Health and Wellness Industry (Medical Tourism) [Archive] - Page 3

kiretoce

April 12th, 2007, 02:25 AM

Hospitals suit up for increased medical tourism (http://www.philippinenews.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=349023f751fa1ee2c447995353c1aede)
April 11, 2007

http://www.philippinenews.com/directory/getdata.asp?about_id=349023f751fa1ee2c447995353c1aede-1

Philippine hospitals are investing millions of pesos to improve facilities, equipment and services in order to attract a larger share of the medical tourism market. These hospitals have also sought accreditation from global regulatory authorities such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) in order to reassure foreign travelers of world-class quality.

Medical tourism or medical travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. It is the act of traveling abroad to obtain medical, surgical or dental healthcare. Fueled by the rising costs of medical treatment in developed countries, it is an ever-increasing source of tourism revenue. The market, however, is highly discriminating. Few patients, if any, would consider receiving treatment from an unknown hospital in a foreign country.

Hospitals that wish to attract more patients from abroad should first address this wariness of foreign institutions. Seeking to gain patients’ trust, hospitals have begun to submit themselves to regulatory bodies for accreditation. One of the most highly-coveted accreditations is JCI Accreditation (JCIA), awarded only to exceptional establishments after a rigorous assessment based on international consensus standards. JCI is the international affiliate of JCAHO, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, a non-profit institution which evaluates and accredits health providers in the United States. Hospitals in the hottest medical tourism spots such as Singapore, Thailand, and India vie for this accreditation, hoping to gain a larger share of the medical travel market.

Acquiring JCI accreditation is not an easy task. The most recently accredited Philippine hospital, The Medical City (TMC), had to begin preparations for the JCI’s arduous week-long inspection years in advance.

“The preparation [for the accreditation] took us close to two years,” said Margaret Bengzon, head of The Medical City’s Strategic Services Group. “It was a major, organization-wide enterprise that required comprehensive and intensive systems review, re-engineering, documentation and training.”

TMC’s exhaustive preparations paid off when they received JCI Accreditation in February 2007. TMC was also awarded perfect scores in two of JCIA’s important categories for evaluation - access to care and continuity of care, and quality improvement and patient safety - a truly exceptional achievement by any measure. Bengzon said that the international inspectors were especially impressed with TMC’s spacious and modern facilities, its capable and committed staff, and its substantial programs on patient education and patients’ rights.

TMC sees the growth of medical tourism as a prime opportunity for the country. Not only will the increase in tourism revenue drive economic growth, but also bring world-class healthcare within the reach of more Filipinos.

The Medical City has an impressive structure with two nursing towers currently accommodating 500 beds (with provisions for 288 more); a podium which houses the hospital’s special services, diagnostic facilities, and administrative offices; an 18-storey Medical Arts Tower with 280 doctors’ clinics; and a 3-level parking area with slots for 1,000 vehicles. On hand to provide expert care is the medical staff composed of over 1,000 physicians from all fields of specialization.

To pamper its recovering patients, The Medical City offers homey interiors and comfortable amenities that equal that of a world-class hotel. Rooms are designed to offer soothing views of the pristine gardens below, the Pasig and Makati skylines, and the Antipolo mountains. It is strategically located at the Ortigas business district along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City.

oddstyle

April 13th, 2007, 06:44 AM

if i had a billion pesos, i'd love to 'devirginize' that island...:D

how many hours it'll take to get to that island from cebu city........... ?
does anyone knows..............

thanx

rage@cebu

April 13th, 2007, 09:46 AM

^^i can take you to HIlton Towers in 10 minutes from SMCity Cebu...

from there we can rent a motorized banca... 1 hour from Hilton to that island!

boju

April 13th, 2007, 02:53 PM

Camiguin

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/camiguin/cm7b-1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/camiguin/cm7c-1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/camiguin/cm7-1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g283/boju4289/camiguin/cm5-1.jpg

OtAkAw

April 13th, 2007, 05:03 PM

^^That place is one of the most mystical provinces in the Philippines. I do hope that it would develop into a prime eco-tourism spot. The Boracay principle won't work in Camiguin, mass tourism's not for that island IMHO.

laquacherra

April 14th, 2007, 05:12 AM

IMO, if FG pulls through... as high profile as it is, it'll definitely be a boost to the country's medical tourism

palawan_buddy

April 14th, 2007, 05:43 PM

dos palmas, puerto princesa city, palawan

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00432.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00047.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00044.jpg

palawan_buddy

April 14th, 2007, 05:55 PM

Dos Palmas, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan:

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00426.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00424.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00423.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00089.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00068.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00067.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00066.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/new/DSC00044.jpg

WawaY[625]

April 14th, 2007, 09:34 PM

Dos Palmas, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan:

lol..office namin nag design nyan..and..and lols

anyway...TOP RESORT? Amanpulo! second to none...nuff said :D

dinabaw

April 15th, 2007, 04:11 AM

;12664374']lol..office namin nag design nyan..and..and lols

anyway...TOP RESORT? Amanpulo! second to none...nuff said :D

Yeah i know and Dos Palmas is owned by the Lim's of NCCC .:D

palawan_buddy

April 15th, 2007, 05:01 AM

;12664374']lol..office namin nag design nyan..and..and lols

anyway...TOP RESORT? Amanpulo! second to none...nuff said :D

Yeah i know and Dos Palmas is owned by the Lim's of NCCC .
Today 02:34 AM
-----------------------------------------------------
yeah, dos palmas has their office in NCCC Puerto Princesa.

Amanpulo: (repost)

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0954.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0931.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0920.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0885.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0878.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0864.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0952.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0935.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0930.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0896.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0843.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0823.jpg

and my avatar.............love this pic. eto yung port nila for their employees.
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g21/palawan_buddy/CIMG0956.jpg

and btw, just last week, a fire broke out in amanpulo. i was told that the employee's dormitory (or whatever they call it) was destroyed.

pnggirl

April 29th, 2007, 12:04 PM

one hell of a beach resort...el nido and boracay in one.

CANIBAD BEACH, DAVAO... extreme adventure for FREE. the paradise for off roaders, bikers, hikers, trekkers. NO ENTRANCE FEE. just pay 30 bucks a night for your 4 x 4 parking fee.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image403-1.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image404.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image400-1.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image413.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image416.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image432.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image422.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image423.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image425.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image428.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image470.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image468.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/canibad.jpg

i like the name of the resort CANIBAD parang isolated na paradise.

pnggirl

April 29th, 2007, 12:08 PM

[QUOTE=junax;12584234]one hell of a beach resort...el nido and boracay in one.

CANIBAD BEACH, DAVAO... extreme adventure for FREE. the paradise for off roaders, bikers, hikers, trekkers. NO ENTRANCE FEE. just pay 30 bucks a night for your 4 x 4 parking fee.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/sscnaxju/Image403-1.jpg

And who is this hunk?

diehardbisdak

April 29th, 2007, 09:52 PM

crez

April 30th, 2007, 02:54 PM

Boracay January 2007

north
http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/6908/boranthaz4.jpg

south
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/2469/sthofwhzj6ar4.jpg

looking north from Willy's Rock
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/1194/wrock5hc9.jpg

stayed here at White House Beach Resort
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/1024/whpoolcab2da0.jpg

probably still the best resort in the island, Friday's Boracay
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/2439/borafrizj2.jpg

----

Boracay is the only nice beach i've been to in the Philippines. I hope to visit Palawan next time and the pictures of Caramoan is very seductive that i'm wishing someone would build me a nice nipa hut for a 5 day stay. lol!

