by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | emergencies, health, health and healthcare economics, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare
MANILA, Philippines — Representative Wilbert Lee of the Agri party-list said
has highlighted issues with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), following grievances from several patients regarding its purported inability to enforce the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) program, long after it was supposed to take effect.
“We aim to avoid misinformation, particularly concerning healthcare services. It’s crucial we don’t offer misleading promises regarding benefits to our countrymen who have for too long been denied the care they truly merit—particularly since PhilHealth possesses billions in resources meant to serve them,” stated Agri Rep. Wilbert Lee.
Lee penned a letter directed at PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado aiming to get clarity on the matter.
In his letter dated March 23, the party-list representative referred to the billing statements of two patients from two different hospitals. Both showed that PhilHealth did not cover any costs related to the emergency room services, indicating that the OECB package was neither respected nor enforced.
“It is unfortunate and intolerable that even after the formal declaration from PhilHealth, this ‘outpatient emergency care service’ remains non-functional and inaccessible to PhilHealth members at numerous—if not all—hospitals nationwide,” Lee stated.
In a communication with SANGGRALOKA on Thursday, PhilHealth affirmed that all members have access to the OECB package at all Level 1 through Level 3 certified hospitals beginning February 14th.
READ:
Philhealth Removes 45-Day Benefit Limit Rule to Enhance Member Care
READ:
Legislator pushes for an additional 30% boost in PhilHealth benefits
No separate accreditation
“It also states in PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0009… that a distinct accreditation is unnecessary for providing the OECB package since the capacity of healthcare facilities for this benefit was evaluated during their grant of PhilHealth accreditation,” it mentioned.
By February 28, there were 1,816 hospitals and infirmaries across the country that PhilHealth had accredited. These facilities include both government-owned and privately-run institutions.
Philhealth instructed individuals to inform them about certified hospitals failing to offer the OECB package at hotline number (02) 8662-2588; alternative contact numbers include 0998-8572957, 0968-8654670, 0917-1275987, or 0917-1109812.
The OECB bundle encompasses all outpatient services and supplies offered at the emergency department (ED) and associated units within PhilHealth-approved healthcare institutions, covering care administered prior to arriving at or during transit to a medical facility.
The coverage includes patients who did not need to be admitted to the hospital, were released within 24 hours of arriving at the emergency department (ED), or passed away while in the ED.
Included in the OECB bundle of cases are symptoms such as vertigo, loose stools, continuous retching, high blood pressure, non-impact-related hemorrhaging, convulsions, intense head pain, and incidents of sexual violence.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | emergencies, healthcare and medicine, hospitals, medicine and healthcare, public health and safety
Due to reaching full capacity, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) restricted the number of patients who could receive care in its emergency room on Thursday.
As reported in “Saksi,” PGH spokesperson Jonas del Rosario stated that the number of patients in the emergency room at the hospital hit an “extremely overcrowded” level.
The surge in emergency room patients resulted in an inadequate supply of oxygen tubes.
Del Rosario mentioned that they needed to enforce “code triage,” where acute or life-threatening emergencies would take precedence, according to the report.
“We hope that within a week, the issue will be resolved. Once our problem is solved, we will inform the public again that the overcapacity situation has ended,” stated Del Rosario.
(We’re looking forward to resolving this issue within a week. After the problem is addressed, we’ll inform everyone that the excess capacity has been eliminated.)
The Department of Health has already worked with PGH to move the remaining patients to 20 of its approved hospitals.
Quoting the PGH administration, the DOH stated that there is no “uncommon or hazardous cause” behind the surge in patient numbers and suggested that these figures might “decline within a few days.”
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa mentioned that they are currently in discussions with UP-PGH about potentially transferring their present patients to DOH facilities.
“Every hospital, clinic, ambulance, and doctor has been instructed not to admit new patients at UP-PGH; instead, they should take them initially to DOH hospitals,” he further stated.
People were told to contact the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development using the mobile numbers 0956-1753710 or 0920-2511800 prior to transporting a patient to one of the designated hospitals.
