Professional Documents
Culture Documents
In line with the global policy changes on adolescents and youth, the DOH created the
Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Program (AYHDP) which is lodged at the
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC) specifically the Center for
Family and Environmental Health (CFEH). The program is an expanded version of Adolescent
Reproductive Health (ARH) element of Reproductive Health which aims to integrate
adolescent and youth health services into the health delivery systems.
The DOH, with the participation of other line agencies, partners from the medical discipline,
NGOs and donor agencies have developed a policy on adolescent and youth health as well
as complementary guidelines and service protocol to ensure young peoples’ health needs
are given attention.
The Program shall mainly focus on addressing the following health concerns regardless of
their sex, race and socioeconomic background:
* Growth and Development concerns Nutrition Physical, mental and emotional status
* Reproductive Health Sexuality Reproductive Tract Infection (STD, HIV/AIDS) Responsible
Parenthood Maternal & Child Health
Other issues and concerns such as vocational, education, social and employment needs
where the DOH has neither direct mandate nor control, shall be coordinated closely with
other concerned line agencies, and NGOs.
The Botika ng Barangay (BnB) refers to a drug outlet managed by a legitimate community
organization (CO/non-government organization (NGO) and/or the Local Government Unit
(LGU), with a trained operator and a supervising pharmacist specifically established in
accordance with Administrative Order No. 144 s.2004. The BnB outlet should be initially
identified, evaluated and selected by the concerned Center for Health Development (CHD),
approved by the National Drug Policy-Pharmaceutical Management Unit (NDP-PMU 50), and
specifically licensed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) to sell, distribute, offer for sale
and/or make available low-priced generic home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and
two (2) selected, publicly-known prescription antibiotic drugs (i.e. Amoxicillin and
Cotrimoxazole).
The BnB program aims to promote equity in health by ensuring the availability and
accessibility of affordable, safe and effective, quality, essential drugs to all, with priority for
marginalized, underserved, critical and hard to reach areas.
Realizing optimal maternal and child health nutrition is the ultimate concern of the
Promotion of Breastfeeding Program. Thus, exclusive breastfeeding in the first four (4) to six
(6) months after birth is encouraged as well as enforcement of legal mandates.
The Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI) is the main strategy to transform
all hospitals with maternity and newborn services into facilities which fully protect, promote
and support breastfeeding and rooming-in practices. The legal mandate to this initiative are
the RA 7600 (The Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act of 1992) and the Executive Order 51 of
1986 (The Milk Code). National assistance in terms of financial support for this strategy
ended year 2000, thus LGUs were advocated to promote and sustain this initiative. To
sustain this initiative, the field health personnel has to provide antenatal assistance and
breastfeeding counseling to pregnant and lactating mothers as well as to the breastfeeding
support groups in the community; there should also be continuous orientation and re-
orientation/ updates to newly hired and old personnel, respectively, in support of this
initiative.
The Philippine Cancer Control Program, begun in 1988, is an integrated approach utilizing
primary, secondary and tertiary prevention in different regions of the country at both
hospital and community levels. Six lead cancers (lung, breast, liver, cervix, oral cavity, colon
and rectum) are discussed. Features peculiar to the Philippines are described; and their
causation and prevention are discussed. A recent assessment revealed shortcomings in the
Cancer Control Program and urgent recommendations were made to reverse the anticipated
‘cancer epidemic’. There is also today in place a Community-based Cancer Care Network
which seeks to develop a network of self-sufficient communities sharing responsibility for
cancer care and control in the country.
Sources:
Department of Medicine, University of the Phil-Phil General Hospital and Jose R. Reyes
Memorial Medical Center, Department of Health and 2Cancer Institute, Philippine General
Hospital and Department of Orthopaedics, University of the Phil-Phil General Hospital,
Manila, Philippines.
Many different types of cancers have been identified. In the Philippines, the most common
sites of reported deaths from cancer are the trachea, bronchus and lung (8.4 deaths per
100,000 population), breast (4.4 per 100,000) and leukemia (2.9 per 100,000). Among
males, the leading sites are the lungs, prostate, colorectal area and liver. Among females,
the leading sites are the breast, uterus, cervix and lungs. Among children, the leading
cancers are the leukemias and lymphomas.