3cr

May 9th, 2007, 02:11 AM

Yikes! If this is indeed the current state of our health care system, eh papaano na ang medical tourism bid ng Pinas niyan?

Poor healthcare traced to exodus of doctors, nurses
By JENNY F. MANONGDO
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN2007050993536.html

The quality of healthcare system in the country is deteriorating rapidly owing to the massive and continuing exodus of doctors and other medical professionals, according to a recent study.

Professor Emmanuel A. Leyco, director of health management programs of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), said that based on his study, a meager 12 percent of the country’s skilled nurses and 32 percent of doctors are left to treat the sick.

The study also revealed the "inequity of hospital services and funds" which has put the entire country’s healthcare situation in a crisis over the last few years.

In his paper titled "A Looming Crisis in Healthcare," Leyco stressed that "access to healthcare in the country is limited because hospitals are inadequate in far-flung areas; health care professionals are leaving the country and the country’s financial resources are not allocated fairly."

Leyco presented the results of his study to a media forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP).

The study also looked into the "maldistribution" of private hospitals where 57 percent is located in Luzon while 27 percent is in the National Capital Region.

Leyco’s study also showed that infant and maternal deaths are also ‘consistently high’ with most cases occurring in Mindanao.

Leyco also lamented that there are only 37.3 percent of government hospitals that are accredited by Philhealth.

But the most pressing problem, he said, is the unstoppable migration of healthcare workers which is already "at a critical level."

Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan of the National Institute of Health (NIH) earlier said there are 3,000 doctors currently enrolled in nursing schools while 3,000 physicians have left the country in the year 2000 to work abroad as nurses.

Enrollment in medical schools is declining while nursing schools are mushrooming.

Leyco also lamented that healthcare is not a priority of the government and proposed for a "people’s summit to encourage the government to focus on health issues in the country."

kiretoce

May 9th, 2007, 02:30 AM

Enrollment in medical schools is declining while nursing schools are mushrooming.

That's sad. :ohno:

Maybe in the future we'll be importing doctors from India to staff the physician shortages in the Philippines! :lol:

Insanedriver

May 9th, 2007, 11:40 AM

That's sad. :ohno:

Maybe in the future we'll be importing doctors from India to staff the physician shortages in the Philippines! :lol:

that is if the constitution is changed in the future...

j.r.

May 10th, 2007, 04:16 AM

that is if the constitution is changed in the future...
what do u mean?:)

Risk Taker

May 10th, 2007, 05:11 AM

^^ i think it's stated in the constitution that foreigners can't practice in the philippines

Risk Taker

May 10th, 2007, 05:15 AM

dattebayo

May 10th, 2007, 11:09 AM

That's sad. :ohno:

Maybe in the future we'll be importing doctors from India to staff the physician shortages in the Philippines! :lol:

ang dapat dyan talaga tumaas ang sahod. Sa ngayon kasi yung sweldo ng nurse pang teenager lang. sapat lang sa sariling gastos. syempre halos lahat naman satin mag papamilya din dba, kukulangin yun.

pero who knows, pag nag boom ang medical tourism natin, lalaki na sahod. :dunno: kaiingit talaga ang Tayland, ang dami foreigners na nagpapagamot sa kanilang hospitals.

kiretoce

May 10th, 2007, 08:09 PM

Medical tourism won’t discriminate vs. poor (http://www.philippinenews.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=351566e581675e3431d28d222a19590b)

SAN FRANCISCO – High-ranking executives of the top Philippine hospitals and Department of Health representatives assured the Filipino American community here that the Philippine medical tourism program will not weaken the healthcare sector’s charity service to the poor in the country and its outreach programs in the provinces.

Reacting to insinuations from members of FilAm media that the expected influx of medical tourists from the United States and elsewhere might displace the poor, the delegation emphatically stressed that medical tourism is not meant to replace the Filipino market.

“We are expanding our market by telling the world that the Philippines has the latest technology and the highest capability to perform medical services and surgical procedures at a cost 30 to 50 percent lower than what they would pay hospitals in industrialized countries like the United States,” they countered.

The discussion between the health executives and members of the FilAm press and the community at large was held May 1 at the Philippine Consulate General in downtown San Francisco. The delegation visited the Bay Area from April 30 to May 2 to present the country’s burgeoning medical tourism industry and hold exploratory talks with local health insurance providers and health maintenance organizations.

Participating private medical institutions were Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Capitol Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, Makati Medical Center, Medical Center Manila, St. Luke’s Medical Center, and Medical City. The Philippine Heart Center (PHC), and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) were the two government-owned and controlled hospital corporations (GOCCs) that took part in the marketing mission.

The Philippines is carving a niche in global medical tourism, with its inherent brand of caring, warmth and hospitality, a steady supply of medical professionals, cutting- edge technology, and world-class facilities.

With healthcare costs in the United States rising rapidly every year, more Americans are looking to countries like the Philippines for their medical care. Available services range from the simple to the complex, from the cosmetic to life-saving procedures, such as dentistry, plastic surgery, kidney transplant, orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation, and the entire range of cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment, including open-heart by-pass surgery.

The delegation rebuffed suggestions that the Philippines is being touted as a mecca for medical tourists, while the country’s poor and underprivileged barely, if at all, have access even to the most basic of healthcare services.

Each of the major private hospitals, they said, have an operating budget earmarked for charity cases.

“The long-term view of medical tourism,” according to Margaret Bengzon, vice president for Strategic Resources Group of Medical City, “is to make a decent profit from paying foreign-based patients, part of which is plowed back to the system so that it can help charity patients. The proceeds are also used to continually modernize the hospital and increasingly address the financial needs of the staff, so they need not leave the Philippines to work abroad.”

“This is an opportunity for growth, for a win-win situation for all,” added Medical City president and CEO Dr. Alfredo Bengzon, Health Secretary during the administration of Cory Aquino.

Dr. Ludgerto Torres, PHC executive director, further explained that GOCC hospitals including the Lung Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, have long achieved and sustained a synergy with the Department of Health in reaching out to the poor.

“We have been, in fact, establishing satellite hospitals in the provinces precisely to address their tertiary healthcare needs, without them having to come to Metro Manila,” Dr. Torres said.

He added that Congress allots each GOCC a yearly budget for use in helping charity patients, citing the PHC as an example which gets P150 million in annual subsidy.

“This allows the Heart Center to perform an average 500 open-heart surgeries on non-paying patients, and the proceeds we get from the paying ones are, in turn, channeled back to charity funds,” he said.

GOCC hospitals, Dr. Torres emphasized, are not required to remit their income to the National Treasury.