Below are the hospitals approved by the DOH in Metro Manila:
The Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Health Facility
Las Pinas General Hospital along with its Satellite Trauma Center
St. Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital
Philippine National Center for Mental Health
Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital
Reyes Jose R. Medical City Hospital
San Lazaro Hospital
Tondo Medical Center
Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center
Tropical Medicine Research Institute
Rizal Medical Center
East Avenue Medical Center
National Children’s Hospital
Philippine Orthopedic Center
Quirino Memorial Medical Center
Philippines Lung Center
National Kidney and Transplant Institute
Philippine Heart Center
Philippine Children’s Medical Center
Valenzuela Medical Center
— Mariel Celine Serquiña and Vince Angelo Ferreras from BAP, GMA Integrated News
This article
To address overcrowding, PGH restricts emergency room admissions; DOH offers additional support.
was originally published in
GMA News Online
.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | government regulations, health, health and exercise, health risks, medicine and healthcare
-
EXPLORE FURTHER: The innovative scheme to incentivize overweight Americans with rewards for shedding pounds
West
Virginia
will prohibit thousands of items that include nine food additives associated with potential risks
cancer
and hyperactivity in children.
Companies have up till January 2028 to eliminate artificial colorings and preservatives from their formulations or potentially encounter penalties.
Foods and beverages containing these ingredients will also be banned from schools starting in August, right before the new academic session begins.
On Monday, Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey signed House Bill 2354 and expressed his gratitude during the ceremony.
anti-fast-food campaigner Robert F Kennedy Jr
and President
Donald Trump
.
‘
West Virginia
rank lowest in numerous public health indicators, which is precisely why there’s no better location to spearhead the Make America Healthy Again initiative,” the governor stated following the signing of the bill.
The bill arises as West Virginia faces some of the highest levels of obesity.
diabetes
In the nation — circumstances linked to artificial food components through research.
The state has persistently been rated as one of the lowest in the U.S. regarding various health indicators such as obesity levels, lifespan duration, incidences of chronic diseases, and tobacco use percentages.
Governor Morrisey stated: “By removing dangerous chemicals from our food supply, we’re making progress towards enhancing the well-being of our community members and safeguarding our kids from major long-term health and educational issues.”
He went on: “A big thank you goes out to the Legislature, HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, and the whole Trump Administration for supporting us as we kick off this initiative right here in West Virginia.”
The recently prohibited additives include: Red Dye No. 40; Yellow Dye No. 5; Yellow Dye No. 6; Blue Dye No. 1; Blue Dye No. 2; Green Dye No. 3; butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA); propylparaben; and Red 3, which has been nationally banned by the FDA as well.
State Delegate Evan Worrell mentioned being motivated by RFK Jr’s MAHA initiative and thinks eliminating dyes might assist in tackling increasing behavior problems such as ADHD.
Previously, he mentioned: “There are certain behavioral problems within our educational framework. While I wouldn’t attribute all these issues to food colorings, they do play a part.”
The state ranks third for the highest proportion of children aged three to 17 diagnosed with ADHD.
Ranging from 12 to 15 percent of children have received a diagnosis, which is higher than the national average of 10 percent.
According to a 2024
analysis
According to Forbes Adviser, West Virginia topped the list with the largest proportion of adults smoking and being obese, along with having the highest diabetes mortality rate—approximately 42 fatalities per 100,000 people.
According to the CDC, the nationwide figure stands at 30 fatalities for every 100,000 individuals.
It similarly boasts the second lowest life expectancy of 74 years, which is approximately 3.5 years less than the national average, as reported by the CDC.
West Virginia’s latest restriction goes further than comparable measures.
laws in California that ban six color additives from food products
served at schools.
The California School Food Safety Act, which Governor Gavin Newsom enacted in October, prohibited the use of Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3 dyes in food items, beverages, and snacks provided at nearly all K-12 school dining facilities throughout the state.
Red 40 and Red 3 can be found in various widely consumed treats such as candies, sodas, and snacks like Doritos, Skittles, and Pepsi, along with baked goods and cake mixes.
Chips like Doritos, beverages, biscuits, and pickles often contain Yellow 5, an additive associated with increased hyperactivity in children and documented DNA harm in certain animal tests.
The color Yellow 6 can be found in sweet cereals such as Lucky Charms and Cap’n Crunch. Blue 1, meanwhile, is present in treats like gummy bears. These additives have been linked to increased hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating in kids.
Cyan 2 is frequently used in sports beverages, whereas Emerald 3 is commonly found in salad dressings. Research has associated these colorants with increased tumor development in animals, particularly affecting the bladder and testicles.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and propylparaben are present in numerous food items such as butter, beer, vegetable oils, potato chips, and processed meats like ham.
BHA is regarded as a potential cancer-causing agent and has demonstrated the ability to stimulate tumor development and hinder blood coagulation. Additionally, it functions as an endocrine disruptor and is linked to the incomplete maturation of the reproductive system.
