significant step toward sustaining the Philippines' fiscal health and supporting its broader economic objectives.

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reaffirmed its commitment to the rights and well-being of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) through a medical mission conducted at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Philippine government to ensure the humane treatment and rehabilitation of inmates.

According to Philippines News Agency, the mission was organized as part of the Marcos administration's dedication to human rights. She emphasized that individuals incarcerated are not inherently bad but have made poor decisions and deserve a chance to reform and reintegrate into society. Gutierrez stated that under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the department is focused on upholding and enhancing the rights of PDLs.

The medical mission at CIW, held under the theme "Empowering Women Behind Bars: Providing Compassionate Care and Support," was aligned with the celebration of National Women's Month. It offered free health consultations, screenings, and access to medical professionals for the inmates at the facility's maximum security camp.

DOJ Secretary Remulla noted that the initiative extends beyond mere healthcare provision; it is about restoring dignity to women inmates and underscoring that justice includes the health and well-being of those within prison walls.