The Philippine National Strategic Framework for lan Development for CHildren or CHILD 21 is
a strategic framework for planning programs and interventions that promote and safegurad
the rights of Filipino children. Covering the period 2000-2005, it paints in borad strokes a
vision for the quality of life of Filipino children in 2025 and a roadmap to achieve the vision.
Children's Health 2025, a subdocument of CHILD 21, realizes that health is a critical and
fundamental element in children's welfare. However, health programs cannot be
implemented in isolation from the other component that determine the safety and well
being of children in society. Children's Health 2025, therefore, should be able to integrate
the strategies and interventions into the overall plan for children's development.
Children's Health 2025 contains both mid-term strategies, which is targeted towards the
year 2004, while long-term strategies are targeted by the year 2025. It utilizes a life cycle
approach and weaves in the rights of children. The life cycle approach ensures that the
issues, needs and gaps are addressed at the different stages of the child's growth and
development.
The period year 2002 to 2004 will put emphasis on timely diagnosis and management of
common diseases of childhood as well as disease prevention and health promotion,
particularly in the fields of immunization, nutrition and the acquisisiton of health lifestyles.
Also critical for effective pallning and implementation would be addressing the components
of the health infrastructure such as human resource development, quality assurance,
monitoring and disease surveillance, and health information and education.
The successful implementation of these strategies will require collaborative efforts with the
other stakeholdres and also implies integration with the other developmental plan of action
for children.
One of the major health problems during rainy season is the incidence of Dengue
Hemorrhagic Fever. It occurs in all age groups. This disease (transmitted by Aedes, a day-
biting mosquito) is preventable but is prevalent in urban centers where population density is
high, water supply is inadequate (resulting to water storage and a good breeding place for
the vector), and solid waste collection and storing are also inadequate.
The thrust of the Dengue Control Program is directed towards community-based prevention
and control in endemic areas.
Major strategy is advocacy and promotion, particularly the Four O’clock Habit which was
adopted by most LGUs. This is a nationwide, continuous and concerted effort to eliminate
the breeding places of Aedes aegypti. Other initiatives are the dissemination of IEC
materials and tri-media coverage.
ComprehensiveDental Health Program aims to improve the quality of life of the people
through the attainment of the highest possible oral health. Its objective is to prevent and
control dental diseases and conditions like dental caries and periodontal diseases thus
reducing their prevalence.
Targeted priorities are vulnerable groups such as the 5-12 year old children and pregnant
women. Strategies of the program include social mobilization through advocacy meetings,
partnership with GOs and NGOs, orientation/updates and monitoring adherence to
standards.
To attain orally fit children, the program focuses on the following package of activities: oral
examination and prophylaxis; sodium fluoride mouth rinsing; supervised tooth brushing drill;
pit and fissure sealant application; a-traumatic restorative treatment and IEC. The Program
also integrates its activities with the Maternal and Child Health Program, the Nutrition
Program and theGarantisadong Pambata activities of the WHSMP.
Emerging infectious diseases are newly identified and previously unknown infections which
cause public health problems either locally or internationally. These include diseases whose
incidence in humans has increased within the past two decades or threatens to increase in
the near future.
Children need not die young if they receive complete and timely immunization. Children who
are not fully immunized are more susceptible to common childhood diseases. The Expanded
Program on Immunization is one of the DOH Programs that has already been
institutionalized and adopted by all LGUs in the region. Its objective is to reduce infant
mortality and morbidity through decreasing the prevalence of six (6) immunizable diseases
(TB, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles)
A national mandated priority public health program to attain the country's national health
development: a health intervention program and an important tool for the improvement of
the health and welfare of mothers, children and other members of the family. It also
provides information and services for the couples of reproductive age to plan their family
according to their beliefs and circumstances through legally and medically acceptable family
planning methods.
* Responsible Parenthood which means that each family has the right and duty to determine
the desired number of children they might have and when they might have them. And
beyond responsible parenthood is Responsible Parenting which is the proper ubringing and
education of chidren so that they grow up to be upright, productive and civic-minded
citizens.
* Respect for Life. The 1987 Constitution states that the government protects the sanctity of
life. Abortion is NOT a FP method:
* Birth Spacing refers to interval between pregnancies (which is ideally 3 years). It enables
women to recover their health improves women's potential to be more productive and to
realize their personal aspirations and allows more time to care for children and
spouse/husband, and;
* Informed Choice that is upholding and ensuring the rights of couples to determin the
number and spacing of their children according to their life's aspirations and reminding
couples that planning size of their families have a direct bearing on the quality of their
children's and their own lives.
