DOH AND PHILHEALTH TO LAUNCH NATIONWIDE REGISTRATION

source: www.doh.gov.ph

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) will stage a massive open registration this September in response to President Benigno Simeon Aquino’s marching orders to attain universal Philhealth coverage in three years.

This was disclosed by Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona in a press briefing today explaining that the nationwide registration shall take place by setting up Philhealth desks in public schools, municipal halls and all DOH-retained hospitals nationwide.

“In keeping with P-Noys promise to give each and every Filipino access to quality healthcare in three years time, your Philhealth will open its doors across the country to reach out to the very poor Filipinos identified through the National Household targeting System – Proxy means test (NHTS-PMT) of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and considered as true indigents,” Ona said.

Meanwhile, Philhealth President and CEO Dr. Rey B. Aquino also disclosed that all Philhealth regional and service offices and government as well as premiere commercial centers nationwide will also hold registration for non-members.

The state-run health insurance program was made a priority item in the new Administration’s health agenda which aims to hit 100 percent of the Philippine population within three years.

Secretary Ona who currently sits as the Chairman of the Philhealth Board, has organized a multi-sectoral task force to set things into motion and realize president Aquino’s directive the soonest time possible.

Ona himself heads the said task force which is composed of the DOH, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

The DILG shall help the DOH engage local chief executives in the enrolment of indigents in their respective jurisdictions as identified by the DSWD while DepEd shall help create Philhealth desks in all public schools to encourage students and their parents to register and become Philhealth members.

The activity aims to enrol the remaining Filipino citizens who are at least 21 years of age and non-members of the program. It is also open to 18 to 20 year olds who may need to register; existing contributors who are still unregistered; those not issued their Philhealth Number Card or Family Health Card yet; and those already registered but who may want to update their membership profile with Philhealth.

The program mainly targets those from the self-employed and informal sector who comprise some 53 percent of the population and of which a substantial portion can afford to pay for health insurance as individually paying members (IPMs). On the other hand, the low income as well as those without the means to pay shall benefit from sponsorships where the national and local governments and other sponsors shoulder the premiums for their annual coverage.

Targeted citizens are also enjoined to go to any of Philhealth’s 17 regional offices and close to 100 service offices in their locality.

“We are also tapping other means such as online registration via our website; via texting using their cell phones; in malls and other commercial centers; and through our partners such as Local Government Units, government hospitals and colleges and universities to ensure that they will be able to register with ease and convenience,” Philhealth President Aquino explained.

Upon registration, enrolees will be advised to activate their membership by paying the required contribution of at least Php 300 for a quarter or Php 1,200 for a year’s payment at any accredited collecting partners nearest them. A duly activated membership and completion of all eligibility requirements shall entitle a member and his/her qualified dependents medical care subsidies when confined in accredited hospitals anywhere in the country.

“I encourage all Filipinos, especially Philhealth non-members, to go out and avail of this opportunity to be registered with Philhealth and secure financial protection that they will need in times of emergencies and medical situations in the family,” Secretary Ona concluded.

For more details on the open registration, the public may log on to www.philhealth.gov.ph

DOH LAUNCHES OSPITAL PiNOY: MALINIS AT MABANGO CAMPAIGN

Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph

In the government’s desire to further improve service to the people and be at par with its private counterparts, the Department of Health (DOH) today launched the “Ospital ng PiNOY: Malinis at Mabango” campaign.

“Hospitals should be centers of wellness and not of sickness, hence the need to maintain always a clean environment,” Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona said, adding that the poor status of cleanliness and orderliness of DOH hospitals have always been a usual source of complaints among patients and caregivers, as well.

Aside from providing health services, hospital authorities should make sure that the wards, rooms, lavatories, hallways, and corridors inside the hospital premises and its surroundings are always clean, orderly, and odor-free.

The health chief challenged all hospital directors of DOH-retained hospitals and specialty hospitals to maintain the highest degree of hygiene in their work environment. Unclean, unkempt and smelly hospital premises pose a health risk to patients, their companions, and health workers. Oftentimes, this also causes the negative perception of the people on public hospitals.

The “Ospital ng PiNOY: Malinis at Mabango” campaign specifically instructs hospitals to maintain cleanliness and orderliness inside hospital premises including driveways and parking areas at all times and pursue specific initiatives, mechanisms, and activities to achieve its goal. It should also mobilize its staff and health workers, as well as patients and their companions, to ensure that hospital cleanliness and orderliness is maintained.

“Ospital ng PiNOY: Malinis at Mabango” stickers, posters, and tarpaulins should be set up in conspicuous areas such as entrances, corridors, hallways, offices, wards, rooms, lavatories, etc.

A feedback mechanism such as grievance boxes, complaint desks, hotlines is a must in order to allow patients, clients and other stakeholders to lodge their complaints regarding the cleanliness and orderliness of the hospital so that corrective measures are implemented immediately.

Ona directed the Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns and Regional Directors to ensure compliance to this campaign by conducting regular, random, unannounced spot checks of hospitals and by calling the attention of hospital chiefs, if necessary.

CHD-NM STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP 2011-2016

ONA URGES DOH TO SUPPORT P-NOY

Former National Kidney & Transplant Institute Chief Dr. Enrique Ona formally took the reins as Health Secretary from outgoing Dr Esperanza I. Cabral in a simple turn-over ceremony held at the DOH Convention Hall, July 5, 2010. During the turnover rites, Ona was warmly met by Department of Health colleagues and urged everyone to rally behind the Aquino administration for effective and efficient healthcare service delivery.

Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph

NEW HEALTH CHIEF

Dr. Enrique T. Ona today assumes his new post as Department of Health Secretary. Sec. Ona solicited the support of all his DOH family to work towards the marching order of President Benigno Aquino III for universal Philhealth coverage in three years. Sec. Ona was the former Executive Director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute since 1998 and President of the Transplantation Society of the Philippines.

source: http://www.doh.gov.ph

DOH SUED ON CIGARETTE PACKS WITH PICTURES; HEALTH GROUP HIT TOBACCO COMPANY

Press Release/17 June 2010

The health group, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) criticized the tobacco company, Fortune Tobacco Corp. for questioning in court the recent order of the Department of Health to put pictures in cigarette and tobacco packages bearing information about these products.

“Expectedly, the tobacco industry tries to block the order of the DOH aimed at protecting the Filipino people against smoking-related diseases,” said Dr. Maricar Limpin, FCAP Executive Director.

Fortune Tobacco Corp. filed a petition for Declaratory Relief with application for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on June 3, 2010 regarding the DOH Administrative Order No. 13, Requiring Graphic Health Information on Tobacco Product Packages.

The petition, now being heard before the sala of Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 272 by Hon. Justice Felix P. Reyes will hold its next hearing on June 21.

The DOH issued the AO on May 24 imposing mandatory printing on cigarette packs of pictures and information depicting the real effects of cigarettes and the removal of all descriptors in cigarette products. Fortune filed the petition even before the AO is set to be implemented.

“The tobacco industry’s action confirms the effectiveness of pictures to control cigarette smoking among the youth. What the tobacco industry is not saying in the press release that pictures work too well for the youth who are the primary target of tobacco marketing. Why will the industry go all the way to the court if they do not see the effectiveness of this measure to curb smoking and eventually affect their profit? The industry will naturally move heaven and earth to refuse the printing of pictures in cigarette packs because this will effectively ruin one of their most vital marketing platforms, the product packages,” explained Limpin.

Limpin said reaching out to the younger generation was touted by the industry itself as the way to heftier profits. They are called replacement smokers as more adult smokers are dying due to smoking-related diseases.

