Category: Medical

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.

MANILA—In a significant escalation of tensions within the healthcare sector, Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo has accused medical professors in South Korea of attempting to blackmail the public. This accusation follows the professors' announcement of a planned mass resignation in response to government policies.

According to Philippines News Agency, the controversy centers on the government's steadfast decision to increase medical school admissions quotas by 2,000 seats, raising the total to 5,058. This policy, aimed at addressing healthcare shortages, particularly in rural areas and key specialties like pediatrics and emergency care, has met strong resistance from the medical community.

Medical educators and practitioners argue that the increased intake will dilute the quality of medical training and inflate healthcare costs, adversely affecting patient care. Their discontent has already manifested in a near-month-long walkout by interns and resident doctors, and now, professors from 16 medical schools have threatened to resign en masse on March 25.

Park Min-soo condemned these actions as coercive and detrimental to public welfare, emphasizing the necessity to disrupt the pattern of collective protests within the medical sector. The government maintains that expanding the number of medical students is essential for preparing for demographic shifts and ensuring adequate healthcare provision, particularly as South Korea's population ages rapidly.

Additionally, the Vice Health Minister dismissed demands for higher health insurance reimbursements for doctors, warning that such adjustments, without expanding the educational quota, could precipitate steep increases in insurance premiums.

The standoff reflects broader debates about healthcare policy, resource allocation, and the future of medical education in South Korea. While the government views the quota increase as crucial for long-term healthcare sustainability, medical professionals demand attention to current issues of understaffing, compensation, and legal protections.

The impending mass resignation of medical faculty looms as a critical juncture in this dispute, with potential far-reaching implications for the nation's healthcare system and medical education standards.

PANGASINAN – Residents of 15 villages in Pangasinan and those from nearby municipalities now have access to enhanced medical services with the inauguration of the first phase of the Super Health Center on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, a medical officer from the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Ilocos (DOH-CHD-1) Region 1, the facility was funded with PHP6 million from the 2022 national budget. The construction of phase two is slated within the year, with an additional PHP6 million allocated for infrastructure, equipment, and an ambulance, as per the 2024 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Dr. Sibayan emphasized that the center is designed to operate fully even before the completion of its second phase. Dr. Rosario Pamintuan, the chief of the local health support division at DOH-CHD-1, mentioned that the center would offer laboratory procedures and dental services. The establishment of the Super Health Center is a step towards making health services more accessible to the public and achieving universal health care, she added.

Mapandan Mayor Karl Christian Vega expressed gratitude towards the national government for supporting the project. He highlighted that the new health facility would augment the services provided by the existing Rural Health Unit, benefiting over 40,000 residents. In a related development, the DOH has announced the recruitment of 311 nurses, 130 midwives, 29 medical technologists, 17 pharmacists, 12 dentists, two nutritionists-dieticians, three physical therapists, 25 doctors to the barrios, 35 doctors for post-residency deployment, and one specialist for deployment across local government units in the Ilocos Region.

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) reported disbursing more than PHP3.73 billion in healthcare benefits to its members in Eastern Visayas in 2023, covering a total of 494,711 claims throughout the year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the regional vice president of PhilHealth Eastern Visayas, this significant payout was the result of heightened awareness among members about the healthcare benefits available to them.

Jabay, during a press briefing on Monday, highlighted the implementation of several benefit enhancements in 2023, including the institutionalization of coverage for up to 156 hemodialysis sessions. "This year, we have increased benefits by 30 percent for selected cases. This marks the first time an across-the-board increase has been implemented," he said. The increase in benefit payments was attributed to expanded membership coverage and heightened awareness, particularly among economically disadvantaged families in the region.

Despite a slight decrease from the PHP3.74 billion paid in 2022, the volume of benefit payments from 2020 to 2022 saw a dramatic rise due to increased demand for health services amid the pandemic. The introduction of the point of service program, which enables financially challenged non-PhilHealth members confined in government hospitals to access PhilHealth benefits, also contributed to the surge in payouts.

"Increasing benefit payouts signify that more members are utilizing PhilHealth benefits, aligning with our mandate to provide financial risk protection to the Filipino people," Jabay added. Eastern Visayas stands out as one of the top regions in the Philippines for swift claims processing in recent years, thanks in part to the adoption of e-claims.

With a total of 4.8 million PhilHealth members and dependents in Eastern Visayas, the demographic breakdown includes 58 percent indigent members, 14 percent from the informal sector, 9 percent each from private sector employees and senior citizens, 7 percent government workers, and 2 percent migrant workers, showcasing the broad reach and impact of PhilHealth's services in the region.

MANILA - The Philippines has experienced a significant rise in salmonella cases in 2023, with reported infections reaching 13,000, up from 9,000 in the previous year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Homer Pantua, a returning scientist with the Department of Science and Technology, shared this concerning trend during a televised briefing on Monday. He emphasized the urgent need for interventions to address this public health issue. "There are 83 million cases globally. In the Philippines, salmonella cases were 9,000 in 2022 and increased to 42 percent from January to August 2023," Pantua noted.