The Department of Health (DOH) today launched an all-out war against the sale of piccolo as
latest Kampanya Kontra Paputok Surveillance revealed that 48% of the total 173 fireworks-
related injuries were due to said firework.
As of December 28, the DOH recorded a total of 173 fireworks-related injuries. Of the total,
162 were due to fireworks, six from stray bullets, and five from fireworks ingestion.
This year’s reported 173 cases is 12% lower compared to last year’s figure. The National
Capital Region reported the most (80) number of cases, followed by Central Luzon (15) and
Western Visayas (12).
Of the 162 injury cases reported due to fireworks, the most affected group belonged to the
1-10 years, composed of 140 males. Majority (107/162) were active users or directly handled
firecrackers. There were no deaths reported.
The number of stray bullets cases stand at six. Ages of cases ranged from 11-29 years. Of
the total cases, five were males. Three of the injuries occurred at home. There were no
deaths reported.
Fireworks ingestion now rose to five from yesterday’s four. Of the total cases, three were
due to piccolo. Ages of cases ranged from 1-44 years. Three of the cases were males. There
was one fatality reported.
The leading fireworks which are causing injuries are piccolo (83), kwitis (15), five star (13,
whistle bomb and boga (8), and triangle (7).
“If we do not stop the sale of piccolo, we expect about a thousand casualties or more until
January 1,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona said.
Ona noted that the boga is also making a comeback as a source of injury, and warned that
injury due to its use is also expected to increase.
Food and Waterborne Diseases (FWBDs) are among the most common causes of diarrhea. In
the Philippines, diarrheal diseases for the past 20 years is the number one cause of
morbidity and mortality incidence rate is as high as 1,997 per 100,000 population while
mortality rate is 6.7 per 100,000 population. From 1993 to 2002, FWBDs such as cholera,
typhoid fever, hepatitis A and other food poisoning/foodborne diseases were the most
common outbreaks investigated by the Department of Health. Also, outbreaks from FWBDs
can be very passive and catastrophic. Since most of these diseases have no specific
treatment modalities, the best approach to limit economic losses due to FWBDs is
prevention through health education and strict food and water sanitation.
The Food and Waterborne Disease Prevention and Control Program (FWBDPCP) established
in 1997 but became fully operational in year 2000 with the provision of a budget amounting
to PHP551,000.00. The program focuses on cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and other
foodborne emerging diseases (e.g. Paragonimiasis). Other diseases acquired through
contaminated food and water not addressesd by other services fall under the program.
Prior to the creation of the HRHN, the DOH together with the World Health Organization
(WHO) developed the Human Resources for Health Master Plan (HRHMP). The HRHMP serves
as a conceptual framework and road map that will support HRH development and
management in the Philippines. Included in the HRHMP is the creation of a network of
different organizations with stake on HRH that will facilitate the implementation of
programs, projects and activities needing multi-sectoral coordination. Hence the HRHN was
conceived to achieve such purpose and to ensure that the HRHMP will be able to attain its
goals.
Many initiatives, globally and locally, help save lives of pregnant women and children.
Essential Newborn Care (ENC) is one.
ENC is a simple, cost-effective newborn care intervention that can improve neonatal as well
as maternal care. It is an evidence-based intervention that
The Unang Yakap campaign seeks to engage national and local sectors, public and private
health sectors, individuals and organizations, mothers, fathers and families, to embrace the
Essential Newborn Care Protocol to ensure a bright and healthy future for our newborns.
Leprosy Control Program envisions to eliminate Leprosy as a human disease by 2020 and is
committed to eliminate leprosy as a public health problem by attaining a national
prevalence rate (PR) of less than 1 per 10,000 population by year 2000. Its elimination goals
are: reduce the national PR of <1 case per 10,000 population by year 1998 and reduce the
sub-national PR to <1 case per 10,000 population by year 2000. Kilatis Kutis Campaign.
Program thrust is towards finding hidden cases of leprosy and put them on Multi-Drug
Therapy (MDT), emphasizing the completion of treatment within the WHO prescribed
duration.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Health
(DOH) and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) on Wednesday agreed to jointly
implement President Aquino’s water and sanitation program particularly in waterless
municipalities of the country.