In the template of pictures that will be printed in cigarette packs, the DOH AO requires printing of photos depicting the effects on the smokers of toxic compounds and over 60 carcinogens containing cigarettes and tobacco products. It also includes information that nicotine, a by-product unique only to tobacco, is the substance that eventually leads the smoker to addiction.

“The DOH issued the AO to provide the consumers with accurate information about cigarettes and other tobacco products. The industry deliberately omitted in their press statements that it was not meant to replace the existing health warning printed in cigarette packs,” said Limpin. FCAP is a health alliance of medical and health professionals, concerned mothers, environmental advocates, religious and faith-based groups and individuals who aim to liberate the Filipino people from the hazards and ailments caused by cigarettes and other tobacco products.

According to Limpin, the DOH has to ensure accurate product information because cigarettes and other tobacco products are the only consumer products legally sold in the market that are known to cause sure-death, if not debilitating and pain-causing ailments, when used as directed by the manufacturers.

REFERENCE: Dr. Maricar Limpin, FCAP Executive Director - 0917-6283502 Joyce E. Sierra +639175221065

STATEMENT OF COALITION FOR HEALTH ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

From: DOH WebPAGE

9 June 2010

The Coalition for Health Accountability and Transparency (CHAT) is a coalition of civil society organizations concerned with issues on access to medicines, public health and good governance. Bound by a common advocacy, but recognizing the independence and integrity of its member-organization s, the Coalition is working to promote transparency and accountability, and encourage sharing of information in the field of public health.

The Coalition lauds the Department of Health (DOH) for upholding the Constitutional right to health and right to health information through the recent issuance of Administrative Order 2010-0013 (AO 2010 0013) requiring graphic health information and prohibiting misleading descriptors on tobacco product packages, and urges the DOH to stand firm despite the attempts to undermine the bold step forward in public health.

At least 10 Filipinos die every hour from preventable tobacco-related diseases. This is further aggravated by the lack of compelling information on the toxic and poisonous contents and emissions of tobacco products.

By requiring the placement of visible and full color pictures and health information on tobacco product packages, the DOH succeeds in effectively communicating the health risks of smoking to those sectors of the populace that are most vulnerable to the deceptive appeal of cigarettes – the youth and the illiterate.

We deplore the shameless attempts to undermine the DOH Administrative Order on Graphic Health Information. The tobacco companies, and those representing their interests, have no right to take away the Filipino’s right to health information. So far, they have questioned the DOH’s competence and authority as well as the legality of the DOH Administrative Order.

We join the community of lawyers’ and legal experts’ recognition of the DOH’s authority to issue the Administrative Order. Instead of questioning and protesting the DOH issuance, the tobacco companies should respect the Philippine government and the Filipino people in the same way that they respect other countries’ governments and people. Right now, these companies already place graphic information on cigarette packs they export to Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. The Filipinos deserve no less.

We urge the politicians (Congressmen) to refrain from supporting the tobacco industry’s attempts to question and nullify the Administrative Order. Policy makers should not act to promote industry interests and protect tobacco industry profits at the expense of the Filipino’s health.

We ask the DOH Secretary to stand firm and not to give in to the demands of the profit-driven tobacco industry to withdraw the AO.

The AO was issued in compliance with the mandatory requirements of a treaty. Any government act of backing off from it would be tantamount to telling the world that the Philippines does not care about treaties it signs nor does it care about the health of our people.

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/24 May 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) today reaffirmed its commitment to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and issued Administrative Order No. 2010-0013 requiring graphic health information on all tobacco packages and to adopt measures to ensure that tobacco product packaging and labeling do not promote tobacco use by any means that are false, misleading, deceptive or likely to create an erroneous impression.

The issuance of the AO is considered a monumental achievement in government efforts to curb tobacco use and reduce its gargantuan socio-economic costs. It is estimated that smoking exacts a P200 billion toll on the country due to health costs and productivity losses, in comparison to the P30B revenues gained from taxes paid by the tobacco industry.

The required graphic health warning information on all tobacco packages reflect findings that warning labels must be noticeable, relevant and memorable in order to be effective. At least 38 countries and territories are already implementing picture-based warnings on tobacco packaging. These include Canada, Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, Venezuela, Jordan, Australia, Uruguay, Panama, Belgium, Chile, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Romania, United Kingdom, Egypt, Brunei, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Peru, Djibouti, Switzerland, Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Mongolia and Iran.

The European Union has also recommended that all their 27 member-states implement graphic health warnings. Other countries in the process of implementing picture-based warnings include France, Iceland. Ireland, Latvia, Macau, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, the United States, and member-states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Caribbean Community.

Most of the gains in reducing consumption are estimated to come from the youth sector who will likely be discouraged from smoking due to the graphic health information. This is very relevant considering that smoking prevalence among young Filipinos aged 13-15 has increased by approximately 30% over the past two years, according to the Philippines’ 2007 Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

Bills have been filed in both the Senate (SB 2377) and the House of Representatives (HB 3364) that will mandate the use of picture-based warnings instead of mere text warnings on no less than 50% of both the front and back sides of the tobacco packages. However, these legislative initiatives have met strong opposition from the tobacco industry, which has used its influence on legislators, especially those from the Northern bloc of tobacco-growing provinces.

“The passage of these bills into law must be prioritized considering that an average of 1 Filipino dies every 6 minutes due to tobacco-related diseases”, said Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, adding that as of September 2008, the Philippines is already in violation of its treaty obligations under the FCTC.

“I am appealing to the leaders of the next administration to ensure their passage into law in order to save more than 17.3 million current smokers in the country aged 15 years and above from further addiction and exposure to major health risks”, Cabral said. She also noted that tobacco companies such as Philip Morris, Fortune Tobacco and Mighty Corporation already produce cigarette packages with graphic warnings for export to other countries. “There’s no reason why they cannot do it for us here”, she concluded.

Noting that the Arroyo Administration, in its concern for tobacco farmers has provided funds to the Philippine Tobacco Authority (PTA) to develop alternative crops and livelihoods for the tobacco farmers, Secretary Cabral expressed her appeal to the PTA to fulfill its obligations to tobacco farmers and to make a report on how it has spent the money allocated for this purpose. At the moment, the profits of tobacco companies and their middlemen have kept increasing whereas tobacco farmers have unfortunately been kept poor as they have always been. Perhaps it’s time for tobacco farmers to shift to growing more high value crops from which they can earn a better living.

PNAC TO HOLD 2010 NATIONAL HIV SUMMIT

From: DOH WebPage

With increasing cases of HIV seen and reported especially in the last three years in the Philippines, it has now become imperative for the government to conduct an HIV Summit to urge leaders from all sectors of society to jointly scale-up a national response to address the disease.

“It is very timely and appropriate that we hold a one-day National HIV Summit in order to inform leaders on the current state of HIV in the Philippines and the need for urgent action towards meeting the Millennium Development Goal 6, particularly Target 9 on HIV and AIDS,” Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral announced.

The said National HIV Summit, to be held on April 12 at the Manila Diamond Hotel, aims for a wide multi-sectoral representation from civil society, national and local government, private businesses, faith-based groups, development partners, academe, and media. It will present an intensified National HIV Program and come up with a national coordinated response on how everyone can work together to prevent the further spread of HIV and AIDS.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero will present a framework of the response, coverage of programmes, gaps in coverage, financing and fulfillment of provisions in R.A. 8504, otherwise known as the ‘Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998.’ On the other hand, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Alicia Bala will discuss the Agenda for a Scaled-Up National Response, which shall lay down key actions and intended results for a national response including how much to mobilize for highest impact. A multisectoral workshop will also be facilitated by seasoned Consultant for development Mr. Mario Taguiwalo in the afternoon.

