AC Health Confirms Expansion Plans for Healthway Medical Network

Just got back from the festivities held at the Altaraza Town Center as they made QualiMed San Jose Del Monte a part of the new Healthway Medical Network and named it Healthway Qualimed Hospital - San Jose Del Monte now. They are under AC Health, a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation which thrust is building a healthcare ecosystem that will provide healthcare for all!

We had the chance to talk to AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo where he mentions how they plan to expand into more areas around the country and utilize funding to build, operate medical facilities and clinics to reach and serve even more people, to give medical services that are apt for the location and retrofit, renovate, build new facilities where it's needed. Here's a glimpse of the new Healthway Qualimed Hospital in SJDM Bulacan on video:

 

 

Sir Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala was there during the occasion and says "I am delighted to be here to be with you. Glad to see Ayala Corporation peers, LGU's all who have been such a big help, thank you for being here. It's an honor to be with you, during the pandemic, SJDM is the first COVID testing center and we had an opportunity to administer vaccines during a very crucial time. Today we celebrate a milestone, with a new name, as Qualimed is now part of Healthway Medical Network, a part of a larger care network. We plan to expand our medical facilities, including clinics in key tour areas around the country. As our ecosystem expands under the Healthway Medical Network, we promise Health Beyond Cure."

Aside from Mr. Ayala and Paolo Borromeo, the Congresswoman, several LGU executives and representatives from the provincial government of Bulacan were there to witness the event. As a way to thank them, they were presented with Healthway Care Cards for their constituents, both for the city and provincial government so if they would need to help people in their locale, they can go to the Healthway QualiMed Hospital in San Jose Del Monte and be attended by talented Doctors, Specialists, Nurses and staff that has made this place what it is today.

Mr. Ayala also thanked them all for the work they have done during and after the pandemic, but mentions it's far from over. He said sorry because he couldn't thank them personally one by one (because of time constraints) but he knows how hard they've worked these past few years as the acquisition of QualiMed by AC Health pushed through. This will be just the start of even more hospitals and clinics that AC Health plans to acquire in the next few years because they plan to invest more in health services as part of their company's goals for the country. So make sure you follow their social channels to know more about their cause.

Congratulations Healthway QualiMed Hospital in San Jose Del Monte Bulacan!

There Exists a 5G Enabled Smart Hospital in Thailand

In the eve of health care being in the forefront of importance because of the pandemic, technology has gone strides in the ASEAN region as they've started to enable a hospital in Thailand with 5G connection. Huawei together with the Thailand Office of the National Broadcasting Telecommunications Commission and Siriraj Hospital bares this as the "Siriraj World Class 5G Smart Hospital".

This was announced last December 16 and was witnessed by various government leaders, faculty leaders and members from Siriraj Hospital Mahidol University, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang and Abel Deng the CEO of Huawei Thailand and hospital representatives too. This makes Siriraj the first and largest 5G Smart Hospital in the whole region and brings top of the line technology within reach of patients, medical heiarchy. They have already started several projects with 5G Portable Medical Boxes, 5G Unmanned Vehicles, 5G Medical Carts and 5G enabled Hospital Beds. They aim to implement this on a large scale next year in around 30 other applications, a step forward in healthcare in Thailand. The Prime Minister has put a lot of importance in technology and would want to push for a more Digital Thailand. The start of the 5G enablement in the medical field is just the start, and would have it more efficient for patients. They lauded Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Huawei, NBTC and private groups. He also mentioned how this could be implemented in other hospitals in the country from hereon.

This long term cooperation between Siriraj and Huawei has bore fruit, and now implements things for health monitoring, diagnosis, data collection and tech training for medical professionals in the hospital. This has won them in CommuncAsia Awards as the Most Innovative 5G trial in Asia Pacific. There will certainly be more about it here soon. Stay tuned!

CSMC Answers: Where do broken hearts go?

Just got off the webinar of Cardinal Santos Medical Center this morning. They dared answer the question "Where do broken hearts go?" and asked several doctors about it. The Philippines experienced high numbers of heart disease in Asia, even beating US numbers as far as occurrence goes, and educating ourselves about the condition is a good thing.