Secretaries Jesse M. Robredo of the DILG, Enrique T. Ona of DOH and Secretary General Jose
Eliseo M. Rocamora of NAPC signed the Memorandum of Agreement for a closer
collaborative efforts among the parties as executing agencies of the priority water and
sanitation program of the Aquino administration.
The government is implementing the President’s Priority Program on Water (P3W) as part of
the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP), and to achieve the Millennium
Development Goal (MDG) of reducing by half the proportion of people without sustainable
access to safe potable water and basic sanitation
Robredo said all partner agencies have agreed to prioritize the implementation of water and
sanitation projects in waterless municipalities outside of Metro Manila, consistent with NAPC
poverty criteria and DILG good-house-keeping criteria for LGUs.
From the Philippine Water Supply Sector Roadmap, statistics showed that there are 432
waterless municipalities outside of Metro Manila, with more than 1.5 million households
without access to safe drinking water. ‘Waterless municipalities” is defined as municipalities
with less than 50% service coverage.
The breakdown of the 432 per region are as follows: 12 are located in Region I; eight in the
Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); 29 in Region II; 10 in Region III; 18 in Region IV-A; 10
in Region IV-B; 28 in Region V; 74 in Region VI; 36 in Region VII; 22 in Region VIII; 34 in
Region IX; 28 in Region X; 14 in Region XI; 19 in Region XII; 15 in Region XIII; and 75 in
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Under the agreement, the NAPC shall serve as the lead coordinating agency in the
implementation of the program, and shall ensure that priority be given to the barangays in
municipalities with the highest density of poor households.
Aside from monitoring the implementation of the program, the NAPC shall also ensure that
the target water and sanitation projects in beneficiary LGUs are implemented according to
the approved plan.
The DOH shall provide the funding requirements for monitoring the implementation of the
water and sanitation facilities in the waterless municipalities, and shall approve the
guidelines for the utilization of funds for the implementation of the water supply and
sanitation program.
At the same time, the DOH shall provide the funding requirements of NAPC and DILG
corresponding to the agreed responsibilities and tasks under this joint programme for
purposes of monitoring.
Meanwhile, the DILG shall develop and implement capacity development interventions
under the program, and shall establish collaborative partnerships and network among
relevant agencies, non-governmental organizations, academe and other institutions in the
implementation of the capacity development interventions.
Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona, (3rd from left) presenting the World Health Report
2010 focusing on Health Systems Financing - The Path to Universal Coverage. Health
Secretary Ona reiterated in the Alma-Ata Declaration that Health for All would contribute
both to a better quality of life and also to global peace and security. He expressed optimism
that President Benigno Aquino III’s marching order of universal healthcare coverage among
the poorest of the poor Filipinos will soon be realize in two or three years. He added that
strengthening rural health units, tapping private sector cooperation, sustaining health
outcomes, expanding membership of informal sectors and scaling-up information campaign
of Philhealth are some of the strategies the Department of Health should adopt in order to
attain its objective. Also in photo from left to right are Philhealth President Dr. Rey Aquino,
World Health Organization Country Representative to the Philippines Dr. Soe Nyunt-U, WHO
Health Care Financing Team Leader Dr. Dorjsuren Bayarsaikhan, and WHO Health Sector
Development Director Dr. Henk
Towards the end of 2008, an estimated total number of 33.4 million people were infected
with HIV globally.
Locally, there are now a total of 5,729 HIV positive cases in the country. This
represents less than one percent of our total population which means that the country is still
on track to meet our MDG target of halting the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015.
Despite this, Secretary Ona warned against complacency. “Efforts should be intensified to
prevent its spread,” according the Health Secretary.
Steady increases in the number of cases have been reported over the years. Twenty-two
percent (22%) of all cases were recorded this year alone. This is primarily driven by risky
behaviours which includes unprotected sex, among others. In every ten (10) HIV infections
reported in the country, nine were acquired through unprotected sex. About of half of these
infections were in men having sex with men.
“Risky behaviours are fuelled by lack of awareness on HIV,” declared Secretary Ona as he
emphasized the importance of focusing information and education campaigns on the most
at risk populations (MARP). He also said that there is a need to inform people about the
social impact of HIV/AIDS to correct the negative attitudes, biases, and stigma heavily
associated with the disease.
Likewise, he stressed the importance of supporting the needs of people of living with HIV
(PLHIV). At present, a total of 1,153 people living with HIV are currently on Anti-Retroviral
treatment in the government’s 13 treatment hubs. These, together with the medical and
social services are given for free.