Cabral stressed that the Summit shall be a venue in providing information to stakeholders and leaders on the status of the HIV epidemic in the country, current national responses and the agenda for more intensified interventions. It will also serve as a venue to build and strengthen collaborations amongst key players in the national response and to meaningfully engage other players in the realization of harmonized, collaborative and scaled-up initiatives addressing the challenges of HIV and AIDS in the country. Towards the end of the program, the Summit envisions an alliance: partnerships renewed and new partnerships established.

Also, to promote a deeper appreciation of the HIV situation by attendees, poster exhibits shall be conducted side by side with the Summit. Delegates shall be given the opportunity to go through viewing posters that showcase good practices in the response to HIV and AIDS. SM-ZOTO and PUP Molave Theatre Guild will also present special performances about the lives of people living with HIV and related issues.

Other program highlights include a presentation of the national state of HIV and AIDS and the projected increase of the HIV burden by National Epidemiology Center Director Dr. Eric Tayag and a presentation by the Deputy Director of Disease Control and Head of the AIDS/STD Section of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia – Dr. Sha’ari Bin Ngadiman on the strategies in addressing the epidemic as implemented by neighbor countries.

The Summit will be open to media. Philippine National AIDS Council Chair Esperanza Cabral shall respond to workshop reports, including setting the roadmap for the response.

WORKSHOP ON MANAGING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES AND PANDEMICS USING THE INCIDENTS COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS)

From: DOH WebPage

Participants to the ASEAN Workshop on Managing Public Health Emergencies and Pandemics Using the Incidents Command System (ICS), led by National Center for Disease Prevention and Control Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo, recently met to construct a regional overview of achievements and gaps in the use of ICS in managing public health emergencies. The said workshop also aims to develop common understanding and highlight the importance of ICS for muliti-sectoral response, especially in facilitating continuity of operations and services during a severe pandemic.

HEALTH WORKERS SOON TO BE VACCINATED VS H1N1 VIRUS – DOH

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/21 April 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) announced today that health workers all over the country will be vaccinated against the A(H1N1) virus during the latter part of April as part of the country’s response to the pandemic.

“Our frontline health workers are at higher risk for getting the disease than ordinary people due to their larger probability of exposure. In addition, they may also transmit the infection to other patients, as well as their families and co-workers, so it is appropriate that they be given priority now that the vaccines are ready for deployment”, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said.

The Health Chief noted that more than 420,000 health workers at the national and local levels and the public and private sectors will benefit from the vaccine. The 1.9 million doses of the vaccine arrived during the last week of March and are being shipped to the different regions of the country. Health workers from the regional health offices and local government units have been oriented prior to the distribution of the vaccine.

The vaccines represent the first tranche of the promised 9 million doses by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of an agreement with the Philippine government signed on November 25 last year.

The endowment, according to WHO Director General Margaret Chan, is part of the WHO’s pledge to make distribution more equitable and fair to protect poor and vulnerable populations in developing countries’.

The WHO made its commitment during the 60th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in September last year where it said that donations from developed countries and pharmaceuticals are enough to cover 10% of the population of the developing world. WHO requested the Philippine government to authorize the use of these vaccines.

Cabral said that next in the priority list for vaccination are about 2.5 million pregnant women. Subsequent shipments will be given to other priority groups such as children six months to five years old, those 60 years old and above, and those with chronic medical conditions.

TURKISH FLOUR SAMPLES UNDERGOING STRINGENT ANALYSIS - DOH

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/6 April 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed today that samples of flour imported from Turkey are undergoing stringent analysis by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following media reports that these are potentially harmful to the health of consumers.

It was recently reported that substandard flour from Turkey that contain toxic substances are being dumped in the Philippines and used to make food products such as noodles and bread.

The DOH, through the FDA’s Laboratory Services Division, immediately moved to test samples for the presence of mycotoxins, particularly Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin, using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain species of fungi.

Six samples from Central Visayas and the National Capital Region were collected from March 9-22 and underwent laboratory analysis on March 27. Five of the flour samples were imported from Turkey, while one was from a local source. Initial results revealed that none of the samples had concentrations of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin above the allowable limit. Despite these initial findings however, the FDA will conduct more thorough tests using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method (HPLC) the results of which will be released soon.

Meanwhile, representatives from manufacturers of Turkish flour being imported into the Philippines arrived in the country on March 26 to assure FDA officials that their products are fit for human consumption. The manufacturers also promised to submit a special certification from the Turkish government that their flour is safe, adding that Turkish flour is routinely tested for the presence of toxic substances by the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs before being exported to other countries.

“We would like reassure the public that the DOH is on top of the situation”, said Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral. “If and when it is proven that Turkish flour is indeed unsafe, they can expect us to take immediate and decisive action”, she further added.

CABRAL GETS SUPPORT ON CONDOM DISTRIBUTION

From: DOH WebPage


Amid strong rejection from Philippine clergies, non-government organization Catholics for Choice recently offered their group’s support and encouraged Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral on her condom distribution efforts.

Catholics for Choice President Jon O’ Brien remarked that Cabral’s efforts will undoubtedly save lives as we confront the HIV and AIDS epidemic. He added that Cabral’s stance on the effectiveness of condom and her willingness to debate the bishops is not only making news internationally, but is also highlighting the Catholic hierarchy’s inappropriate interference in public policy.

O’ Brien describes Cabral’s willingness to remind people on the importance of condoms to protect their health and to save lives as a gesture of genuine concern. He added that it recognizes people’s ability to choose for themselves when it comes to issues affecting their health. It is also a position supported by Catholic social justice teaching and Catholics around the world.

During the observance of the 2001 World AIDS Day, Catholics for Choice launched a campaign in the United States, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya, Chile, Zimbabwe and the Philippines dubbed as ‘Condoms4Life’. The said advertising campaign was the first phase of an effort to change the Vatican’s policy and challenge its aggressive lobbying against availability and access to condoms in the most-at-risk areas of the world. It is also aimed at raising public awareness on the devastating effect of the bishops’ ban on condoms.

In 2007, Catholics for Choice conducted a survey in the Philippines which showed that 77% of Catholics believe in the life-saving effects of condoms and believe using condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS is pro-life.

A UNAIDS report drafted in 2003 concludes that condoms have an estimated 90% rate of protection. The 10% failure rate does not mean that 1 in 10 condoms is defective. Condom failure can be attributed to human error such as when a condom slips off, breaks or is not used early enough.

According to the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, condoms sometimes fail due to failure to use it consistently or correctly.

Also, the World Health Organization disclosed that laboratory studies have established the impermeability of the male latex condom to infectious agents contained in genital secretions, including the smallest viruses.

“As the world has changed, people have also changed. The attitudes on sex have also become more mature, responsible and compassionate,” Cabral explained.

Cabral stressed that the health department’s stand to use condom was meant to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases because anyone is vulnerable to infection.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER – DOH TO FAITH-BASED GROUPS

From: DOH WebPage

Let us stop the bickering. Let us work together because lives are at stake.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral recently asked clergies to refrain from ‘word war’ but instead focus in finding a solution acceptable to all in order to reduce the number of individuals infected with HIV/AIDS.
As the number of infected individuals increase from one infection every three days in 2000, to one per day in 2007, and two infections per day in 2009, the country cannot afford to lose a day in stopping the spread of infection. Presently, Global Fund pays for the cost of medicines of people living with HIV/AIDS and these medicines are free only until 2012.

In the beginning, HIV was reportedly brought by returning overseas workers. Today, figures indicate that the spread is also emphasized local transmission. And with the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, experts agree that only one in four cases of HIV infection are reported.

“The government cannot do this task alone of reducing and preventing infections. I am glad that faith-based organizations now have opened their doors to this calling of caring and providing support to those infected and affected,” Cabral said.
At the First Catholic Forum on HIV/AIDS, Fr. Bob Vitillo of the Roman Catholic Church, said that it is the people themselves who will decide what they will do and not society nor the Church. He added that it will be based on their moral perspective and value system. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of government and the Church to re-enforce the value system.