For its part, Dr. Jose Dante Dator, chairman of NKTI’s Urology department, bared the hospital’s efforts in ensuring that poor patients in need of kidney transplant get the same quality, state-of-the-art services as the paying patients.

“We absolutely make no distinction between paying and non-paying patients, locals and medical tourists, the rich and the poor … in the delivery of medical services,” he said. “All surgeries are straightforward … everything is above board.”

Dr. Dator also briefed the FilAm press on the organ donation foundation the NKTI has established – HOPE or Human Organ Preservation Effort – and how it helps ensure the availability of kidneys to all patients, the poor including.

HOPE, he said, eliminates the middlemen who commercialize organ donation, keep it as a business, and rake in huge profits.

“Organ donation coursed through HOPE allows us to establish matches between donors and donees, to get rid of middlemen, and, more important, to ensure that there is an organ available when it is needed by any type of patient,” he reiterated.

quiksilver04

May 15th, 2007, 09:19 PM

indeed amanpulo is the best luxury resort we can offer here in the philippines!!

sugbuanon

May 16th, 2007, 05:25 AM

http://www.enjoyphilippines.com/images/imperial01.jpg

imperial palace hotel and resort [mactan island, cebu]

status: underconstruction

wakeuptoreality

May 16th, 2007, 09:11 AM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/249398580_28abc8b9c7_o.jpg

PLANTATION BAY (one of the word's largest waterways)
by nod_423

3cr

May 18th, 2007, 09:39 AM

This is encouraging news:

Retirees seen becoming another major economic force
By Doris Dumlao
Inquirer
Last updated 03:22am (Mla time) 05/18/2007
http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view_article.php?article_id=66589

MANILA, Philippines -- The spending power of Filipino retirees is expected to expand by 4.4 percent annually in the next 10 years to reach $6.8 billion in 2015, aided by cash remitted by relatives working overseas, a regional study said.

Financial support for the elderly in the Philippines is dependent on extended family units, as social security coverage remains small, Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, an economic adviser to Mastercard International, noted in a recent publication titled, “The Glittering Silver Market: The Rise of the Elderly Consumers in Asia.”

But the Filipino elderly are supported financially by the unique overseas Filipino worker (OFW) phenomenon, Hedrick-Wong said.

“The majority of these overseas workers leave behind their spouses and young children,” he noted. “In many instances, both parents work overseas, leaving the young children at home,” creating a situation in which the grandparents and sometimes the granduncles and grandaunts serve as surrogate parents for OFW children.

“And, for the elderly themselves, their role as surrogate parents enables the parents to seek work abroad. It may not be ideal, but in many ways this is a win-win situation for the elderly, the overseas workers and the children left behind,” Hedrick-Wong said.

As of 2005, the total spending power of retired empty nesters and retired old singles was estimated at $4.4 billion, the study said. The average spending power was about $1,350 per person for retired empty nesters and $1,230 for retired old singles, it said.

“The spending power is split quite evenly between the retired empty nesters (or those whose adult children have left their homes to live elsewhere) and the retired old singles, with the spending power of the former growing at a slightly higher annual rate of 4.8 percent, compared with 3.9 percent for the latter,” it added.

The study noted a wide discrepancy between the elderly in the rural and urban areas, with those based in Metro Manila being more dynamic.

Among the five discretionary expenditure items, spending on dining and entertainment was found to be the biggest in 2005, accounting for 60 percent of total. Shopping came in second, accounting for 26 percent. Purchases of vehicles, personal computers and mobile phones ranked third.

“The expected growth rates of these key discretionary expenditure items are very uneven in the next 10 years. Spending on travel and leisure activities is expected to grow the fastest at an average of over 10 percent a year,” Hedrick-Wong said.

Spending on shopping, on the other hand, was expected to grow the slowest at 0.9 percent per year.

“These five discretionary items will grow collectively at an average of 7.8 percent per year in the coming decade, bringing the total discretionary expenditure to almost $2 billion in 2015,” he said.

Across the region, Mastercard president for Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa Andre Sekulic said, the lengthening of individual life expectancy would make the elderly a dynamic driver of the consumer market.

“The silver market of elderly consumers is set to glitter in Asia Pacific. The reward is expected to be great when businesses get it right,” Sekulic said.

In affluent Asia-Pacific countries and territories -- Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia -- the total potential spending by the elderly households was estimated at $868 billion in 2005, and is expected to rise to $1.5 trillion in 2015.

In emerging Asia -- consisting of China, India, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines -- total spending of elderly households was estimated at $153 billion in 2005, and is projected to rise to $430 billion in 2015.

Rajah_Soliman

May 18th, 2007, 01:05 PM

magkano ang prophylaxis fees sa pinas????

Waldenstrom

May 20th, 2007, 07:22 AM

Medical tourism + mababang sahod at pag-alis ng mga doctors & nurses = ???

pnggirl

May 22nd, 2007, 01:33 AM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/249398580_28abc8b9c7_o.jpg

PLANTATION BAY (one of the word's largest waterways)
by nod_423

awesome......................:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

sugarboy

May 22nd, 2007, 01:50 AM

http://myprivateboracay.blogspot.com

nothing fancy. just the laidback lifestyle in all its simplicity.

dinabaw

May 24th, 2007, 06:23 AM

Your Island for a Day...The Island Buenavista

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/5949/b2jp7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8972/b1rq6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5366/b3zu6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5985/b4oq8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

dinabaw

May 24th, 2007, 06:26 AM

http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/4878/waiterisatyourbeckandcayb3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/6742/b5ql2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1967/b6zv4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/3317/openairedcabanasrr7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7928/familyvillaqt2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://jojiealcantara.multiply.com/photos/album/63

Sizaryan

May 24th, 2007, 11:28 AM

^^ ganda pla ng Buenavista Island...

702flyguy

May 30th, 2007, 11:08 AM

damn I never thought..................I want to build my own resort

dolce

June 1st, 2007, 01:58 AM

...Cebu Hilton Resort Hotel & Spa

pic by @jennifer.moberg of flickr.com
http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/7505/45360015912acc7e5d8byn5.jpg

Hilton is gorgeous!

Sinjin P.

June 3rd, 2007, 08:39 AM

^ It seems that their sand isn't that white (brownish) and fine though, is it? I saw it being featured once and their shoreline was quite gravelly and rocky. :)

diehardbisdak

June 3rd, 2007, 11:11 AM

^^ yeah, white sand beach fronts in Mactan are all man-made because obviously, it's a coral island... but in fairness, I'm impressed (without being bias) with how the marketing is done for hotels & resorts in Mactan... see, they are swamped with tourists from all over the world....

Sinjin P.