This is in keeping with our celebration of World AIDS Day aptly themed, “Light for Rights.”
As health is a fundamental right, it is essential that every human being has access to
accurate and appropriate information on HIV/AIDS, preventive services to halt its spread,
and adequate treatment to fight the disease.
“Let us all be beacons of light in the face of darkness that it is HIV/AIDS,” concluded the
Health Chief.
Health Assistant Secretary Paulynn Jean Rosell-Ubial (right), with Pasay City Mayor
Antonino Calixto (left) and Pasay City Congresswoman Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, led the
ceremonial Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization activity held at Barangay 179
covered court in Pasay City as the country’s pilot area for the Philippines’ commitment to
the 2008 World Health Assembly to achieve measles elimination. The DOH strategy of door-
to-door measles elimination campaign will cover all children aged nine months to below
eight years old. According to Asst. Sec. Ubial, the said measles vaccination campaign, if
successful, will make Pasay City the first local government unit to be certified measles-free
in the country and in the world.
In a bid to improve the survival rates of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the
Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. (PCSI)
will soon launch a medicines access program through a patient navigation scheme targeting
indigent Filipino women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.
The new joint venture between DOH and the PCSI, which have been partners for almost
three decades in combating cancer in the Philippines, was formally announced today
through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between PCSI Chairman Dr.
Roberto Paterno and DOH Undersecretary Alexander Padilla represented by Assistant
Secretary Elmer Punzalan who oversees all DOH-retained hospitals in Metro Manila.
“We are very much elated with this new partnership with the DOH to strengthen efforts to
help women with breast cancer by providing them support and free medicines. Cancer is an
expensive disease and can really drive patients into poverty because of the huge out-of-
pocket expenses it requires. We can never really stop women from dying until our efforts at
early detection are linked to cost-effective care and treatment,” says Dr. Rachel Marie
Rosario, PCSI Executive Director.
Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona also expressed full support to the new partnership
adding that providing medicine entitlements to poor and vulnerable sectors for priority
diseases like cancer is a move that will be pursued by the DOH within the next five years.
Cancer currently ranks third among the top killer diseases in the country.
Both DOH and PCSI aim to promote early breast cancer screening particularly among
poor women by providing assured access to medicines as well as other forms of support to
the patient. The program is meant to highlight the advocacy that breast cancer is a curable
disease when detected, treated and managed early.
The Patient Navigation Program for poor patients with early stage breast cancer shall
initially be implemented in four government hospitals covering the catchment areas of the
Metro Manila Cancer Registry and the Rizal Cancer Registry which are the main sources of
data for cancer incidence in the country.
The four government hospitals include the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), Jose
Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC), the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the Rizal
Medical Center, all having the capacity, support facilities and a multidisciplinary team of
experts for managing breast cancer.
In a ceremonial memorandum of agreement signing, the chief of hospitals of the pilot
access sites also pledged support and cooperation in implementing the Patient Navigation
Program in their respective institutions. Signing the agreement were Dir. Rolando Cortez,
Medical Center Chief of EAMC; Dir. Ma. Alicia Lim, Medical Center Chief of JRMMC; Dir.
Rolando Enrique Domingo, PGH Director; and Dir. Relito Saquilayan, Medical Center Chief of
RMC.
Also present during the event are other important partners of DOH from professional
medical societies such as the Philippine College of Surgeons, the Philippine Society of
Medical Oncologists (PSMO) and the Philippine Society of Pathologists (PSP) as well as
practitioners from the four government hospitals who developed the standard treatment
protocol that will be used in the access sites.
Breast cancer is now the leading cancer site overtaking lung cancer for both sexes in the
Philippines (i.e. 15% of all cancers). It is also the number one cause of cancer morbidity and
mortality among Filipino women accounting for almost 30% of all female malignancies.
It is estimated that there will be a total of 12, 262 new breast cancer cases in 2010 with
4,371 deaths. Latest data reveals that three out of every 100 Filipinas are likely to develop
breast cancer in their lifetime and that one out of every 100 are likely to die from the
disease before age 75 (Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates 2010).
In Asia, the Philippines is among the countries with the highest age standardized incidence
rate for breast cancer. Survival rate for breast cancer in the Philippines is below 40%
compared to the high survival rates of 80-98% already achieved in developed countries.
Breast cancer cases are projected to increase in the Philippines in the coming years with
factors such as smoking, unhealthy lifestyles and decreasing fertility.