Dr. Rucci Cruz discussed the "Broken Heart Syndrome" and she says it is different from heart failure. There are two types of it namely "Heart Failure with reduced left ventricular function or reduced ejection fraction and Heart Failure with preserved left ventricular function." Prevalence is 1.6 on Philhealth claims in 2014, around 1,648 cases in every 100000 claims. Most common cause for it was Hypertension and hospital stays can last up to one week or 5.9 days. Per year, they also stay there around 3-4 times and overall in hospital mortality is 9%."

She adds "According to studies, causes of heart failure fall into these categories. Coronary Heart Disease, Faulty Heart Valves, Cardiomyopathy and High Blood Pressure. Heart failure happens if your heart can't pump blood and causes it to overflow into your lungs. Often, they get shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, difficulty lying down, swollen ankle and legs, and extreme lack of energy. Risks come from family history, hypertension, obesity, age, and excessive alcohol drinking, diabetes, smoking, inactive lifestyle and sleep disorders."

"Broken Heat syndrome really happens, caused by a response to stress which decreases the heart's ability to pump, mostly it happens to men. Medication can be given to lessen stress as it has increased during the pandemic. Make sure you consult your doctor so they can advise what to do, the next steps and resolve it. ECG's, chest xray, blood tests so they can find its severity. These are all available in Cardinal Santos Medical Center. Heart failure is not a death sentence, you don't have to wait, timing is critical so they can diagnose and reverse it. You have to see your doctor right away."

Dr. Ariel Miranda the Chairman of the Cardiovascular Institute says "Listening to the first two speakers was just like listening to our children. I'm a proud father, they've become the future of our mission. In the 90's the treatments was just beginning and we have definitely evolved. Heart disease is increasing in Asian countries. Of all deaths, 1 in 3 is due to heart conditions. It's a combination of lifestyle choices and poor education/delivery of services. Patients have typical symptoms, but they fear going to the hospitals. They are afraid spending a lot, but treating it early is essential. Patients should go to doctors without delay as heart attack needs to be given attention as soon as it is felt because prolonging it will increase damage and heart failure. It shouldn't be taken lightly."

What do you do when a heart attack happens?

"Fat deposits that clot can be done via Angioplasty. There are less than 50 cath labs in Manila and about 60 Million Filipinos. We need to have preventive cardiology. We are working with Philhealth so they can provide packages that will address these problems so we can reduce the number of Filipinos developing it."

 Is this the best time to consult your doctor? Yes, mostly if you are Male and 45 years old and above, you should get checked. Screening should be done 40 years old in US guidelines, a yearly consultation, stress test if possible. The disease doesn't happen overnight, it takes years for it to accumulate especially if you have family history of heart disease. The prevalence of heart disease in the Philippines is larger than our Asian neighbors and the US. 

Dr. Ariel Miranda added "Innovations in cardiology has been so much especially in the field of preventive cardiology. In the past few years there have been advancements and there are so much information about it out there. All good for us, heart attack is a silent killer, unless you are shown the numbers, and feel pain, that's important. It only means the body is responding to extreme blood pressure. We are very careful in doing healthy guidelines, sometimes even level 4. "


CSMC is ready and have adapted to the needs for more rooms especially for non covid cases. To ensure the safety of patients, they have separate areas that have other staff to accept them, ensuring the safety as there is screening, they know where to direct them accordingly. Where do broken hearts go? The hospital of course when needed. 

Get yourself checked people! Especially if you have family history and fall under the age of 40 and above. Cardinal Santos Medical Center has the doctors and facility to take care of you when it happens.

Cardinal Santos Medical Center: The Good Things About Minimally Invasive Surgery

I am part of the population of Filipinos who would  never want to undergo surgery. It creeps me out, and those medical series produced in the US doesn't really help especially if there are very graphic images which I'm sure real doctors are quite used to. They're real heroes, even at the time of the pandemic they're at the hospitals and are making sure the medical needs of Filipinos are sufficiently given. It's a noble profession.