June 3rd, 2007, 11:12 AM

^ Yeah, we just checked out of Cebu Beach Club and most of the guests were foreign tourists, specifically Koreans. :yes:

diehardbisdak

June 3rd, 2007, 11:18 AM

Cebu Hilton Resort & Spa
Punta Engaño, Mactan Is., Cebu, Phils.
flickr pics by @PheryHandog

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1024/526843030_9f581cb3de_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/526933567_c20541e1a1_o.jpg

cheftonio

June 5th, 2007, 10:35 AM

this site has nice images of philippine destinations. i dont want to copy paste because there might be copyright stuffs. just visit the site...

http://www.experiencephilippines.ph

igi_master

June 7th, 2007, 06:46 AM

Bolinao photo
Treasure Of Bolinao Resort
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/DSCN0067.JPG
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/DSCN0070.JPG
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/DSCN0071.JPG
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/DSC02841.JPG
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/DSC02843.JPG

http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/DSC02874.JPG
The Crystal Clear water of White Beach Patar Bolinao

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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/100_1257.jpg
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/100_1265.jpg
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/DSC02881.JPG
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/dsc00035.jpg
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/dsc00037.jpg
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http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/dsc0519032.jpg
The Rocky White Beach Of Patar Bolinao
.
http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/dsc0519033.jpg
.
http://www.geocities.com/geilapaz/patar/dsc0519035.jpg

reancorbz84

June 15th, 2007, 01:06 PM

Sinjin P.

June 15th, 2007, 01:10 PM

^ Pang-Amanpulo din ba ang presyo? :D

xXx carlos xXx

June 16th, 2007, 11:16 PM

here is one of my region's pride...

http://www.caluwayanresort.com

its just 20-30 mins from the san juanico bridge..

junax

June 18th, 2007, 04:18 AM

^ Pang-Amanpulo din ba ang presyo? :D

not that much, sinjin. pang mt. everest ang rates ng amanpulo, sa buenavista pang mt. apo lang hehe.

island buenavista resort in davao:

an overnight stay will cost a minimum of ten persons a rate of US$215++ per night for each guest (P10000++ pesos). a day tour package will cost you US$100++ per person for a group of ten (around P5000 pesos).

WawaY[625]

June 18th, 2007, 09:28 AM

^^ darn di ko manlang alam na such a resort existed..

pang paradise ang costa lang talaga ako :lol:

dinabaw

June 21st, 2007, 05:48 AM

^^naa pa yet oh :d

Samal Dream Resort
A 10 hectare Balinese -inspired resort

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q6/cionicboom/DSC00959a.jpg

KulasKusgan

June 23rd, 2007, 06:25 PM

;13789438']^^ darn di ko manlang alam na such a resort existed..

pang paradise and costa lang talaga ako :lol:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0051.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0011-2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0004-2.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0012.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0009.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0010-1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0056.jpg

alliele

June 25th, 2007, 07:58 AM

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0004-2.jpg

nice shots! pero ask ko lang.. ^^ high tide na ba yang water or low tide pa lang?

KulasKusgan

June 25th, 2007, 08:13 AM

nice shots! pero ask ko lang.. ^^ high tide na ba yang water or low tide pa lang?

high tide yan.

eto yong low tide:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0066.jpg?t=1182748345

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a157/kulaskusgan/IMG_0058.jpg?t=1182748383

SugarFreak

July 3rd, 2007, 09:11 AM

June 30, 2007
Bacolod promoted for medical tourism

To promote Bacolod City as a medical tourism destination, a group of medical practitioners and businessmen recently visited Bacolod to inspect its hospitals, facilities, beaches and spas.

The group visited Mambucal Resort, Riverside Medical Center and Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital. The Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital, which recently performed three successful kidney transplants, has also a renal treatment program, and helped five indigent patients with heart ailment last May who were sponsored by St. Scholastica's Alumnae Foundation. source (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/June/30/businessnews2.htm)

Photos:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/dfgdg.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/ghg.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/1151653287-1151653287.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/1151653339-1151653339.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/riverside_hospitalmidlandscapebacol.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/fghfjgj.jpg

kiretoce

July 13th, 2007, 03:05 AM

Beauty and the Beach (http://www.thestar.com/Travel/article/234365)
Shorter wait times, lower costs are making Asia the hot spot for going under the knife

They say a few weeks in the tropics does wonders for a person's constitution; most come back with a slight increase in energy, a healthy tan and a few less wrinkles.

But if your co-worker comes back from vacation with a new head of hair, a larger bust or minus that pesky heart condition that made them wheeze on the way to the water cooler, they've most likely taken advantage of what is emerging as a booming global trend – medical tourism (MT).

Ten years ago, going overseas specifically for medical care was nearly unheard of; last year, more than 1.3 million patients were treated in Asia alone, a rate that continues to grow at about 30 per cent a year. Business has been booming in India, Thailand, Singapore and even up-and-coming medical tourism destinations such as South Korea and the Philippines and shows no signs of letting up.

There are several reasons why medical tourism is such an attractive alternative, but cost is undoubtedly right up there – generally about one-tenth of what you'd pay at home. When you're on the wrong end of an expensive medical procedure – including cosmetic – that's a lot of money.

Popular media likes to spin medical tourism as essentially a quick surgery followed by a week on a beach sipping Mai-Tais, which is a bit more romantic than the reality.

"Actually," says Curtis Schroeder, group CEO of Bumrungrad International, "it's much less glamourous. You can't actually play in the sand or go scuba diving, for obvious medical reasons. But most of our patients still take full advantage of the air-con shopping malls, golf courses, food and culture."

Schroeder should know. Bangkok's Bumrungrad Hospital has been a press darling of late, capturing headlines in health, tourism and news publications around the world, with the investigative TV newsmagazine 60 Minutes calling it the "No. 1 international hospital in the world."

It's a reputation that the hospital has worked hard for.

"We were the first hospital in the world to be ISO 9001:2000 certified to European standards, which we then followed with accreditation under new Thai governmental regulations based on Canadian health care standards," Schroeder explains.

"Lastly, we were certified by the Joint Commission International, whose parent company is responsible for accrediting most hospitals in the U.S.

"Let me tell you," laughs Schroeder, "it was exhausting and very thorough. They had people here for a week interviewing patients, doctors, and staff, and going over every square inch of the place. The medical community was shocked that a Thai hospital was the first in Asia to get their accreditation."

Several hospitals have since followed suit, but Bumrungrad works hard to remain at the fore, with more than 20 offices around the globe. It serves more than one million patients every year, 8,000 of whom come from Canada.

Bumrungrad's reputation is well known locally, as well. When Richie Moore, an American expat living in Bangkok, was in a motorcycle accident with a tanker truck last year, he knew he had to head to Bumrungrad.

"I broke my right elbow, forearm, hip, and shattered my pelvis in six places, landing about 15 metres from my bike. I demanded that they take me to Bumrungrad, where my pain and anxiety quickly faded."

The care he received there sticks with him today. "I had four doctors and a fantastic orthopedic surgeon," he says. "I was on my back for three weeks and finally went home after I learned to sit, stand and begin to walk with a modified set of crutches. Total bill after 25 days in a personal room, two surgeries and physical therapy was $16,000 (Cdn.).

But if the shiny brochures and flashing Internet ads do promise sun, sand and surgery, can you trust them? What makes one hospital better than another? What can you do if something goes wrong?

One man who is trying to help answer these questions is Austin Brentley, a Bangkok-based American who has launched healthmedicaltourism.org, which aims to offer no-nonsense advice for those seeking medical care overseas.

"We want to be the Google of the medical tourism market," he says.