In August this year, the Philippine Cancer Society vowed to more strongly rally behind
government efforts to improve care for cancer patients in response to the appeal of
Secretary Ona to do something about the increasing burden of cancer in the Philippines.
Food Fortification is the addition of Sangkap Pinoyor micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Iron
and/or Iodine to food, whether or not they are normally contained in the food, for the
purpose of preventing or correcting a demonstrated deficiency with one or more nutrients in
the population or specific population groups.
Sangkap Pinoy or micronutrients are vitamins and minerals required by the body in
very small quantities. These are essential in maintaining a strong, healthy and active body;
sharp mind; and for women to bear healthy children.
GP is a program of the Department of Health in partnership with the Local Government Units
(LGUs) and other government and non-government organizations.
CH results from lack or absence of thyroid hormone, which is essential to growth of the brain
and the body. If the disorder is not detected and hormone replacement is not initiated within
(4) weeks, the baby's physical growth will be stunted and she/he may suffer from mental
retardation.
CAH is an endocrine disorder that causes severe salt lose, dehydration and abnormally high
levels of male sex hormones in both boys and girls. If not detected and treated early, babies
may die within 7-14 days.
3. Galactosemia (GAL)
GAL is a condition in which the body is unable to process galactose, the sugar present in
milk. Accumulation of excessive galactose in the body can cause many problems, including
liver damage, brain damage and cataracts.
4. Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Vision/Mission Statement
• Health for all occupations in partnership with the workers, employers, local
government authorities and other sectors in promoting self-sustaining programs and
improvement of workers' health and working environment.
Program Objectives and TargetsTo promote and protect the health and well being of the
working population thru improved health, better working conditions and workers'
environment.
Program Briefer
Cognizant of its mandate and crucial role, the Philippine Department of Heallth (DOH)
formulated the Health Care Program for Older Persons (HCPOP) in 1998. The DOH HCPOP
(presently renamed Health Development Program for Older Persons) sets the policies,
standards and guidelines for local governments to implement the program in collaboration
with other government agencies, non-government organizations and the private sector.
The program intends to promote and improve the quality of life of older persons through the
establishment and provision of basic health services for older persons, formulation of
policies and guidelines pertaining to older persons, provision of information and health
education to the public, provision of basic and essential training of manpower dedicated to
older persons and, the conduct of basic and applied researches.
Target Population/Clients
A Medical Scholarship Grant for Indigenous People, Local Health Workers, Barangay
Health Workers, Department of Health Employees or their children. This is a jJoint program
of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and
several State Universities and Medical Schools.
According to the World Health Organization, the Philippines ranks fourth in the world
for the number of cases of tuberculosis and has the highest number of cases per head in
Southeast Asia. Almost two thirds of Filipinos have tuberculosis, and up to five million people
are infected yearly in our country.
The Regional Tiral Court of Paranaque City denied Telengtan Brothers and Sons’
application for an injunction against the implementation of Administrative Order (AO) No.
2010-0013 last July 22, 2010.
Telengtan Brothers and Sons sought the injunction because of the “grave and
irreparable damage” it believes it would suffer from the penalties that can be imposed for
violations. Telengtan Brothers and Sons manufactures the cigarette brands, “Astro”,
“Canon” and “Memphis”, and does business under the name and style La Suerte Cigar and
Cigarette Factory.
The RTC denied the injunction because it would preempt a decision on the validity of
the AO, the principal issue in the case. It also said that as the penalties are not even
operative yet, Telengtan Brothers and Sons’ “rouse of a possible violation of the law
becomes a little bit imaginary in the meantime, and would not stand to prejudice petitioner.”
According to the AO, tobacco companies are expected to comply by ensuring that all
cigarette packs have graphic information within 90 days from its effectivity, or by
September 10, 2010.
“This order is a victory for the DOH and the Filipino public. It’s very tragic that we
have all these tobacco companies filing cases left and right questioning the validity of an AO
that was crafted with nothing but the health of the Filipino people in mind. The fight is far
from over, but this is a positive development.” Undersecretary Alex Padilla of the DOH said.
Since the issuance of the Administrative Order, five tobacco companies have filed
cases in various courts assailing its validity.