In fact, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-NASSA is planning a follow up to the First Catholic Forum on HIV/AIDS in order to train its network members for pastoral counseling and a seminar for those working in hospitals.

Brother Donald Cancino of the Order of Saint Camilus revealed that one of the mandates of their organization is for every region to become involved in HIV ministry. Brother Cancino said that after joining training workshops, they were finally allowed to do bedside visitations with patients at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and San Lazaro Hospital.

Their group also began training their own men and theologians and opened training programs to the Daughters of Charity, Good Shepherd Sisters, and Sisters of the Holy Spirit.

Also, faith-based organizations and government institutions have conducted education programs to help people who are afraid of undergoing HIV testing. Faith-based organizations observed that the problem with some government agencies is that they only play with the numbers and do not go deeply enough into the situation of infected people.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development also conducted activities focused on policy development, capability building and education, and providing treatment, care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

On the other hand, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for the years 2005-2008 provided technical assistance in the formulation of the AIDS Medium Term Plan IV. The NEDA also prepared the National AIDS Spending Assessment for the years 2000-2004 and 2005-2007 to track down amount of resources spent for HIV/AIDS in aid of planning.

The family and society's development is influenced by their faith to a major extent. The upcoming 2010 HIV Summit is at Manila Diamond Hotel on April 12, 2010; will deal with the current concerns of these sectors in the country. Several faithbased groups will attend to this event tp share their commitment and response to this epidemic.

DOH URGES INTEGRATION OF HIV/AIDS IN SCHOOL CURRICULA

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/26 March 2010

In order to implement a more effective campaign against HIV and AIDS in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) strongly urged that information on the modes of transmission, prevention and control of this disease be integrated in the curricula of all institutions of learning. The country’s HIV and AIDS situation has reached alarming proportions as it is now described as “expanding and growing”, from the previous “low and slow” and “hidden and growing” phases.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral noted that risk behaviors are high among males who have sex with males (MSM), people in prostitution and people who inject drugs (PWID). This was reflected in the 2009 Integrated HIV Behavioral Serologic Surveillance results. These groups are considered the most-at-risk populations (MARPs), while young adults, overseas Filipino workers, persons with multiple sex partners, and partners of those in the MARPs are considered as vulnerable. “Education is a potent weapon in combating this disease, hence the integration in school curricula is vital”, Cabral stressed.

To address the present situation, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have all integrated HIV/AIDS issues and concerns in their respective plans and activities. Local government units are assisted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in establishing Local AIDS Councils and launching AIDS awareness activities. The DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and DILG have also entered into a Joint Memorandum Circular to operationalize the Regional AIDS Assistance Teams that will provide technical assistance to HIV prevention and control activities of LGUs. People living with HIV or the “Positive Community: are also conducting HIV education initiatives and forming support groups to other HIV-positive Filipinos and their families. Among the organizations leading this effort are the Positive Action Foundation Philippines
Inc. (PAFPI), the PinoyPlus Association and BabaePlus Association.

Rule 2, Section 6 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 8504 or the National AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 provides the rationale of HIV-related education and information campaigns. It indicates that “the provision of timely, adequate, appropriate and relevant HIV education and information shall empower persons and communities to think and act in ways that protect themselves from HIV infection, minimize the risk of HIV transmission and decrease the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS”.

“ON THE MOVE AGAINST TB, INNOVATE TO ACCELERATE ACTION”: DOH MARKS 2010 WORLD TB DAY

From: DOH WebPgae

The Department of Health (DOH) revealed today that the current year 2010 is the halfway mark of the 2006-2015 Global Plan to stop Tuberculosis, or TB. This year’s theme, “On the Move Against TB, Innovate to Accelerate Action”, speaks of the need for new ways to make anti-TB services even more accessible and efficient.

The Philippines has itself made great strides in combating TB. From a high mortality rate of 38.2 deaths per 100,000 population in 1990, the Philippine Health Statistics reported a lower rate of 31/100,000.

While the Philippines is still included in the World Health Organization (WHO) watchlist of 22 high-burden countries, it has lowered its ranking in TB prevalence from 7th to 9th. TB also remains the 6th leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the country, but experts have observed a decreasing trend.

The country has also made notable improvements in TB case detection, reflected by the increase over the past five years in the number of all TB cases identified, from 134,000 to 150,000 per year. Almost half a million smear positive cases were started on treatment and 90% have been successfully treated.

In pursuit of further success, the National TB Program (NTP) formulated the Philippine Plan of Action to Control TB 2010-2015 (PhilPACT) with the support of the WHO and the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) through the TB-LINC and Health Policy Development Projects.

Administrative orders have also been formulated and implemented for the provision of services in selected sites for multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB) patients, those with TB and HIV, prisoners/inmates with TB and for the nationwide expansion of TB services for children.

“We must scale up efforts and continue to seek new and innovative ways to stop TB if we are to successfully attain targets under the Millennium Development Goals”, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral declared. Secretary Cabral also noted that, in collaboration with the Philhealth, more than 500 TB-DOTS facilities (public and private) have been certified and accredited in 2009. Patients can access the TB Outpatient Benefit Package of Philhealth.

Services in the urban poor areas have also been enhanced through the involvement of non-government organizations in Tondo, Manila and Payatas, Quezon City through the support and collaboration of the NTP, the Research Institute for Tuberculosis and the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Foundation.

Secretary Cabral likewise stressed the importance of private sector involvement through the Philippine Coalition against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT). The private sector contributed nearly 10,000 cases detected under the Public-Private Mix DOTS (PPMD) strategy.

In all these initiatives, the DOH has been the primary provider of anti-TB drugs for all cases detected under the Program.

DOH SUPPORTS WORKPLACE FOR ADOPTING ‘AIDS IN THE WORKPLACE’ PROGRAM

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today revealed that the Philippines witnessed a sharp increase in the number of diagnosed HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases in the last three years. Majority of these recorded cases belong to the economically-productive age group.

“In 2000, an average of one new case is diagnosed every three days. In 2007, it rose to one new case per day. Last year, there were two new cases diagnosed in a day,” Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said.

Due to the rising trend and because most infections can be found among economically-productive individuals, Cabral explained that the business sector is in a position to help curb the rising trend in HIV infections by setting up policies and programs in the workplace. This program is also in consonance to provisions in Republic Act 8504 or the AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998.

The health chief added that HIV/AIDS programs in the workplace is a vital response because the disease increases business costs like increased burden of healthcare provision, lower productivity of infected employees, loss of skilled workers, increased risks in the workplace and indifference among employees.

The midterm assessment of the Philippine AIDS Medium Term Plan IV recommended the strengthening of partnership with the private sector. However, the Philippine Business for Social Progress noted in 2008 that private sector involvement and response to HIV/AIDS in the workplace has yet to be strengthened.

Few companies led by Chairperson of Shell companies in the Philippines Ed Chua has taken the role of being the ‘Business Champion for Health of the Philippines to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.’ As a result, several companies had signified their interest to establish ‘AIDS in the Workplace’ program.

Organizations that support the ‘AIDS in the Workplace’ program include Philippine Business for Social Progress, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, International Labour Organization, UNAIDS, and the Philippine National AIDS Council. A partnership agreement is envisioned to be drawn to describe the roles and responsibilities of each organization for this initiative.

“The rising number of HIV cases in the workforce makes it imperative for business to take drastic action to prevent new infections in the labor sector,“ Cabral stressed, adding that the tripartite workplace sector (including government-management-labor sectors) should highlight interventions targeted to address risky behaviors, because this sector also includes a vast number of customers and clients, which may include the most-at-risk populations.