Brentley, a Harvard grad and world traveller several times over, found the impetus for his site when he went under the knife in Thailand. "I had lumbar surgery last fall and was so impressed with the care I received that I started to do some research. I found there was an unmet demand for a central repository of solid data, which was scattered and hard to find," he explains. "Our job is to gather all of this information together so users can decide whether MT is right for them."

Besides cost, some of the factors that give Asian medical tourism a bit more polish are the hospitality inherent to Asian cultures, and short wait times. "In my case, it was five days between my first visit and my surgery," marvels Brentley. "That's unheard of in most western countries." Schroeder echoes this comment.

"In the U.K. or North America, the average waiting time to see an oncologist is six months after you've been diagnosed with cancer. After hearing that, does it matter if it's free? No, I have a lump in my throat and I need to have it looked at. These are often life-and-death decisions."

In Asia, the average tourist spends about $152 (Cdn.) per day, while a medical tourist spends about $383 a day, a huge potential market for any country. In the U.S., several of South Carolina's massive BlueCross insurers have teamed up to offer Bumrungrad and other Asian hospitals as options to its 1.3 million members. Even corporations are beginning to take note.

"At a recent medical seminar I spoke at, some of the most interested people I talked to represented huge multinational U.S. companies," says Schroeder.

Clearly, the potential is massive. As the huge and economically vital baby-boomer generation slowly but surely continues to age, interest remains high.

After the 60 Minutes program, Bumrungrad received more than 13,000 emails requesting more information. Brentley adds, "When the Google ranking for HealthMedicalTourism.org rose to No. 1 or 2 for several days, we had to immediately upgrade our server to handle the extra traffic. It caused an incredible spike in viewers."

Naturally, travelling around the world for an operation continues to cause hesitation in many.

"It is a large leap of faith for anyone to consider overseas health care," says Schroeder. "But what many people find is that the service and care are arguably better than any you can get back home," to western countries.

He laughs again. "We actually have a lot more trouble keeping our Thai patients happy than we do with our expat patients."

Schroeder predicts that medical tourism to Asia could easily quintuple over the next five years.

===========================================================================

Do we have a hospital in Metro Manila (or in the Philippines as a whole) as well-known as Bumrungrad Hospital in the medical tourism field? :dunno:

amigo32

July 13th, 2007, 12:22 PM

Ito yata most advance in the country
http://www.themedicalcity.com/

heathcliff

July 13th, 2007, 01:23 PM

June 30, 2007
Bacolod promoted for medical tourism

To promote Bacolod City as a medical tourism destination, a group of medical practitioners and businessmen recently visited Bacolod to inspect its hospitals, facilities, beaches and spas.

The group visited Mambucal Resort, Riverside Medical Center and Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital. The Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital, which recently performed three successful kidney transplants, has also a renal treatment program, and helped five indigent patients with heart ailment last May who were sponsored by St. Scholastica's Alumnae Foundation.

Malaki ang potential ng Visayas sa medical tourism, especially since GMA is planning to make it the tourism hub. Since our islands are scattered unlike Luzon, there are plenty of nearby beaches to go to. In Metro Manila one has to travel out of town. In the Visayas you just ride a jeepney or tricycle, and many beaches are little known - more conducive to rest and relaxation than, say, Puerto Galera (the White Beach looks like Market Day!).

In Panay, Bohol, Cebu, Negros, etc. a medical tourist can find bucolic ambiance but at the same time will not miss modern conveniences like internet, malls, hotels, plus we don't have the lowlifes that abound in Metro Manila. It's also more convenient to go from one place to another, less traffic and air and noise pollution.

jonno

July 13th, 2007, 03:11 PM

^^

Yeah, we've got plenty of lowlifes here in Metro Manila, some of them getting paid billions of pesos a year by the taxpayers just to debate every day.:banana:

amigo32

July 13th, 2007, 03:21 PM

skunks debating everyday.

tigidig14

July 14th, 2007, 02:49 AM

ganda nga naman ^^ nung hospital ng mga bacolodians

dancethingy

July 14th, 2007, 10:09 AM

that's a real nice hospital there in Bacolod and i just want to add na madami akong ksama na pana dito sa hospital at ayoko sila sa pilipinas.

portludlow

August 22nd, 2007, 07:47 AM

RP enjoys edge in $40-B medical tourism

By Henry Empeño
Correspondent
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/08222007/economy02.html
SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—When medical patients could have kidney transplant in the Philippines for $25,000 instead of $150,000 in the United States, or save up to $4,500 from a comprehensive medical check-up here and relax in some vacation hideaway at the same time, would they opt to avail themselves of local medical services?

The answer is yes, said Health Undersecretary Jade F. del Mundo, who pioneered the medical tourism program of the Department of Health (DOH) in 2005.

With the rising cost of health care in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe, and the improvement of medical technology in developing countries, the Philippines is poised to corner a substantial portion of the $40-billion medical tourism industry, the health official said.

Subic, for one, is among the potential beneficiaries of the growing medical-tourism market worldwide, del Mundo said in a message read for him during the groundbreaking ceremony for the P200-million Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center here on Saturday.

Baypointe, which was put up by medical practitioners in Manila and Olongapo City, will be the first hospital in a tourism and business hub outside Metro Manila to be a member of the Philippine Medical Tourism Partner Association, the DOH executive said.

“[The Philippines] has a comparative advantage in three aspects,” del Mundo said, citing a competent, compassionate and caring human resource pool; favorable currency exchange rate; and exotic locales that would help attract tourist-clients to the country.

According to del Mundo, medical tourism is already a lucrative market that has earned for Thailand $1.5 billion in 2006.

The primary clients, he said, are those who cannot afford expensive out-of-pocket medical, surgical, dental and optical services in their own countries, but which could be had in countries like the Philippines at a fairly competitive price.

Del Mundo said that in the United States, for example, a bone-marrow transplant could fetch $250,000 when it could be done here at $20,000.

Cosmetic operations like liposuction or hair grafting are also cheaper here—$5,000 and $2,500, respectively—when charges in the US could be as high as $25,000 and $7,000, he added.

Aside from the significant price differential here that clients could take advantage of, there is also a shorter waiting period to get the required medical services.

“In countries like the United Kingdom, [patients] queue for months just to get a CT [computerized tomography] scan, MRI [magnetic resonance imaging], or cataract surgery,” the health official said.

He added that rich patients in countries without state-of-the-art medical facilities would also need the services and facilities offered by medical-tourism centers in the Philippines.

Del Mundo said that while the medical-tourism industry in the country is fairly young, the DOH has initiated a national medical-tourism program that would help the country catch up fast with industry leaders like Thailand.

He said the ease and affordability of foreign travel today and the prospects of fun and relaxation in an exotic destination are factors that would favor the Philippine medical-tourism industry in the long haul.

In the case of Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center, which seeks to establish a tertiary-level medical-tourism facility here in Subic, del Mundo said its location gives it a very distinct advantage over similar hospitals in the country.

“Baypointe is in the enviable position of being in a self-contained community with an independent power and water supply, an airport and seaport, duty-free shops, varied tourist spots, a captive patient population, and an environment that is very conducive to healing, rest and relaxation,” del Mundo noted.