 With the advancements in technology, we now have a choice. The Cardinal Santos Medical Center earlier held a webinar and press conference to tell us about the wonders of Minimally Invasive Surgery. In the past, it would take a lot of effort to operate on people especially in the torso. Hospitals across the country already use this technology but not all have been educating ordinary joes. CSMC knows how it is vital to inform the public of the procedure as it is better than the old ways. This webinar was entitled as "Why Less Is More: 10 Things To Know About Minimally Invasive Surgery."

 

 Distinguished men and women who spoke at the webinar include Dr. Alfred Allen Buenafe the Executive Director of Cardinal Santos Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery (the prime MIS training center in the Philippines) , Dr Zenaida Javier-Uy who is the Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Jaideep Raj Rao the Senior Consultant and General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon of Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore.

Dr. Buenafe pointed out the goodness of doing laparoscopic surgery and says “It helps diagnose a wide range of conditions that develop inside the abdomen or pelvis. It does it through direct visualization of the affected organs​. Surgical procedures like removing a diseased organ like a gallbladder, or collecting tissue samples for testing or biopsy can now be easy.”

Dr. Rao supported this and says "Doing minimal invasive surgery gets similar or even better results. The trauma on the human body is less so recovery is much faster." 

During the event, several patients who have undergone the procedure also gave their testimonies, of which mostly all healed faster than what is predicted. Cardinal Santos Medical Center wants this to be more accessible to Filipinos, starting with the Philippine Center for Advanced Surgery Training Center so more people can have access to world-class training here in the country.

To know more about the procedure or training, visit their official site cardinalsantos.com.ph.

The Philippines on Medical Malpractice

In this time of pandemic, we have seen a lot of people struggle to go to clinics, hospitals to receive medical care. Since most hospitals are at full capacity, we see people sometimes been referred to other institutions, or flat out just give up or go back home because most of the time, they won’t be able to receive the care they need due to the lack of medical personnel. Understandable in some cases, but every Filipino should always have the care they need in times of emergency. The right and proper care with the safety of the patient in mind, and also the front liners, medical professionals who literally life and limb are out there for us every single day. Quality of work should never be sacrificed either because the last thing we would want is to have to suffer both on the patient’s side and the attending medical pro.  Medical malpractice is no joking matter and ultimately, we are talking about lives here. Aside from that, most medical personnel in the Philippines actually don’t have malpractice insurance. In the US, it is also referred to as professional liability insurance and some states do require it. 

Claims for this kind of insurance can be made against a clinician when negligence is alleged in the conduct of their professional activities like medical care. It is typically unique to physicians/doctors because if patients say they incur any additional expense or future hospitalization brought about the alleged malpractice, that is its main function. That could include loss of income because they would not be able to work anymore, also pain and suffering, or in some cases, if they pass away. Sometimes, it may include defense coverages that if in case you get involved in a lawsuit, they cover expenses all throughout the defense of the case. Aside from that, some products cover cyber liability cases wherein if in case there is a breach of confidentiality between patient-doctor relationships, they will also cover that too. It could be the doctor who is covered or the actual practice (for example you have a clinic and employ people included there) and they could be covered with that as well. 

Having that said, do you think medical malpractice exists in the country? I feel so. With the numerous incidents and stories seen on media wherein patients are not attended to, given proper medical care, the right prescription which results later on to incur disabilities, additional medical costs, and medical fees, who would pay for that? Most often than not, people take a blindsided approach which would be detrimental to the patient and the physician as well. This is why, there should be institutions that would cover this and I’m glad there are several of them now in the Philippines. Although if I were to ask of who is the best medical malpractice insurance in the country, that would be a small list. It’s all about experience and ease of getting coverage. Pricing is also different with shared or individual coverages, and how much of it is needed. It may be dictated by laws, it can be dictated that or simply advised by professionals. I hope things will be better soon, because both patients and medical professionals need protection like that. I prefer my premiums be low just like any regular joe because it might be a burden to an already very costly monthly bill we all get right?

I hope policies become very easy to understand and a lot of people get to know things that can protect them, their lives and livelihood as well. The country should do headway in protecting our rights, because that is a very important matter.