Salmonellosis, the infection caused by salmonella bacteria, typically results from the consumption of raw or undercooked foods, such as eggs and meat, contaminated with the bacteria. The condition can cause gastrointestinal disorders, fever, and abdominal cramps in humans, while affecting livestock with decreased productivity.

Pantua highlighted ongoing efforts to combat this issue, including collaboration with the Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative (BEPCO) to investigate the causes of salmonella in eggs and ensure the provision of safe, quality eggs to consumers. "What we do as scientists is we coordinate with producers and research institutions... Right now, we are collaborating with BEPCO so we could determine the causes of salmonella in eggs. They are serious in providing safe and quality eggs to the consumers," Pantua stated.

ABRA - A new drug rehabilitation center, Balay Silangan, is slated to open in an agricultural town within Abra province, aimed at supporting residents from this town and neighboring municipalities in their recovery journey.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) has allocated PHP5 million for the establishment of the facility following a request from the town. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Saturday at the compound of the newly constructed municipal building in Barangay Patiao. Despite the town of Peñarrubia not facing a significant drug problem, Mayor Cecilia emphasized the importance of preemptive measures. "We do not have a drug problem. It is not much of a concern in Peñarrubia, but we want to ensure that we have a facility that will handle the rehabilitation of our townmates who might be led astray into engaging in illegal drugs activity," she stated in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency.

The facility, which will be constructed on land donated by the municipal government, is set to feature living quarters, a cooking area, a gymnasium, and open areas for events and recreational activities for its "temporary residents" undergoing court-ordered rehabilitation. The mayor also noted that the center would be managed by the municipal government and secured by police.

Peñarrubia, with a population of approximately 6,951 across 1,672 households as per the 2020 census, is located about eight kilometers from the capital town Bangued.

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA — In a significant move to combat domestic abuse, the province of Antique has successfully established Violence Against Women (VAW) desks in all 590 barangays, providing crucial support and temporary shelter for abused women and their children.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Gender and Development Desk officer of Antique, these VAW desks offer a haven for victims seeking refuge from abusive situations within their own communities.

Galuego, during an interview on Monday, emphasized the empowering effect of these desks on local women, knowing there is a dedicated place for them to receive shelter and protection. The initiative, mandated under the Magna Carta for Women, is part of a broader program overseen by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure support mechanisms are in place at the grassroots level.

Each VAW desk, situated within barangay halls, is staffed by a dedicated officer and equipped with a room and necessary personal essentials to accommodate and assist clients effectively. The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) also conducts ongoing capacity training for VAW desk officers, enhancing their skills in handling sensitive cases.

Galuego noted an increase in reported VAW cases, attributing this trend to the growing empowerment of women in Antique, who now feel more confident in seeking assistance. The PPDO recorded 96 VAW cases in 2023, up from 87 cases in 2022, indicating a heightened awareness and willingness among women to report abuses.

In related efforts to promote gender equality and support for women's rights, provincial capitol employees participated in the One Billion Rising campaign during a Monday flag-raising ceremony, coinciding with the launch of the Women's Month celebration. Provincial board member Mayella Mae Plameras-Ladislao, who joined the event, expressed a commitment to advancing gender equality and creating a gender-fair society, underscoring the importance of overcoming challenges to women's empowerment.

SALAMBIGAR — In observance of World Oral Health Day 2024, the Department of Dental Services under the Ministry of Health hosted a public event at a shopping complex in Salambigar to highlight the importance of oral health. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, the Minister of Health, was present at the event, which featured a range of activities designed to educate the public on maintaining good dental hygiene. Attendees benefited from dental checks and received advice from various dental specialists. The event also provided information on career opportunities and job openings within the Dental Services.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the initiative aimed to enhance public knowledge and awareness about oral health practices, emphasizing the critical role of dental care in overall health and well-being. The event underscores the Ministry of Health's commitment to promoting oral health across the nation, ensuring that community members have access to essential dental care services and information.

PANAMA — The Philippines has pledged to enhance its tobacco control measures, as reported during the 10th Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP10-WHO FCTC), which took place from February 5 to 10.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a statement delivered by Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary for Digital Media and Communications Patricia Kayle Martin, the government recognizes the advancements made in combating tobacco use but acknowledges ongoing challenges. The Philippines has seen a significant reduction in tobacco usage, with the Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) indicating a decrease from 23.8 percent in 2015 to 19.5 percent in 2021. Guevara attributed this success to a combined effort from both society and government in advocating for and implementing effective policies and legislative measures.

Under the Marcos administration, a strengthened multi-sectoral national strategy on tobacco regulation has been put in place, adhering to Articles 5.1 and 5.2a of the FCTC. This strategy involves the development, implementation, and review of comprehensive national tobacco control strategies and the establishment of a national coordinating mechanism for tobacco control.