It has also been demonstrated that propylparaben functions as an endocrine disruptor.
Governor Morrisey stated: “The declaration made today marks a move towards a constructive conversation on how West Virginia and our nation can improve dietary habits and tackle some of the pressing healthcare issues affecting our residents.”
‘Through the implementation process, I look forward to advancing policies which improve our health care outcomes, maintain our jobs, and respect the FDA’s and supply channel’s role in the process.’
Read more
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | employment, government, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, news
PETALONG JAYA: The Ministry of Health’s ePlacement system is anticipated to reopen sometime between May and June, according to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
According to a Berita Harian report, Dzulkefly mentioned that the ministry anticipates restarting the ePlacement system following its completion and testing phase. This system enables contract doctors to apply for permanent roles.
“This new ePlacement system is more equitable and does not rely on the ‘first-come, first-served’ approach, which previously caused technical issues,” he stated.
We will revamp and reimagine the system to ensure every aspect is considered… we aim to avoid everyone opting for positions in the Klang Valley; it’s crucial to have opportunities available in Sabah and Sarawak as well.
On March 17, the ministry announced that the planned placement session for 2,245 candidates scheduled for that day needed to be rescheduled because of significant technical issues triggered by “abnormal access” to the ePlacement system.
The report indicated that during the placement session held on February 27, the ePlacement website was visited more than 19 million times. This massive traffic overload caused the system to crash, making the database inaccessible.
The placement session held on February 27th witnessed more approvals than originally allotted, with fewer than 1% of positions occupied in both Sabah and Sarawak.
The ministry additionally mentioned that the placement session planned from March 25-27 has been postponed because of some technical issues. They also stated they were striving to develop a “clear, equitable, and merit-driven” process.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | health, healthcare and medicine, illness, medical conditions and diseases, medicine and healthcare
Recently, I was informed that I have Ramsay Hunt syndrome. My left facial side has drooped and is extremely painful. I am unable to shut my eye and my mouth feels rigid. Could you tell me how long these symptoms might persist?
Dr Ellie Cannon replies:
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is a troubling variant of shingles.
It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which many individuals harbor since their youth.
It also leads to chickenpox, but during later stages of life when the immune system becomes weaker, it may reactivate, resulting in a agonizing blistering rash along one side of the face and neck area.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome happens due to a shingles outbreak
impacts a nerve within the skull known as the facial nerve
In addition to blisters, this may result in facial paralysis and issues related to hearing, balance, and vertigo. It can also lead to difficulties with taste and the persistent ringing in the ears known as tinnitus.
It is also extremely painful, which is precisely why the
NHS
provides a shingle vaccination for all individuals between 70 to 79 years old, along with those who turn 65.
Typically, it is addressed using the antiviral medication acyclovir, which aims at the virus and reduces the likelihood of long-term complications.
Considering the severe discomfort it induces, physicians should also offer pain management solutions like amitriptyline and gabapentin.
Sometimes, steroid pills are prescribed to combat the inflammation.
If patients are unable to close their eyes because of muscle weakness, it’s crucial for them to consult an ophthalmologist to ensure proper protection and prevent long-term harm.
However, even with treatment, the condition may persist for an extended period, and regrettably, symptoms like hearing loss and facial muscle weakness might turn into lasting issues.
Would you place your faith in a chiropractor?
Would you place your faith in a chiropractor?
I received a diagnosis of severe osteoporosis 14 years back and underwent treatment with alendronic acid for half a decade. Afterward, I was informed that my bones had recovered and the therapy ceased. This occurred almost ten years ago—should I consider getting tested again as a precautionary measure?
Dr Ellie replies:
Osteoporosis is a disorder that leads to the weakening of bones over time, and these risks become more significant as we age.
It is most prevalent among women, especially those who have experienced menopause.
Weaker bones make severe fractures more probable, which can be extremely painful and even fatal. Hip injuries are among the top reasons for mortality in elderly women because such breaks significantly reduce movement capability and heighten the chance of critical health issues.
If a person receives an osteoporosis diagnosis, physicians typically prescribe medications aimed at enhancing bone density, like bisphosphonates including alendronic acid. Additionally, the NHS suggests taking calcium and vitamin D supplements along with engaging in weight-bearing exercises such as walking or dancing.