“These are very important factors that will make [Baypointe] a very successful medical-tourism project in the region,” he added.

According to company officials, Baypointe will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scanner, advanced ultrasound and dialysis machines and high-tech cardiac equipment.

“This early, we want to dream big. We have plans to perform cardiac and transplant surgeries here, design health programs and packages, and provide executive check-ups and even cosmetic surgery,” said Dr. Roberto de Leon, an aesthetic surgeon who will be the hospital’s medical director.

At the same time, Baypointe officials pointed out that medical tourism will be a major thrust for the planned facility, exploiting as it will Subic’s exotic locale to attract local and foreign customers.

“It’s not by accident that we chose Subic; it is the most strategic and most logical choice,” said Dr. Amado Manuel Enriquez Jr., a cardiovascular-thoracic surgeon, who is Baypointe’s chairman of the board.

Enriquez said that aside from a large pool of highly skilled and English-proficient workforce, and business incentives to be derived from Subic’s free port status, Baypointe would gain from the clean environment and magnificent vista in Subic.

The project, he added, is a direct response to the government’s medical-tourism initiative, as well as to the SBMA’s social responsibility to promote a safe, healthy and environment-friendly working atmosphere.

kiretoce

August 26th, 2007, 03:34 AM

RP aggressively promoting medical tourism abroad (http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20070824115228652)

The government and the private sector are embarking on massive marketing promotions of the Philippine medical tourism abroad for the industry to achieve the $ 1-billion (P45 billion) revenue target for the next five to 10 years.

Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo, head of the Medical Tourism Program, said that aside from traditional markets, they are exploring new markets in Europe and the United States.

"This coming September, I would be speaking in a convention in Berlin on medical tourism that I would be marketing. Hopefully, this would be the start of our European leg of marketing promotions," he said.

Traditional markets for the Philippine medical tourism include the Pacific Island countries like Guam, Saipan , Marshall Islands and Hawaii, and even balikbayans from mainland USA and Canada and Middle East as well.

He said a group went to the US for a medical tourism roadshow in California, New Mexico and New York last May to promote the country’s medical tourism there, particularly to companies which have their own private insurances for their employees.

Del Mundo said they marketed the Philippine medical tourism program there to the agencies that send patients to hospitals in Southeast Asian countries mainly to Thailand , Malaysia, Singapore and India. These countries are the Philippines’ closest competitors in the medical tourism field.

“The team talked to insurance companies and to the companies themselves like Philip Morris, Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Inc. and other large and small companies in the US like General Motors. They also talked to Filipino-American groups in the US to convince them these organizations to patronize the medical and surgical services offered by hospitals in the Philippines,” he said.

Del Mundo expressed optimism these agencies could convince more foreign patients to the Philippines, citing the country’s distinct advantages such as competitive costs of services and the country’s hospitable, English-speaking, high quality medical labor force.

“Our medical rates are very competitive,” he boasted. “Our prices range from one-third to one-tenth of what it would cost in the US.”

The medical tourism industry had generated about $ 200 million in 2006 as against the $ 125-million target for the year. This was just a year after the full operations of the Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP).

“Our target this year is double at $ 400 million,” he said, adding that “We project that for every patient that goes back to their respective countries, they will advertise to at least two patients so, this will double the income. We are also targeting not only the $ 1,000 procedures but also the $ 5,000 and above procedures.”

Del Mundo noted the $ 5,000 medical procedures include cosmetic surgeries like the liposuction, breast implant, blepharoplasty for eyelids and facial cosmetic surgeries.

Highest revenue generating services commonly sought in the Philippines are life-saving procedures like coronary bypass surgery, kidney transplants, bone marrow transplants, cancer therapy and other specialized cardiac, lung, kidney and liver transplant.

Aside from such medical services, the Department of Tourism is actively promoting the traditional and alternative healthcare, the spa and other forms of therapies which are indigenous to the Philippines like the herbal food supplements, ‘hilot’ and massage therapies.

Aside from revenues it brings to the economy, Del Mundo said the rising medical tourism industry also offers employment opportunities not only in the medical field but also in the paramedical, tourism and trade fields.

“As the years go by, there are many competitors but with those concerns –insurance portability, facilities upgrade, human resource coming back to the Philippines and OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) supporting their relatives here in the country, that would be a lot of money for the Philippines,” he added.

TheRick

September 2nd, 2007, 02:55 AM

HILOT SPA NOW BEING RECOGNIZED

The traditional Filipino massage hilot is one of the hottest trends in spa today.
Hilot was, in fact, nominated as the "Spa Treatment of the Year" during the 2005 Baccarat Inaugural Awards in Hong Kong. Soon, the art of Filipino healing and massage will also be available in Europe. A
Philippine non-governmental organization and a company in Germany recently signed a memorandum of understanding for the transfer of technology and introduce hilot in Europe.

In the Philippines, all the Department of Tourism-accredited spas are now required to incorporate hilot in their massage therapies. Out of some 90 spas in the country, some 37 DOT- accredited spas are now
offering hilot to their local and foreign guests.

Leading the pack in Metro Manila is the luxurious Oriental Spa of the five-star Mandarin Hotel in Makati City. Run by Swedish spa consultant Ronald Decter, the Oriental Spa is now offering five types of hilot
massage therapies, with prices ranging from P1,800 to P3,200 for a 30 to 90-minute session. Other Manila hotels offering hilot massage are Westin, Oakwood, Manila Peninsula, Holiday Inn and Hyatt.

Posh resorts in the provinces that operate spas also include hilot in their menu of services. These include the Chi Spa of Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, Dos Palmas in Palawan, Norture in Tagaytay, San Benito in
Batangas, Ilang- Ilang in Tagaytay, and Punta Fuego in Batangas.

Shangri-La Hotels in Mandaluyong, Makati and Boracay will soon have their own spas that will carry hilot services, according to Marjorie Lopingco, who is joining the hotel chain as its spa consultant. Lopingco, who
is treasurer of the Spa Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SAPI), has been into spas, health and wellness business for six years now. She runs her own spas in Celebrity Sports Plaza in Quezon City and the
Bellevue Hotel in Alabang.

"Hilot is a deep tissue massage and in my spas, the Bellevue Spa Club and the Total Image day spa, we use banana leaves and virgin coconut oil," explains Lopingco.
Using warm banana leaves, which have antiseptic qualities, and virgin coconut oil, the hilot therapist can detect possible problem areas caused by some imbalance and disturbed flow of energy in the body,
according to Lopingco. The therapist then can focus on the problem area until balance and harmony are restored and there’s a feeling of relief, she says.

SAPI is on the forefront of campaigning and pushing for the promotion of hilot. Its efforts in convincing the country’s tourism officials of the potentials and attraction of hilot, particularly to foreigners, have obviously
paid off.
"What do we have to offer?” asks Lopingco. “Not the Thai massage. If we don’t have our own, we can’t compete globally in this kind of business."

"When SAPI launched hilot as a major platform to showcase the Filipino healing modalities," she says, "we could only hope that we can gather enough attention to our health and wellness program in this country."