Meanwhile, a one day National HIV/AIDS Summit will be held on 12 April 2010 at the Manila Diamond Hotel to inform national leaders on the current state of HIV/AIDS in the country and the need for urgent action towards meeting the Millennium Development Goal 6, particularly HIV. The workplace sector is one of the sectors to attend this event.

FIRST PHILIPPINE GLOBAL ADULT TOBACCO SURVEY SHOWS MANY FILIPINOS EXPOSED TO SECOND-HAND SMOKE

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today disclosed that almost half of the Filipinos surveyed in the first Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) revealed that they live in homes where smoking is allowed.

In coordination with the National Statistics Office, a total of 9,705 individuals in rural and urban areas of the country 15 years of age and older (to represent 61.3 million Filipinos) were selected and interviewed in 2009. Of this number, 28.3% were current tobacco smokers, representing 17.3 million Filipinos and 22.5% or approximately 13.8 million Filipinos smoke every day. The average age of initiation for daily smokers 18-34 years old was 17.4 years old.

The GATS data revealed that almost half (48.8% or 29.8 million) of Filipinos are exposed to cigarette smoke in their homes and 54% (32.9 million) reported that someone smokes at least monthly in their homes.

The knowledge, attitude and perception of the respondents that smoking causes serious illness were very high at 94%; 95.6% believe that smoking can cause lung cancer, heart attack (81.3%) and stroke (75.5%).

More importantly, among those who work indoors, 65.4% of their worksites have policies “disallowing” smoking yet 13.9% were exposed to second hand smoke (SHS). More than a quarter (25.5%) of Filipinos who visited a government building during the past 30 days were similarly exposed. while 55.3% (28 million) Filipinos who used the public transport during the past month were exposed to SHS.

“This is why we are urging cigarette manufacturers to put graphic health warnings on their products”, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said, adding that there is also a need to work fast towards 100% smoke-free environments where there is still very high exposure of second-hand smoke at homes, public places and indoor places.

Cabral also said that communities and local government units need to address this issue by passing ordinances to strengthen provisions of RA9211 or the Tobacco Regulatory Act of 2003 on "Healthful Environment" without exemptions.

The GATS is a standardized global survey for systematically monitoring adult tobacco use and tracking key tobacco control indicators. The Philippine GATS is a joint collaborative effort of the Philippine Department of Health and the National Statistics Office, the field implementing agency. Technical support was provided by the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DOH ADVOCATES FOR WELLNESS THROUGH COMPLIANCE TO MEDICINES REGIMEN

From: DOH WebPage

With medicine prices going down, the DOH is now reminding our public to use medicines rationally and to complete their prescribed treatment regimen.

Local and international trends are geared towards wellness. Rather than be burdened with the high costs of treatment, especially of hospitalizations, people tend to prefer to invest in the prevention of diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and environments. This wellness concept saves money and improves quality of lives.

“Engaging in sports promotes Wellness. Like sports and healthy lifestyles, compliance to medicines regimen is also Wellness. If you take your prescribed medicines rationally and correctly, you will feel better, live longer, be more productive, and have a good quality of life,” Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral stated.

The DOH has launched this “Compliance to Medicines is Wellness” campaign today in ceremonies held at the Philippine Sports Commission compound, the training grounds for Manny Pacquiao during his amateur days. It was witnessed and supported by PSC Chair Harry Angping, a key official in the promotion of Sports and Wellness in the country. The event aims to promote sports and the rational use of medicines.

“Our efforts to bring down prices of medicines would be incomplete if people persist on not completing their treatment,” Cabral explained. “One common malpractice is when patients stop completing antibiotic courses when their symptoms are gone because it costs too much money to complete a course. But this leads to antibiotic resistance which in turn pushes doctors to prescribe more expensive antibiotics later on.”

An example is the antibiotic Amoxicillin which is just around three (3) pesos. To complete a treatment of seven (7) days and cure you of a bacterial infection, you need 21 capsules that cost 63 pesos only. If the infection becomes resistant to Amoxicillin, to complete a course of another antibiotic, this may cost from 700 pesos to more than 1,000 pesos.

Cabral further mentions that, “Even if you suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension, regular intake of prescribed maintenance drugs promises a better quality of life, with less risk for complications or hospitalizations. The lowered costs of medicines now allow our people to comply and complete their treatment courses and take their medicines religiously, if needed.”

These lowered prices of medicines are due to initiatives by government to engage industry to bring down their prices as well as to the competition provided for by lower priced generics whether from local or from multinational sources.

“What we are promoting here are low cost medicines, whether branded or generic. These medicines offer competition that put pressure on high priced medicines to bring down their prices. Generic competition helps and even multinational companies now are geared towards having quality affordable generic lines for their products,” Cabral stressed.

“Manny Pacquiao is our hero. His discipline is an inspiration to us all. And we want our people to exhibit the same discipline in taking medicines as Manny does in training for fights especially now that medicine prices are going down,” Cabral said.

The DOH announced last month the second round of government mediated price reductions that covered 98 medicines. These covered medicines for dialysis, cancer, prostatic disorders, asthma, depression, hypertension, among others. A majority of these price cuts would be effective March 31, 2010. The first round happened August last year where prices of more than 100 medicines were cut by 50%.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION FOR HUMANITARIAN TEAM TO HAITI

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral (8th from left)gave a token of appreciation to the Philippine Humanitarian Team to Haiti for their unconditional dedication and perseverance in demonstrating the Filipino work of healing and caring to others during tiimes of disaster. The team, led by Dr. Emmanuel Bueno of the East Avenue Medical Center, is compose of Dr. Arnel Rivera, Dr.Romeo Bituin, Dr.Glomar Malana, Dr. Edilberto Tamayo, Dr. Christian Lee, Dr. Ryan Conrad Carnero, Dr. Alexander Ramos, Dr. Jose Evan Pagunsan, dr. David Mendoza, and Dr. Roland Cruz. Other members include Ms. Mayo Santiago, Mr. Willy Viloria, Mr. Dennis de Guzman, Mr. Ceasario Castro, Ms. Celia Pangan, Ms. remedios Guerrero, Ms. Bernaden de Leon, Engr. William Sabater, Engr. Paulino Garcia and Mr Rammel Eric Martinez. Also in photo are Undersecretary Alexander Padilla (6th from left), Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan (7th from left), Undersecretary David Lozada (9th from left), and assistant secretary Gerardo Bayugo (10th from left)

MOST DOH HOSPITALS FULLY COMPLIANT WITH TOTAL MERCURY PHASE-OUT

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/ 4 March 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) reported today that 16 out of the 20 DOH-retained hospitals in Metro Manila have fully complied with the directive on phasing out the use of all apparatuses or devices in the healthcare system that contain mercury.

The phase-out is in keeping with Administrative Order No. 2008-0021 which mandates the gradual phase-out of mercury in all Philippine health care facilities and institutions.

The move to stop the use of all medical devices containing mercury was jumpstarted in 1991, when the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that a safe level for mercury that would not have any adverse effects on a person’s health has never been established.

The list of 16 fully-compliant hospitals include San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, National Center for Mental Health, East Avenue Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Dr. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Rizal Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Lung Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

In a report to Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral last 24 February 2010, there were only four remaining DOH-retained hospitals in Metro Manila that have not yet fully complied with the phase-out.

These four hospitals are the National Children’s Hospital, Amang Rodriguez Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center and National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

The National Children’s Hospital is still using mercurial sphygmomanometers while awaiting delivery of digital sphygmomanometers, while the Heart Center has fully phased out mercurial thermometers, but still has functioning mercurial blood pressure devices that are waiting to be replaced.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute is still using 11 mercurial sphygmomanometers but these are only used as back up in their hemodialysis units and are awaiting replacements. The Amang Rodriguez Medical Center retrieved nine mercurial blood pressure apparatuses from the condemned equipment damaged by Typhoon Ondoy but these too are due to be replaced soon.