Guevara highlighted the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which provides a regulatory framework for vaporized nicotine products, including restrictions on sales near schools and playgrounds. This act complements existing legislation such as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, the Graphic Health Warning Law, and Excise Tax Laws on novel tobacco products.

The government has also benefited financially from tobacco control measures, securing USD3 billion from excise taxes on tobacco and vapor products in 2022. These funds have supported universal healthcare, COVID-19 recovery initiatives, and infrastructure projects across the country. Consistent increases in excise tax rates on cigarettes since 2012 have contributed to making cigarettes less affordable and reducing consumption, in line with FCTC Article 6.

Additionally, the Philippines is advancing legislation to combat tobacco smuggling by declaring it as economic sabotage, aiming to curb the illicit tobacco trade. Guevara assured that the Philippines will continue to engage in constructive dialogues and collaborations with other parties of the conference to address challenges and further the goals of the Convention.

SANDRINGHAM, Norfolk — King Charles III has publicly thanked the public for their support and good wishes following his recent cancer diagnosis. In his first message since the announcement, the King shared his appreciation from Sandringham in Norfolk on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, King Charles conveyed his "most heartfelt thanks" for the numerous messages of support he has received. He acknowledged the comfort and encouragement these kind gestures provide to anyone affected by cancer, highlighting the importance of public understanding and awareness of the disease. The King also noted the positive impact his diagnosis has had on promoting awareness and supporting the work of organizations dedicated to aiding cancer patients and their families in the UK and globally.

Buckingham Palace initially revealed on January 17 that the King would undergo a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate at a London clinic, where he stayed for three days. Subsequently, on Monday, the Palace disclosed that King Charles has been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer and has commenced treatment.

King Charles ascended to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022. He was officially crowned in May 2023 during the first coronation service held in nearly 70 years at Westminster Abbey in London.

PANAMA — The Philippines has pledged to enhance its tobacco control measures, as reported during the 10th Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP10-WHO FCTC), which took place from February 5 to 10.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a statement delivered by Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary for Digital Media and Communications Patricia Kayle Martin, the government recognizes the advancements made in combating tobacco use but acknowledges ongoing challenges. The Philippines has seen a significant reduction in tobacco usage, with the Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) indicating a decrease from 23.8 percent in 2015 to 19.5 percent in 2021. Guevara attributed this success to a combined effort from both society and government in advocating for and implementing effective policies and legislative measures.

Under the Marcos administration, a strengthened multi-sectoral national strategy on tobacco regulation has been put in place, adhering to Articles 5.1 and 5.2a of the FCTC. This strategy involves the development, implementation, and review of comprehensive national tobacco control strategies and the establishment of a national coordinating mechanism for tobacco control.

Guevara highlighted the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which provides a regulatory framework for vaporized nicotine products, including restrictions on sales near schools and playgrounds. This act complements existing legislation such as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, the Graphic Health Warning Law, and Excise Tax Laws on novel tobacco products.

The government has also benefited financially from tobacco control measures, securing USD3 billion from excise taxes on tobacco and vapor products in 2022. These funds have supported universal healthcare, COVID-19 recovery initiatives, and infrastructure projects across the country. Consistent increases in excise tax rates on cigarettes since 2012 have contributed to making cigarettes less affordable and reducing consumption, in line with FCTC Article 6.

Additionally, the Philippines is advancing legislation to combat tobacco smuggling by declaring it as economic sabotage, aiming to curb the illicit tobacco trade. Guevara assured that the Philippines will continue to engage in constructive dialogues and collaborations with other parties of the conference to address challenges and further the goals of the Convention.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) commemorated World Cancer Day 2024 with a vibrant awareness campaign held on the morning of February 4th at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in the capital. The event was inaugurated by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health and Chairman of the PJSC Board of Directors, accompanied by several Cabinet Ministers.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the highlight of the day was a 2-kilometre 'Unite Against Cancer' walkathon, which saw the participation of the Minister of Health and his Cabinet colleagues, demonstrating a united front against the disease. The campaign also featured a variety of engaging activities designed to educate and involve the community, including interactive games, exhibitions, and lucky draws, all aimed at raising awareness and solidarity in the fight against cancer.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM - In the wake of World Cancer Day, medical experts have emphasized the critical role of early detection in combating cervical cancer, which ranks among the top three cancers affecting women in the country, following breast and colorectal cancers. This condition, while preventable, continues to present challenges due to late-stage detection in some cases.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the country has the means to treat cervical cancer effectively. However, the persistence of late-stage cancer diagnoses underscores the necessity for regular cervical cancer screenings among women. The primary cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which, in many instances, resolves on its own. Nonetheless, in certain situations, the virus may remain in the body, potentially leading to cancer. Additionally, awareness of early signs, such as intermenstrual or post-menopausal bleeding, is vital for early intervention. In support of national health initiatives, PJSC has committed to ongoing awareness programs aimed at enhancing public understanding of cervical cancer prevention and treatment measures.