Atho de la Cruz, hed of the membership committee of SAPI, adds: "We have also chosen hilot massage because it is something that can be explained scientifically."
"The government has responded very well," Lopingco says. "Now health and wellness is one of the major thrusts of government." Philippine booths in health and wellness trade shows abroad offer a taste of hilot
massage to stressed westerners.

On May 20, the DOT is holding a Hilot Festival in Quezon City. The DOT is also conducting training of hilot therapists in the Dagdagan traditional foot massage of the Mt. Province.

Hilot as an art of healing

"Wala pa ang mga Spanish sa Pilipinas, 500 years ago, ay may mga hilot na tayo," says Bibiano Fajardo, president of Association of Traditional Health Aid Givers Inc. or ATHAG. Bibiano, a chemical engineer
and businessman, has spent 40 years on what he calls the "industry of healing." He is one of the founding trustees of the Philippine Institute for Traditional Health Care.

Hilots, Bibiano says, are Filipino traditional healers based in the communities who deliver health services. Historians and scholars had associated the Filipino traditional hilot therapy with the traditional Chinese
medicine and the Ayuverdic or Indian traditional medicine. Somehow, under the Spaniards and Americans, this Filipino traditional medicine was largely ignored and suppressed.
"Hilot is a science, not all intuitive," insists Bibiano.

There are several types of hilots in the community, he explains. There’s the comadrona who is an expert in post-natal massage; the hilot, who is a bone setter; the acupressurist who aligns ugat (nerves) and balance
electrical energy into the body; the reflexologist, who drains excess energy; and the herbalist, who uses herbs in healing.

In addition, Bibiano says hilots provide value redirection and spiritual formation. Our hilot healing practices are unique, he adds, because they give impart honesty, sincerity, respect, humility, understanding,
discipline, and service to community and nature.

Hilot training for spa personnel lasts from three to six months. First, aspiring hilot therapists are taught to scan the back. “Malamig ba ito o mainit, and that tells the story,” Bibiano says. “Sunod ay sa paa, alamin
kung ano ang balanse.”
ATHAG provides hilot training in the community too. In Batangas, they have a "Call a Hilot Center," which is part of the "Hilot at Herbal sa Barangay Program."

"We’re teaching barangay health workers the healing process -- kapa sa likod, the nerve points, confirming this through reflexes in the foot,” Bibiano says. “We teach them the natural format of diagnosis using the
shape of face, color of the skin, or iridology. We teach them to gather herbs, we give them sambong, lagundi, tanglad, mansanilla to plant and propagate.

From its humble beginnings in the countryside, hilot is slowly finding its way to the most modern spas and wellness centers her and abroad. Finally the seeming magical and soothing powers of the lowly hilot can
now be experienced by more Filipinos and foreigners alike. Enough of Swedish and Thai massage.

Lili

September 2nd, 2007, 07:09 AM

Oh, so this is why they called this spa.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/1221527722_b1079ec55d.jpg

:lol:

midwestguy1

September 2nd, 2007, 08:03 AM

I thought HILOT means midwife there in the Philippines?? Wow, I love "masaje" myself....

ivanhenares

September 3rd, 2007, 08:58 AM

This is cool! Do you have a link to this article?

thomasian

September 3rd, 2007, 12:05 PM

Even in lesser known resorts, hotels, and spas, this hilot is kinda expensive. Certainly not the ordinary wage earners can afford to get this regularly or even try it just once. I guess we need to go to the provinces first to find an affordable hilot, but then that would entail spending for transportation so you'll end up still paying a lot. Now, is there an affordable hilot in MM?

Raven83

September 3rd, 2007, 12:10 PM

^^ yeah lakan,bodyhunks,utopia,manhunt etc......basa ka nang likod ng buyandsell...:D

seriously though, its very rare to find "hilot" massage here in Manila, since it's more of like associated with an old manang or lolo giving you out a massage. So majority of the spa here tries to offer international type of massage like thai or swedish....

kyle@1008

September 3rd, 2007, 12:12 PM

^^ my bestfriend used to go to this old guy, who great with hilot,

he's charge...50 pesos

anone

September 3rd, 2007, 01:22 PM

Sa Baliuag maraming manghihilot dati pati yung kapitbahay namin, ewan ko lang ngayon. Pero hilot ang dahilan kung bakit lumala ang bukol sa matres ng isa sa mga Tita kong matandang dalaga na nagpalaki sa akin.:(

ivanhenares

September 3rd, 2007, 02:24 PM

‘Hilot’ joins the big leagues
http://supplements.inquirer.net/mindandbody/main.php?content=spa011
By Anne Jambora
Inquirer

LONG before Western medicine became the established form of treatment in the country, there were the hilot, manghihilot and albularyo.

They were revered as healers and communities turned to them for relief from all ailments, minor or life-threatening.
Even as health and wellness became the byword of the new millennium, the traditional Filipino hilot remained for the longest time out of the limelight with the world focused on Thai, Swedish or shiatsu massages.

But now, hilot, the wellness regimen still practiced in some 42,000 villages in the Philippines, is quietly making its way to the cities, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) that made it part of the wellness tourism industry.

The Oriental Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Manila is among the industry players that have added this indigenous wellness regimen to its treatment options.

Bringing in hilot, said resident spa consultant Ronald D. Decter, was all about reviving a lost art of Filipino healing that fell victim to the onslaught of modern science.

"Hilot is a highly intuitive massage wherein the therapist identifies areas of energy imbalance in the body through touch diagnosis," said Elizabeth F. Nelle, director of product research and development of the DOT.

Customized

Nelle said while many popular massages had predetermined sequences of strokes, hilot was customized to the needs of clients. With hilot, she said, focus was not limited to the muscle or tissue alone. The therapy also sought to harness bio-energies for balance, harmony, health and wellness.

Bibiano S. Fajardo, president of the Association of Traditional Health Aid Givers, said hilot is the manipulation of electrical charges of the body that creates a biochemical reaction where it is needed. Negative nerve points were activated during hilot therapy, he said.

A liver, for instance, is supplied with precise electrical activity. If this delicate balance is disrupted and the problem is left unattended, it can lead to disease. Illnesses were manifestations of zero flow or activity of the nerves, Fajardo said.

A chemist by profession, Fajardo said a bout with progressive muscle dystrophy 34 years ago led him to the manghihilot. Bedridden for eight months, he tried every possible treatment offered by modern medicine. He said he only got back on his feet and resumed his work after three months of hilot sessions. Since then, he added, he made it his personal quest to learn the science behind hilot.

"To create a change in the body, we go by biochemical, electrical (urological) or electromagnetic fields (electrical conductivity). Hilot is energy manipulation, the science of thermal conductivity that must transfer heat from hot to cold. When this is done properly, the biochemical reaction brings balance once again to the body," Fajardo said.

Natural law

Spotting a fake hilot should be easy, Fajardo said. He said anything that did not conform to the natural law would cause pain, so if one felt sore after a hilot massage then something was not right.