Meanwhile, four compliant hospitals were recognized by the group Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia. These are the San Lazaro Hospital, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

According to the Health Chief, mercury must be phased out because of its potentially harmful effects to a person’s health. Mercury can damage the nervous, digestive, respiratory, endocrine and immune systems. It can also cause tremors, impaired vision and hearing, paralysis, insomnia, emotional instability, developmental effects on a fetus, and attention deficit and developmental delays during childhood.

“With all the hazards posed by mercury, it is high time that we complete the implementation of its total phase-out in all hospitals and health facilities”, Cabral concluded.

DOH ANNOUNCES SECOND WAVE OF DRUG PRICE REDUCTION

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/26 February 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) upon instructions from Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, today announced the second wave of drug price reductions under the Government Mediated Access Price (GMAP).

The new set of price reductions includes the following drugs/medicines: anti-hypercholesterolemia (Ezetrol and Vytorin),anti-hypertensive (Cozaar and Hyzaar), anti-depressant (Seroxat), anti-psychotic (Leponex), anti-cancer (Tykerb, Zoladex, Zoladex LA and Leunase), anti-asthma (Ventolin Rotapack), anti-coagulant (Coumadin and Fraxiparine), anti-glaucoma (Betoptic, Ciloxan, Isoptocarpine and Quinax), medicines for prostate disorders (Avodart) and fluids for patients on kidney dialysis.

Also included are new introductions into the market, whose prices are amongst the lowest when compared with similar products in the same therapeutic categories. These include the following: anti-hepatitis B/anti-viral (Revovir), antibiotic/anti-bacterial (Levofloxacin Winthrop), anti-inflammatory/pain reliever (Meloxicam Winthrop) and anti-asthma (Seretide with a new device).

“We are happy that eleven drug companies responded to our request and offered their medicines for price reduction. We would like to thank them for their cooperation and also encourage other pharmaceutical companies to follow suit. We shall continue to study how we can achieve the greatest impact from such interventions that will benefit all Filipinos, especially the poor,” Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral said.

Most of these price reductions will be effective come March 31, 2010, with a few more to be implemented at a later date when supply issues have already been addressed.

This round of the GMAP is calculated to affect more than two billion pesos of the market, and is expected to generate one billion pesos worth of savings for the public. “Imagine the benefit to chronic kidney disease patients, for example. A 30% cut in their expenses for medicines will translate to an added four months worth of dialysis treatments per year”, Cabral added.

BE CAUTIOUS IN BUYING FOOD SUPPLEMENTS - DOH

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/25 February 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to be cautious in buying food and herbal supplements, saying that these are not meant to be alternatives to medicines and sound medical advice from physicians.

The sale of food and herbal supplements has exploded into a billion-peso industry in the Philippines over the past few years, with the advertisements bombarding the public in all forms of media. The employment of celebrity endorsers with testimonials about their supposed "curative" effects has made it an even more lucrative venture.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, however, expressed her concern that many people are wasting hard-earned money on these supplements. "Many are being misled into thinking that these supplements can cure diseases when in fact they can't", said the health chief. Former Health Secretary Dr. Alberto Romualdez, chair of the Medicines Transparency Alliance Philippines (MeTA-Philippines), also said in recent media reports that of the P150 billion being spent for health in the Philippines, about half goes down the drain because there are used on products which have no effects on the health or wellnesss of people.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is under the DOH, has repeatedly issued warnings to the public to always check whether the products they buy are approved by the FDA and are marked with the disclaimer "NO APPROVED THERAPEUTIC CLAIMS". Secretary Cabral has also ordered the translation of the warning into Filipino for the greater understanding of the public. Manufacturers of food supplements shall be required to put the Filipino translation of the disclaimer in the packaging of their products, as well as in all advertising, promotion and sponsorship materials.

"We are not against the food and herbal supplements industry, but it is in the best interest of the people that they be armed with the right information on these products". Cabral said.

DOH RELEASES HEALTH ADVISORY AS EL NINO’S EFFECTS FELT

From: DOH WebPage


Press Release/ 19 February 2010

The Department of Health’s National Center for Health Promotion (NCHP) and National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC) recently released a health advisory to the public as the country begins to feel the effects of El Nino.

The El Nino phenomenon is characterized by extreme climactic conditions – either extreme temperature rise with a little rainfall, and the opposite extreme, unusually heavy rainfall. The former condition is what the Philippines is currently experiencing. “This extremely hot weather carries with it its own effects on health, so we came out with an advisory to inform the public about the potential health risks, and what they can do to safeguard themselves,” Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said.

Potential health risks brought by the onset of El Nino include diarrhea, cholera and skin diseases (due to water scarcity or shortage), paralytic shellfish poisoning (due to red tide blooms), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke (due to high temperatures). The DOH advises the public to do the following, among other precautions: conserve water and protect it from contamination, drink more fluids, avoid strenuous physical activities, wear light clothing and listen to updates on shellfish bans.

The DOH also has a health advisory for the upcoming summer season, which has added information on disorders usually associated with the summer months such as sunburn, sore eyes, flu, chickenpox, measles and hypertension. “For many Filipinos, summer is a time for fun and festivities, but they must always remember to put their health on top of their priorities,” Cabral further added.

FREE CONDOMS A PART OF ANTI-HIV/AIDS CAMPAIGN

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/16 February 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) clarified today that the condoms given last Valentine’s weekend were not meant to promote artificial contraception, but rather a reminder to the public of the importance of responsible sexual behavior in combating the threat of HIV/AIDS. The Ingat Lagi, My Valentine campaign, which was held last February 13 at the Dangwa Flower Market in Manila, has received criticism from the Catholic Church for supposedly being “immoral”.

The DOH, reiterating the words of Deputy Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo, explained that the condom distribution should not be construed as a signal that the government is advocating sexual licentiousness. The free condoms were just a tool of a creative campaign aimed at promoting awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention at a most opportune time – Valentine’s Day.

The DOH emphasized the fact that it was not pushing condom use as the exclusive method to combat HIV/AIDS, as some critics of the Ingat Lagi campaign accused, and defended the activity as just part of the three-point campaign to combat HIV/AIDS known by the acronym ABC – A for “abstinence from sex”, B for “be faithful to your partner” and C for “condom use”. The health agency also pointed out that the distribution of the condoms to adults was undertaken by a private merchandising firm, DKT, and that the government did not spend for the procurement of the condoms, as it was also DKT that supplied them. The DOH’s role in the campaign was focused on raising public awareness and information dissemination, as it employed counselors to explain the ABC campaign to the throng of people that crowded Dangwa last Saturday.

The DOH further said that it will continue to push the ABC program more aggressively in light of reports of the alarming increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the country, so as to empower the public with information on how to deal with this threat. This information will then allow individuals to choose and use the most appropriate means to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.

CABRAL ADVOCATES 100% SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACES

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral reminds government employees and the general public transacting business with government that smoking is prohibited in government buildings, grounds and premises.

In places providing services relating to health and youth activity, such as hospitals, health centers, schools, universities and colleges, smoking is absolutely prohibited and “smoking areas” are not allowed.

Except for places where smoking is absolutely prohibited, smoking is allowed only in designated and marked outdoor smoking areas that are located in an open-space with no permanent or temporary roof or walls and 10 meters away from entrances, exits or any place where people pass or congregate. Smoking Area signages must also be highly visible and prominently displayed.

Cabral said that these provisions are stipulated under Civil Service Commission’s Memorandum Circular No. 17, series of 2009. Any complaints filed by co-workers or the public will be investigated and violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The policy is designed to promote safe and healthy workplaces and to protect government workers from secondhand smoke, which can cause life-threatening diseases. Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes from the tip of a burning cigarette, pipe or cigar and when a smoker exhales.