“The DOH is mandated by law to promote the people’s constitutional right to health,
and we intend to comply with our duty,” added Usec. Padilla.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
The English phrase will be replaced by the statement, “Mahalagang Paalala: Ang
(name of product) ay hindi gamot at hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa anumang uri ng
sakit”.
“We believe that the move to modify and translate said phrase is appropriate for the
reason that food/dietary supplements are really not supposed to be used for treatment or
cure, simply because they are NOT DRUGS.”, the PPhA said in its statement.
The PPhA also rejected arguments of those opposed to the A.O. that it contravenes
other laws and issuances.
“The subject A.O. is not inconsistent with R.A. No. 8423 (The Traditional and
Alternative Medicines Act of 1997). It does not stifle promotion and advocacy of alternative
preventive and curative health modalities.
However, these health care modalities must have been proven to be safe and
effective by those who manufacture, advertise, promote and market them. These modalities
must also be consistent with the standards of medical practice, and it must be noted that
the establishment of said standards is part of the development process mentioned in Section
2 of R.A. 8423...the DOH as vanguard of the health of the nation must, and has all the right
to intervene and make issuances such as the subject A.O. to ensure that health products in
the market are safe and effective and their use properly guided through adequate
information dissemination.”, the PPhA opined.
The PPhA likewise rejected the notion that the A.O. “falsely presupposes that food/dietary
supplements do not have curative and/or health benefits”. It reminded critics and oppositors
that “..if ever there is a curative and/or health benefit in these products, the burden to prove
such claim is still on the entity or person who makes such claims pursuant to existing laws,
rules, regulations, and standards of classification of products”.
The PPhA also made several recommendations in its statement, including the review of
current regulatory policies and guidelines to on the integration of alternative and traditional
medicine in the national healthcare system, the compulsory registration of ALL food
supplements being marketed liberally all over the country and the participation of the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) in the evaluation of food/dietary supplement advertising
materials by the Advertising Standards Council (ASC), under the Kapisanan ng mga
Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).
“We wholeheartedly thank the PPhA for supporting us on this move.”, said Health Secretary
Esperanza Cabral. “As more and more professional societies in the health sector back our
Administrative Order, it only proves that what we are doing is just and rational.”, she further
added.
The Department of Health and Secretary Esperanza Cabral announced the issuance
of an Administrative Order (AO) on the Establishment of a National Program for Sharing of
Organs from Deceased Donors to better serve the needs of the 9,000 Filipinos developing
permanent kidney failure every year. This AO is in response to the Philippine Commitment to
the 2008 Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism and the 63rd
World Health Assembly Resolution on Organ Donation for governments to take appropriate
actions in increasing kidney/organ transplantation from the deceased donors.
“We seek not only to improve an important service for many patients in need of organ
transplantation, but also to assure that the illegal traffic of organs that has victimized many
of our countrymen for many years until 2008 will not be repeated”, Secretary Cabral said.
The Smoke-free Reporting Package consists of NOSI SMS, NOSI Report Line and NOSI
Website. Using the NOSI SMS package, the general public can send in their reports by
texting NOSI to 2256 which is open to Smart, Globe and Sun cellular Networks subscribers.
The public can also report their complaints by dialling 661-3747 from 9:00am-5:00pm from
Mondays to Fridays, or by visiting http://www.nosi.com.ph.
The Department of Health (DOH), cognizant of the fact that postpartum hemorrhage
accounts for a large number of maternal deaths in the Philippines, issued a Department
Circular providing for the availability blood and blood transfusion services for pregnant
women under the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health and Nutrition Strategy (MNCHN).
Department Circular 2010-0181 seeks to complement Administrative Order 2008-0029
(Implementing Health Reforms for Rapid Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality) and
Department Circular 2010-0013 (Operation Guidelines for National Blood Voluntary Services
Program), and was published on Sunday, June 27.
The MNHCN is the national program driven under the auspices of the DOH that seeks to
reduce maternal and child mortality rates in the entire country. At present, the Philippines is
unlikely to meet the target for maternal mortality rate under Millennium Development Goal
5, necessitating more interventions on the part of the government.
Under the circular, pregnant women and their husbands shall undergo blood typing during
one of the prenatal visits. After passing donor selection and screening standards, the
husbands and relatives of the pregnant women shall donate blood, with priority access to
the blood pool going to the pregnant women in time of need.
MINDANAO SANITARIUM AND HOSPITAL COLLEGE
School of Nursing
Assignment in
BSN sec. 4A
CHN-instructor