Author: Selena Alzate

The Philippines takes a monumental stride towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and treatment options for Filipinos grappling with irreversible lung diseases with the initiation of its inaugural Lung Transplant Program. This project is a collaborative effort between the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI). This pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone in the country’s medical landscape, promising hope and healing to countless needy individuals. A Commitment to Transformative Healthcare At the forefront of this transformative endeavour stands Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the Committee on Finance. His committee’s commitment secured a substantial PHP50…

In a recent social media post, Representative Mariano-Hernandez conveyed her optimism regarding this groundbreaking development. She emphasised the imperative to address the escalating healthcare needs of Laguna’s population, exceeding 3 million according to the latest census. Notably, Laguna is the sole province in the Calabarzon Region without a Department of Health (DOH)-managed general hospital.

The Albay Provincial Health Office (PHO) launched a deworming program for children and teens. They urged parents with children and teenagers aged one to 19 years old to participate. This was proactively done to safeguard the health and well-being of the younger population. Anthony Ludovice, the dedicated coordinator of the PHO Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) Program, passionately emphasised the significance of deworming. He also proudly announced their ambitious goal to deworm a total of 473,000 individuals. This initiative marks the beginning of their intensified deworming program. It commences this January and aligns with the country’s observation of National Deworming Month.

In response to mounting concerns and potential health risks, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued a comprehensive advisory, vigorously cautioning the public about the dangers associated with unauthorised glutathione and stem cell infusions. 

This pivotal warning follows a tragic incident involving the untimely death of a 39-year-old woman from Quezon City who underwent these skin treatments. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasises the imperative of adhering to approved procedures and urges the public to choose accredited clinics to safeguard their well-being.

The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro region has unveiled a visionary plan to actively leverage the influential platforms of Masjids (mosques) and Madaris (Islamic schools) for health education initiatives. The initiative is designed not only to tackle immediate health concerns but also to establish a robust foundation for sustainable and resilient health practices in the region. This strategic approach actively recognizes and harnesses the pivotal role that religious sectors can play in productively disseminating health awareness programs within grassroots communities.

As the world shifts its focus from the immediate threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, another health concern, often silent but equally impactful, is gaining prominence. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), recognised as the “silent epidemic,” has emerged as a significant global health issue, affecting an estimated 38% of the world’s population.

The Taguig City government has taken a stance to provide essential healthcare services to the residents of enlisted men’s barrios or “embos”. The embos are the people who find themselves without access to healthcare facilities following the sudden closure of Makati’s health centers. The dispute between the two cities involved the backdrop of legal decisions, administrative back-and-forths, and a growing concern for the well-being of the affected residents.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Philippines has forged partnerships with local government units (LGUs) to implement the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP). 

The Department of Health (DoH) shared encouraging news on New Year’s Day: a marked decrease in fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) compared to the previous year, even with lifting COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This positive development is attributed to a combination of factors. It includes implementing Executive Order 28 and confining firecrackers to community fireworks displays. 

Sen. Bong Go underscored the cultural significance of caring for the elderly, recognizing the importance of providing financial support while seniors can still benefit from and enjoy it. This holistic approach acknowledges the elderly as pillars of wisdom and cultural heritage, emphasizing the senator’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the contributions of senior citizens to the rich tapestry of Filipino society.