Conclusive scientific evidence confirms that workers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 35-50% increased risk of heart disease. Constant exposure to secondhand smoke nearly doubles the risk of a heart attack. Moreover, workers exposed to secondhand smoke at work have a 25% elevated risk of lung cancer.

The effects of secondhand smoke on lung function are similar to smoking a few sticks a day. It can cause emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.

Cabral said that seven (7) out of every 10 smokers want to quit smoking, and smoke-free policies can help smokers quit successfully by reducing environmental triggers and not allowing smoking to be the norm.

According to the Social Weather Station Survey of Filipinos on Smoking, commissioned by the Department of Health’s “Bloomberg Initiative-Philippines OC-400 Project,” which was done in the last quarter of 2009, about 27% of Filipinos are current smokers. The proportion of smokers is similar in Luzon and Visayas, but slightly higher in Mindanao (30%). The percentage of smokers in rural areas is pegged at 28% while in urban areas it is 27%.

By income class, more smokers are found in the Class E at 31% followed by Class D at 26% and Class ABC with only 21%. By sex, 46% of males and 8% of females smoke. By age, 30% of smokers belong to the 35 to 44 years old age bracket. This is followed by 18 to 24 years old where 26% smoke, and by age 55 years or older, it is down to 22%. By educational attainment, only 20% of those who completed college education smoke, while up to 32% of those with no formal education smoke.

The SWS Study also revealed that only 57% of Filipinos said that they have never smoked before. The average consumption is similar across all areas at 11 sticks per day.

The majority of the respondents are aware of tobacco regulation laws in the country and that 74% of Filipinos recognize the health benefit from laws enforcing smoke-free areas. Opposition to secondhand smoke is pegged at 93% nationwide, strongest in Visayas (95%) and Luzon (92%) and weakest in Mindanao (91%).

Cabral noted that the campaign of government and anti-tobacco advocates on 100% smoke-free environments is gaining momentum as many Filipinos are against exposure to secondhand smoke.

“Speak up, non-smokers! Let smokers around you know that you mind,” Cabral concluded.

BREAST OVERTAKES LUNG AS NO. 1 CANCER SITE IN METRO MANILA AND RIZAL

From: DOH Webpage

In a joint announcement by Department of Health (DOH) secretary Esperanza I. Cabral and Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. (PCSI) chairman Dr. Roberto M. Paterno, breast cancer is now the most common cancer site in terms of incidence in Metro Manila and Rizal and has surpassed lung cancer as the most prevalent cancer.

“This is significant as far as the DOH cancer control program and the PCS advocacy for prevention and early detection as we need to intensify efforts to save our women from this deadly disease,” said Sec. Cabral during the recently-held formal turnover ceremonies of the publication, “Cancer in the Philippines,” as part of the celebration of World Cancer Day (February 4).

For his part, Dr. Paterno said that the Society will enhance its free mammography services and fine needle aspiration biopsy to accommodate more indigent patients. “We shall also boost our education and information activities around the country to teach women on how to early detect breast cancer so that it can be successfully cured,” Paterno added.

Unfortunately, there is no effective detection method for lung cancer. It is usually diagnosed at an incurable stage. Still, lung cancer can be prevented by avoiding tobacco products.

Also, according to the cancer monograph, the top ten cancer sites for both sexes now stands at breast, lung, liver, cervix, colon, thyroid, rectum, ovary, prostate and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In men, the five common cancer sites are lung, liver, prostate, colon and rectum while for females, these are breast, cervix, ovary, thyroid and lung.

These rankings cover the period 1998-2002 and validated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The IARC collects cancer incidence and mortality data from participating countries during five-year periods.

The PCS is a non-stock, non-profit organization with more than fifty years of service in cancer research, education and information for prevention and early detection, patient services, palliative treatment and hospice care. The Society also maintains a free consultation and referral clinic every Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at its main office at 310 San Rafael St., San Miguel, Manila. Other cancer information can be seen at .

FREE MORPHINE FOR INDIGENT CANCER PATIENTS

From: DOH WebPage

Pain management is one of the most important aspects of health care especially for those with chronic or terminal illnesses yet scores of Filipino patients are suffering from pain unnecessarily due to lack of accessibility and availability of opioid medicines such as morphine.

Although eliminating pain is clinically possible as there are a number of safe and effective methods that treat pain such as opioid analgesics (i.e. morphine), it is often left untreated because access to these controlled medications is a problem for many. Impediments in regulation, procurement, and knowledge and attitude on opioids often pose obstacles in the adequate use of these drugs for medical purposes.

The Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Accessibility and Availability of Opioid for Pain and Palliative Care is a multidisciplinary, multisectoral group that facilitates and advocates for policies that improve accessibility and availability of opioid analgesics for pain and palliative care in the country created in April 2008. With the primary objective of breaking the barriers and other misconceptions about opioids, and in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and other partner agencies, the TWG has initiated and implemented activities for opioid accessibility and availability in the past years.

PHILIPPINE HUMANITARIAN TEAM BUCKLES DOWN

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/3 February 2010

The 21-man Philippine Humanitarian Team sent by the Department of Health (DOH) hit the ground running upon their arrival in quake-devastated Haiti, as they immediately rendered badly-needed medical services at two locations in the capital Port-au-Prince, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral reported today.

Cabral disclosed that after consultation with the Health Cluster coordinator, Dr. Dana Van Alphen, the team chose to serve at the Hospitalier Eliazar Germain, a 45-bed facility one-and-a-half hours away from the United Nations base where the team had set up camp. The Philippine humanitarian team replaced the Miami Medical Mission, which had been managing the hospital until they pulled out last January 30. There the team performed debridement and other surgical procedures for wounded patients.

Part of the team also rendered medical services at the Stade Sylvio Cator, a nearby football stadium turned into an evacuation camp. The group provided rapid health assessment and performed surgeries and wound dressing. The psychosocial team, on the other hand, was prepared to provide stress debriefing to UN peacekeeping personnel, including Filipinos, with UN base psychiatrist Dr. Yousupha Niang. They also visited four areas where Filipinos affected by the earthquake had temporarily settled in tents to provide mental and psychosocial support.

“Our team has performed admirably and was able to provide excellent service to the victims of the earthquake, Filipinos and Haitians alike,” Cabral concluded.

PGMA SENDS OFF PHILIPPINE MEDICAL TEAM TO HAITI; SECOND BATCH TO BE DEPLOYED

From: DOH WebPage

Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thanked the 21-man Philippine humanitarian team bound for Haiti in the send-off ceremony in Malacanang yesterday. President Arroyo noted that the filipinos had been the beneficiary of the international commuity's generosity during Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, and the sending of the medical team to Haiti was a way through which the country could give back.

Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral disclosed that a second team, composed mostly of psychosocial nurses and sanitary engineers, will be sent to Haiti within the next two weeks. Cabral also acknowledged Haiti's Honorary Consul to the Philippines, Mr. George Schulze, who was instrumental in facilitating the issuance of visas to the entire Philippine humanitarian team.

The first batch of Filipino humanitarian workers are composed of team leader Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, Drs. Arnel Rivera, Glomar Malana, Ryan Conrad Carnero, Edilbert Tamayo, Alexander Ramos, Romeo BItuin, Christian Lee, Jose Evan Pagunsan, Dave Mendoza, Rolando Cruz and Rammel Martinez, Nurses Celia Pangan, Dennis de Guzman, Cesar Castro, Willy Veloria and Mayo Santiago, Sanitary Engineers William Sabater and Paulino Refuerzo Padilla, and Psychosocial Nurses Remedios Guerrero and Bernarden De Leon.