Dennis Trillo and Bela Padilla Stars In "Sa Puso Ni Dok"

Do you still remember when we talked to Bella Padilla a few weeks ago about a new project? It looks like it already materialized because they have started filming the series and they're calling it "Sa Puso Ni Dok" (In the Doctor's Heart) and she'll be paired with one of the country's premier leading man and award winning actor Dennis Trillo. It's a new medical series that will talk about adventures and misadventures inside a common public hospital in Manila. They'll also be concentrating on some of the less exposed heroism of our men and women in the medical field and their hardships before becoming successful practitioners in the industry.

They'll play the role of Doc Dennis and Doc Gabrielle where he is a practicing Doctor in Melchora Aquino General Hospital. Even without enough salary, he chose to be here so he could help the less fortunate. You'll see how hard it is to work in an understaffed hospital and how they continue to make it work even with bare minimum medical facilities. Doc Gabrielle on the other hand needed to just finish her 2-3 year term in the public hospital because she plans to migrate elsewhere after that. Will there be drama? Or will there be romance between the two? That still remains to be seen.

They had a hard time filming it because Dennis Trillo had to learn a few things before they could go on with some scenes in the series. One of them is riding a motor bike which he obliged to actually study. Other than that, the special effects and sequences that require very physical work was a cinch with Bella because she's been able to learn a lot from the movies she made with the Padilla clan last year.

From make up, to prosthetics and set design, you are sure that you will never be shortchanged in this program because the whole staff painstakingly took a lot of effort to make sure what you'll see on GMA News TV would be worthy to either equal or even surpass the other masterpieces shown in documentaries from the same channel. "Sa Puso Ni Dok" will be show on July 26, 2014, that's a Saturday 7PM on GMA News TV.

Don't miss it!

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Jackie Rice Spends Meaningful Birthday At Philippine Orthopedic Center

Hi guys! It's been a while since our last event with GMA and this time we're covering a very special one because it's the birthday of Ms. Jackie Rice, one of GMA's most gorgeous women. I dare to say that because I've seen her in the flesh that afternoon and aside from the fact that she is physically gorgeous -  she's got a heart of an angel too. As seen above we had the funny Tess Bomb hosting this gig because the last thing that they probably want to hear is something sad during that occasion. We are in the Children's Ward of the Philippine Orthopedic Center. Honestly, it wasn't the nicest place in the world if you see the condition of the kids, but the thing we're doing here means a lot to Jackie as she had been in an accident a few years ago. Aside from that, she personally feels that she had to help these people because I've seen how they've been in this public hospital.

She went in and said hi to everyone. She has been going to other parts of the hospital and personally talking to some of the patients. Most of the admitted ones in the hospital are charity cases and don't pay a single cent because of their current economic conditions. They check the patients background to see if they are -  and most of them are also in serious state. I've never seen so many slings and screws inserted in people's bodies in my entire life. It was my first time there so forgive me, I was a little shocked to see that. I wasn't giving them any clues though because I know this is a good cause.

 The hospital's chaplain explained how the patients need people to care for them, some of them even have cases like bone cancer of which they need to travel from the far flung provinces just to get care in this public hospital. I've seen the room and it was a little cramped. Some of the beds even had two patients in them which I was so worried about. It was quite disheartening to see them but it was a good thing Jackie Rice and everyone else was there to at least let them feel that people do care.

Tess Bomb was cracking jokes and that was the thing we needed that afternoon. I appreciated what she did for the kids and the relatives there because she kept them on their feet laughing crazily at her antics. I think more than the fun, they both brought them hope that they can get over this place and go back to their homes and be as productive as normal people too. 

Jackie Rice was quite contented about her career. She's got regular shows and even a soap in the afternoon. She's part of Bubble Gang and also Inamorata. She's got dreams but was quite confident that she'll achieve success soon. She's not in a hurry nor is she not contented. She's thankful for the blessings that GMA has given her in the past years. As for getting married, she doesn't see that in the near future. I think I've seen her boyfriend on the sidelines when this event was happening. They look good but I'm sure that guy isn't in show business. Thanks to Petrol, Sweet Escape Cupcakes, Fernando's Bakeshop, Nail Files, Footworks and LeonPhilippe Dairy Fresh Milk who gave them what they need for strong bones. Perfect fit no? :)