Typically, after about five years, if the scans indicate considerable enhancement in bone strength, the treatment gets discontinued. According to NHS guidelines, patients ought to get scanned and evaluated by a bone specialist every two to five years—or sooner if they experience a fracture. Patients who haven’t had such a review should notify their General Practitioner, who will arrange for a referral accordingly.
In December, I received antibiotics for a persistent chest congestion and mucus buildup. The issue persists and disrupts my sleep despite having taken medication. Although I have asthma, this time there isn’t any associated wheezing, so I doubt they’re related. Any suggestions on what else I could try?
Dr Ellie replies:
A persistent cough accompanied by mucus might indicate a chronic lung condition.
Too much mucus that persists can be linked to chronic bronchitis, a form of COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—that causes swelling in the air passages. Its symptoms encompass a persistent cough with lots of phlegm, discomfort in the chest during coughing, difficulty breathing, and a painful throat.
Individuals who smoke are more susceptible to developing chronic bronchitis.
Write to Dr Ellie
Have a query for Dr Ellie Cannon? Send your email to DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk
Family doctors usually consider a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis when patients produce an excess amount of mucus for at least three months each year over two or more successive years. However, if deemed necessary, they may offer treatments earlier than this timeframe. These treatments commonly include steroid-based inhalers aimed at reducing inflammation.
A persistent cough may also be linked to whooping cough – often referred to as the hundred-day cough – which is caused by a bacterial infection.
It is commonly addressed with antibiotics; however, numerous patients continue to have a lingering cough for multiple months even after the infection has subsided.
In this scenario, their only option is to wait it out – however, the symptoms will subside over time.
If individuals with asthma encounter a persistent cough following an infection, using steroid inhalers might prove beneficial. This is due to the fact that infections can intensify asthmatic inflammation, which could necessitate additional medication to regain control over their condition.
Occasionally, irritability from coughs can be due to the stomach, where acid moves up into the throat — this condition is referred to as acid reflux or heartburn.
Seeking advice from a pharmacist about trying an over-the-counter antacid medication might alleviate these symptoms and assist in identifying the root issue.
Read more
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | europe, infectious diseases, medicine and healthcare, news, public health
The measles outbreak in Romania persisted for almost three years until Dr. Claudia Cojocaru contracted the virus from a patient she treated in the infectious disease ward of a Bucharest hospital back in 2019.
The illness—one of the most highly infectious globally—struck her severely, even resulting in her admission to the very hospital where she was employed.
It was not until after Cojocaru made a recovery and gave birth to her second daughter nearly a year later that she came to understand how her illness would alter the course of her career. She transformed into an outspoken advocate for vaccinations in a nation plagued by widespread health misinformation, antiscience political tendencies, and a beleaguered healthcare sector.
“I got to know measles very intimately,” Cojocaru, a neonatologist who is also training in family medicine, told SANGGRALOKAHealth. “[Now] I’m the one [parents] call when they have mixed messages”.
Romania reports the lowest measles vaccination rate within the European Union, where only 62 percent of individuals were fully vaccinated as of 2023.
That’s well beneath the 95 percent threshold required to stop measles outbreaks among infants and individuals with compromised immune systems who can’t receive vaccinations.
The outcomes include further lethal outbreaks. Romania’s previous measles epidemic concluded in 2020, however, the government announced yet another one.
December 2023
.
Approximately 31,000 individuals were affected, resulting in 22 fatalities last year, with 44 percent of those cases being unvaccinated children under five years old. No particular cure exists for this condition.
However, even though Romania’s outbreak is the biggest one in Europe, it isn’t the sole nation dealing with measles.
In the last year, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, and France have individually documented numerous cases, with infections continuing to rise.
expected to rise
in the coming months.
This suggests that Romania’s recent measles outbreak might serve as an early warning of similar epidemics that could occur in other parts of Europe.
“The challenge spans across the entire region,” Dr Dragan Jankovic, who heads up efforts towards measles elimination at the WHO’s European office, told SANGGRALOKAHealth.
2024 turned out to be the absolute worst year for measles in Europe.
since the 1990s
, he added. “This is precisely why nations must step up once more and begin vaccinating individuals who have yet to receive their shots.”
Why vaccination rates plummeted
By 2013, Romania’s measles vaccination rates were comparable to or exceeded those of numerous other European Union nations.
However, vaccinations declined during the 2010s because of an “uptick” in vaccine reluctance, postponements in immunisation schedules, kids dropping out of follow-up visits as their families relocated, insufficient vaccine supplies, and a significant exodus of medical professionals from the nation.
according to a study
headed by the country’s main public health institution.