OATHTAKING

From: DOH WebPage

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo swears in Dr. Esperanza I. Cabral as the new Department of Health Secretary during simple rites held at Malacañang Palace, Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

RP Medical Team Off to Haiti on January 25

From: DOH WebPage

22 January 2010

Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral reported today that the Philippine humanitarian team bound for Haiti to render medical assistance in the earthquake-stricken country will leave on Monday, January 25, 2010.

“We are very pleased that so many people helped us in this worthy project to reach out and help those in need,” said Cabral, who highlighted the assistance of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the Philippine Airlines Foundation (PALF), FedEx and the Department of National Defense (DND).

The health chief disclosed that PAL and PALF provided free plane tickets for the whole humanitarian team for the Manila-San Francisco leg of their route. From there, the team will take a connecting flight to Miami, and then to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. PAL and PALF also shouldered the tickets for the team’s trip home from San Francisco back to the Philippines.

The FedEx Group, on the other hand, will be transporting the team’s cargo and medical supplies for free, while the DND, led by Lt. Col. Lopez Dagoy, will take care of handling the cargo when it arrives in Haiti.

The Philippine humanitarian team is composed of general and orthopedic surgeons, internists, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, epidemiologists, psychiatrists and sanitary engineers from DOH hospitals and facilities, as well as local government units. The team leader is Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, Chief of the Emergency Department and Health Emergency Management Service (HEMS) Coordinator at East Avenue Medical Center. According to HEMS Director Dr. Carmencita Banatin, the team will be in Haiti for 18 days.

“In any disaster, the world can always count on the compassion and assistance of the Filipinos,” Cabral concluded

Humanitarian Team to Haiti

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral (3rd from left) giving detailed instructions to Health Emergency Management Staff Director Dr. Carmencita Banatin (2nd from left) on the deployment of a medical team to Haiti. The 21-member team will be composed of general and orthopedic surgeons, internists, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, epidemiologists, psychiatrists, and sanitary engineers. Also in photo are Health Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan and Undersecretary Mario Villaverde.

The Doctor Is In

From: DOH WebPage

Newly-minted Department of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral immediately plunged into action as she held an early morning briefing with top DOH officials led by Undersecretaries Mario Villaverde and Alexander Padilla, who updated Secretary Cabral on the accomplishments of the Department, as well as its current goals and thrusts.

That same morning, Secretary Cabral, heeding President Arroyo's instruction for the country to join multinational relief efforts for Haiti, has also ordered the deployment of a medical team composed of doctors, nurses and sanitary engineers to the quake-devastated Caribbean nation. Usec. Villaverde, Director Maylene Beltran of the Bureau of International Health Cooperation and Director Carmencita Banatin of the Health Emergency Management Services met with Undersecretary Esteban Cornejos and Atty. Enrico Fos of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to coordinate the sending of the Filipino medical contingent.

At the DOH turn-over ceremonies later in the day, the Secretary thanked the DOH personnel for the warm welcome given to her, and lauded the accomplishments of the DOH under former Secretary Duque's term. She also called on them to join her in her drive to reduce the inequities in the country's health services and to set the groundwork for the next administration in improving the entire Philippine healthcare system during the five-and-a-half months that she will be at the helm of the DOH

Hazard Map of Northern Mindanao

DOH SEEKS TOTAL BAN OF FIRECRACKERS AFTER TWO DEATHS

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/4 January 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today recommended the complete banning of firecrackers and fireworks in residential areas after it claimed the lives of two revelers last New Year’s celebration.

“We are recommending the total ban because this is the first time that deaths due to firecrackers have been reported. In the previous years, fatalities were mainly due to watusi ingestion and stray bullets,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The health chief said that in the 18 years of the existence of the DOH Philippine Fireworks Injury Surveillance (DOH-PFIS), it is only now that deaths due to pyrotechnic devices were reported.

“The two deaths involved a seven year-old male from Cabanatuan City and a 29 year-old male from Baguio City. Both died of cerebral concussion secondary to blasting last January 1,” Secretary Duque said.

The DOH-PFIS disclosed that the seven year-old boy was hit by a kwitis, a legal firecracker, on his upper eye lid on December 31. He then suffered a concussion and was rushed to the hospital where he died the next day, January 1. He was a passive case because he was just a bystander.

The other fatality was reportedly intoxicated when he lighted the jumbo kwiton bomb on January 1. When the firecracker exploded, he was hit in his right temple. He was dead on arrival when he was brought to the hospital. His cause of death was brain hemorrhage due to the blasting. The firecracker that killed him is not on the list of legal fireworks.

“We should take the total banning of firecrackers even more seriously now with these two deaths. We should not just ban the kwitis and the new illegal ‘cracker that cause the deaths of these two individuals because if the seemingly harmless watusi is able to not just maim but kill, then the other so-called legal firecrackers might also do the same in the future. We can’t risk more lives anymore before we take the big step of totally banning these potentially killer pyrotechnic devices,” Secretary Duque explained.

The DOH-PFIS reported that compared to the five-year average (2004-2009/same period), there is an increase of 13 cases or 1%.

There are 50 sentinel hospitals nationwide reporting to the DOH-PFIS this year.

DUQUE: FIREWORK INJURIES DOWN BUT STRAY BULLETS UP, NO DEATHS

From: DOH Webpage

The Department of Health officially announced today 597 firework-related injuries from 43 (86%) reporting sentinel hospitals all over the country for the period December 21,2009-January 1,2010.

“This is the fourth lowest number of firework-related injuries recorded in the country in the annual Iwas Paputok surveillance in the past decade,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III revealed.

The number of cases decreased by 15% compared to the previous year when there were 702 injuries (683 from fireworks, 17 from stray bullets and 2 from watusi ingestion). It also decreased by 153 cases (20%) compared to the five-year average from 2004-2008.

The decrease may have been due to the fewer use of or more cautious use of fireworks.

“We were relentless in our drive against firework use. In fact, we even employed scare tactics that showed the public vivid images of severely mangled limbs and a tray of surgical instruments used for limb amputation,” Duque explained

The public too may have welcomed the New Year with injury-free alternative merry-making devices such as the torotot and blaring radios. Also, the health chief attributed the decrease in the number of cases to more ways of celebrating the New Year such as concerts, street parties and public display of fireworks in open spaces which are done by pyrotechnic professionals.

This year there were 570 injuries from fireworks, 26 from stray bullets and 1 from watusi ingestion.

Firework injuries affected ages from 2months-75 years, median 13 years, mostly males (456 or 80%). Three hundred fifty-three (62%) were active users, 453 (79%) had blast/burn injuries without amputation, 39 (6%) had blast/burn injuries with amputation and 78 (15%) had eye injuries.

Piccolo was the single most frequently used firecracker that caused 208 (36%) firework injuries. Piccolo is cheap and easily accessible to children. Piccolo was recommended for banning since 2007. This year, the PNP intensified its campaign to ban Piccolo. However, injuries from Piccolo increased by 100 cases or 93% compared to last year. Without these, the total number of injuries would have been significantly lower.

Meanwhile, stray bullet injuries increased by 9 cases (53%) compared to the previous year. Ages ranged from 8 to 51 years. Cases were mostly from NCR with 18 cases or 69%.

“Overall, we are pleased with the continually decreasing number of firework-related injuries which we recorded in the past years. We continue to advocate for safer ways of welcoming the New Year. We also advise those injured to go to the nearest health facility to get anti-tetanus shots,” Duque said.

Secretary Duque also acknowledged the efforts of hospitals, both public and private, for attending to injured patients during the revelry and for reporting cases to the DOH National Epidemiology Center.

“I also thank local government units who have successfully implemented our DOH Kontra Pautok program, which contributed to the successful decrease in the number of this year’s fireworks-related injuries, “ Duque concluded.