You know what, this trip was all worth it. This is the reason why I love going with GMA Kapuso stars during charity events. When you see them approach the needy, their face lights up seeing stars like Jackie Rice lend a helping hand. I can't see why other stars shouldn't do this, after all they did help them reach where they are. Jackie Rice was humbled to have been able to help in her own little way and said if there was an opportunity to do this again, she'll say yes in a heartbeat. She's got a gorgeous face and body, but more than that... she's got a good heart. The hospital chaplain even said that she's been visiting this place a few times already and wanted to talk to each and every patient she can in her limited time. You've spent your birthday celebration with these patients Jackie, that alone is insurmountable and selfless of you. Happy birthday and hope you make more people happy!

Oh before I forget, she's still in the works of a new project. I hope they get to pair her with Dion Ignacio. He's a good guy I know. You would really look good together on screen and I hope GMA Artist Center makes this happen! :)

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The Medical City Launches "TMC Partner Link"

It's been a while since I've been to Medical City in Ortigas and the last thing I've heard about them was where some of my celebrity friends mentioned some lapses in customer service (re: Rocco Nacino's encounter with a Doctor) but it's a good thing they are constantly trying to make improvements and making it less of a hassle for patients. Last June 19, they launched a program called "TMC Partner Link" where they provides patients and partners easy and secure access to their medical records. This is actually done via the Internet, and what's great is that this is all free - NO CHARGES at all.

(Image from http://themedicalcity.com and not mine)

This new facility actually would contain the patients laboratory and radiology diagnostic results. This also will show summaries of the patient's activity after their discharge. Wherever they are, whenever they are, they can also see personal health trackers that enable them to monitor vital signs through a graphic interface. They would be able to see blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar and weight which is fully synced on the hospital's electronic medical records, a feat that other hospitals in the country has never done yet. This system also allow doctors to monitor their patients without frequent hospital visits making the meager communication way efficient equivalent to a real deal consultation. 

Dr. Mike Muin, Health IT Head of The Medical City says that the portal also employs a strict identification verification and authentication procedure to protect sensitive medical records and personal information from unauthorized access. All data is securely stored on a repository inside the confines of The Medical City. Users who have been admitted from June 24, 2013 onwards will be offered the service as part of their standard admission procedures. They just need to visit the hospital's website http://www.themedicalcity.com. For those who have been confined earlier can easily call or email TMC’s Customer Service Department to sign up for a Partner Link account and have the same privileges as these patients.

Congratulations on making innovations like these. If you would like to visit The Medical City, they are located along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City. You can call them at +632 988-1000 or +632 988-7000. You can also email them at mail@medicalcity.com.ph, or visit www.themedicalcity.com. I sincerely hope you continue making your patients lives easier, better, healthier and safer. Your innovations speak highly of you, 40 years of service to the Filipino people is an extraordinary feat.

For more information

Please visit their website at 

http://www.medicalcity.com.ph

Neat Scrubs!

This year has been a blast! I love how it started and ended. I was blessed with so many friends and got to go out of the country with my folks too. I also got to see relatives that I haven't met for a long time! My cousins are all in the medical field. Most of them are nurses, physical therapists and medical technologists. I on the other hand ventured into a different one since I am a Computer Engineer by profession. I still see them wear nursing scrubs every now and then. I am not surprised because they need this for work. It's one of the most comfortable things to wear I'm sure and mind you they come in different designs and colors. Fashion wise, they are not that far behind. I haven't caught them wearing anything bland last year and this year it wouldn't be the same.



I wore something similar a few years ago because they gave me one. I used it in lieu of my pajamas and it was really neat that I could sleep with it. Imagine they were all using it as uniforms and I was feeling so comfortable I got to use it for sleep! I want to bring back the favor though so before they all become so busy during the New Year's Eve... they can wear something new. The scrub clothing would really look great on them. I didn't have time to buy them anything for Christmas presents so this would do. They are expecting a lot of people to flock the hospitals this New Year because of the culture of fireworks in this side of the world. No matter how dangerous it may seem they all still do it. I hope there would be less of them this year so my cousins wouldn't be too tired when they go back on the 1st for lunch.

Happy New Year everyone!