“It’s akin to a perfectly mixed cocktail being prepared before an outbreak,” said Dr. Stefan Dascalu, an immunologist at Oxford University from Romania, who wasn’t part of the study, to SANGGRALOKA Health.
If you neglect one of these issues, it will spread.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided ample opportunity for such sentiments to flourish. Similar to what occurred in numerous other nations, false information about vaccines along with conspiracy theories resulted in widespread doubt towards public health measures, sparking an upsurge in anti-scientific discourse that aided in
raise three conservative political parties
to the Romanian parliament, where they currently have control over approximately
third of seats
.
“God has not been vaccinated,” Diana Sosoacă, the leader of the SOS Romania party, stated during a speech last year.
barred from running
In the latest presidential election, following a court ruling that found some of her remarks “at odds with democratic principles.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, public trust in standard childhood vaccinations has
plummeted
in Romania.
For Cojocaru and other vaccination supporters in Romania, combating online conspiracy theories and anti-scientific political stances is just part of the challenge. They must also confront healthcare professionals who oppose vaccines—sometimes even facing resistance from within the medical community itself.
Romania’s healthcare system lacks adequate resources; the nation allocates insufficient funds for its medical needs.
5.8 per cent
In terms of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it allocates approximately half of what the European Union spends on healthcare. The country continues to face challenges stemming from past corruption during the Communist period.
“You’ll still encounter this widespread belief that if I visit a doctor, I must offer a little bribe… as otherwise, they might not attend to my needs,” Dascalu explained.
Many people think doctors are “corrupt or earning substantial profits or influenced by pharmaceutical companies,” which is quite a complicated issue to tackle, he mentioned.
Moreover, the measles vaccine is provided at no cost and advised for young children, though it isn’t compulsory. Additionally, although medical students study the historical background of vaccines, they do not
always trained
On how to provide them to patients.
In the meantime, certain healthcare providers offer patients inaccurate details regarding vaccinations and their possible adverse reactions. Additionally, these professionals frequently fail to inform individuals about which vaccine corresponds to which illness or when they ought to come back for subsequent visits, as reported.
a 2019 study
those following vaccination discussions at clinics throughout Romania.
Officials from Romania’s National Institute of Public Health did not reply to SANGGRALOKAHealth’s queries for information.
When patients express worries or even conspiracy theories regarding vaccines, Cojocaru mentioned that she aims to remain composed and unbiased, clarifying that vaccinations such as the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine are among the most thoroughly researched and safest medications available.
Cojocaru also informs her patients that she has vaccinated her two children, aged 5 and 7, who are both healthy.
I avoid pushing or teasing them,” she stated. “I inform them that there’s no rush for making decisions; my channel remains open. Should they have questions or worries, they can reach out to me anytime.
Implications for Europe
Regardless of how many households Cojocaru convinces to get vaccinated, it won’t suffice if there remain clusters of unimmunized individuals since the illness spreads so easily.
In Romania’s previous measles outbreak, individuals lacking health insurance, people experiencing poverty, single-parent households, and the Roma ethnic group were notably more susceptible, as indicated by the national public health institute’s research.
However, “no individual nation can be immune to the introduction of the virus,” Jankovic stated. “Once this virus enters a country and comes into contact with susceptible individuals, it will lead to cases, and regrettably possibly even outbreaks.”
Only four European Union nations — Hungary, Malta, Portugal, and Slovakia — boast measles immunization rates at 95 percent or above.
In numerous nations, the number of susceptible individuals seems to be increasing. Since the pandemic began, routine childhood vaccination rates have declined globally, leading international health organizations to initiate a promotional drive known as the
“big catch-up”
in 2023.
Jankovic stated that typically, nations that performed well throughout the pandemic—such as those boasting robust healthcare systems, effective public health communication, and consistent approaches to managing the crisis—seem to be progressing smoothly with regular childhood vaccinations.
However, some nations with inadequately coordinated efforts, contradictory advice, and overburdened medical facilities now appear to be in a worse situation, he mentioned.
“If you experience confusion… this will inherently impact not just that particular vaccine, but also other vaccines already within the system,” Jankovic stated.
Experts warned that without a sustained effort to enhance trust in public health initiatives and increase vaccination rates for measles and other illnesses, similar issues facing Romania might emerge across other parts of Europe.
“We are now facing the danger of losing all these investments,” Jankovic stated. “Should those skeptical attitudes towards vaccinations turn into a worldwide trend, we will be in serious trouble.”
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