A blood pressure of 200 must drop to 160 in two minutes, or the manghihilot was not well-trained, he added.
One of hilot’s distinct features is the use of warm strips of banana leaves laced with virgin coconut oil that are applied on the body before and after a session. Nelle said banana leaves were "naturally ionized and (determine) on a molecular level the bio-energy manifested on the skin and body parts."

This touch diagnosis determines what areas of the body have energy imbalance. The therapist then works on a personalized program to restore energy balance and achieve the goal of restoring the normal, natural functions of the body.

Nelle said hilot recently received international recognition. It made it to the roster of Spa Finder’s Hot and Getting Hotter List of 2006 trends. Last year it was nominated for Spa Treatment of the Year during the 2005 Baccarat Inaugural Award in Hong Kong.

"In every country, we see a growing appreciation, an awakening, to the value of traditional, natural medicine. The incorporation of [hilot] into our spa treatment options is a perfect fit. I believe we should not only provide relaxation, but should also contribute directly to health and well-being," Decter said.

Decter added that guests at The Oriental Spa would be treated to genuine hilot, not the "commercial spa massage" type, as therapists themselves underwent months of training under Fajardo.

The Oriental Spa, recognized as the Best Spa in the Philippines for three consecutive years by the Philippine Tatler, also launched new facial products and treatments from Decleor of Paris. Decleor, with over 25 years of experience in aroma-skincare, offers a holistic approach with pure and natural essential oils. It has been nominated for Best European Spa Cosmetic Product during an exhibition in Monte Carlo.

E-mail the author at ajambora@inquirer.com.ph

allan_dude

September 3rd, 2007, 03:31 PM

^^ my bestfriend used to go to this old guy, who great with hilot,

he's charge...50 pesos

Napilay ako dati tapos nagpa hilot ako. bayad ko lang P100. May free na "lana" at na X-ray pa ako. gamit nyang film dahon ng saging! :lol:

OtAkAw

September 3rd, 2007, 04:14 PM

Oh, I love hilot. I remember when I was a kid, I usually broke parts of my body and the friendly nearby manghihilot named "Apu Selma" would take care of everything and then I'm OK already. Sadly, the great manghihilot passed almost a decade ago.

Lili

September 3rd, 2007, 04:58 PM

amigo32

September 3rd, 2007, 05:47 PM

Napilay ako dati tapos nagpa hilot ako. bayad ko lang P100. May free na "lana" at na X-ray pa ako. gamit nyang film dahon ng saging! :lol:

noong bata din ako napilay ang kaliwang wrist ko, pinahilot ako, nagtataka ako ang hinilot sa akin yung dibdib at likod, hindi naman ako maka reklamo kasi bata at iyak lang ang alam ko.:lol: :lol: :lol: ayun hindi gumaling, ngayon dala dala ko pa rin ang dislocation ng joint ko.

newbie ata dinalhan sa akin kasi bata pa eh.

allan_dude

September 4th, 2007, 03:13 PM

^ Mukhang newbie nga! Wala pa syang X-ray.

icarusrising

September 5th, 2007, 10:30 AM

I forgot what docu type of show was it on local TV that featured as certain town in Bicol where you can find "hilot" on almost every corner. Maybe somebody here can recall it. The price there would probably be among the lowest.

For me "hilot" brings to mind the scent and feel of coconut oil. My Mom would send for the hilot whenever I had fever. I think there's this notion that "pilay" causes fever. The hilot of my childhood looked like a hag though she was a kind old lady. She had the aura of a mystic and believed that her ability's a gift. She said that her gift to heal was given to her through a dream. I gave her a hard time because I couldn't keep steady whenever those slippery hands touched my skin.

bariQ

September 5th, 2007, 10:40 AM

do hilots all have the samt techniques???
kase yung manghihilot namin noon, may laway-laway pa. tapos magboblow ng hangin... tapos masakit din. kase asthmatic ako... meron daw bukol na rason sa asthma ko.. but it even though it was painful, maganda nman pakiramdam ko. :cheers:

kyle@1008

September 5th, 2007, 10:45 AM

thomasian

September 5th, 2007, 10:51 AM

Minsan may kanya-kanya din silang mga gimik, diskarte, techniques, specializations, or promos (pahilot for 2 consecutive days and you get the third hilot on the third day free). :D

Meron akong nakita dati, pumunta sa bahay namin, yung papausukan ka nya bago yung treatment.

bariQ

September 5th, 2007, 11:05 AM

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :jk:

oi inde ha! matanda na yun:no: :nono: :tongue4: :weird: :naughty:

Raven83

September 5th, 2007, 11:17 AM

^^ hahahaha:lol:

Lili

September 5th, 2007, 08:07 PM

^^ :rofl:

allan_dude

September 5th, 2007, 10:23 PM

bariQ

September 5th, 2007, 10:35 PM

di ko na maalala... meron pa yung iba, may "lana"(oil) pa na may mystical powers kuno, may parang bark ng puno sa loob....

dito sa amin, ang sikat ay yung mga blind masseurs :D its very nice

portludlow

September 10th, 2007, 05:41 AM

We can actually be very competetive in this type of business. I hope the government and the private sector join hands to develop such facilities.

More facilities needed
for medical tourists
By Jun Vallecera
Reporter
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/09102007/economy01.html
THE few hundred foreign tourists who used to seek out Filipino faith healers in the 1970s now number in the hundreds of thousands a year, only this time they are in search of full medical service and recovery.

While their entry in the country has boosted tourism receipts, the local infrastructure has proven inadequate. Their numbers are just too much for most medical facilities to accommodate at the moment, the Travel Association of the Philippines said.

“Medical tourism is a very big market, but most of us are not equipped to handle the package of services required,” association president Teodoro Bautista said at a briefing hosted by his friends at the export sector.

He said the Medical City alone handles about 50,000 medical tourists a year, generating handsome foreign exchange profits for its owners.

Bautista said the sector has its own complaints arising also from the strengthening of the peso by over 6 percent since the start of the year.

But he would rather that the monetary authorities address it themselves than try to seek remedies from them.

But while Bautista acknowledged the industry’s general lack of understanding of the foreign exchange market, he revealed that industry members have started equipment and training programs in recent months to better address their problems.

A whole slew of facilities have to be built in order to help medical tourists recover faster, according to Bautista.

Medical tourism in the country traces its beginnings from the heyday of the 1970s when some of the world’s most famous faith healers were Filipinos, according to Bautista.

But while faith healing Filipino-style was a high-profile activity, it was also low-price, low-volume undertaking that brought a note of notoriety to the country in general.

All that, however, has changed in recent years when a new type of medical clients troop to the Philippines not for miracle cures but for the more scientific variety, Bautista said.

He said help from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, whatever that may be, would be welcome.

kiretoce

September 25th, 2007, 02:02 AM

Tourist Rx: Go abroad for medical care (http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/weekly_features/story/248576.html)

For surgeons in India, dentists in the Philippines, medical tourism is taking off -- and U.S. medical insurers are taking notice. Medicine is going global.

Vacation time isn't just for fun. Increasingly, people who have never left the United States before are traveling thousands of miles for complex medical procedures.

The reason is, simply, money. Treatments that would drive many people into bankruptcy at home often cost only a few thousand dollars in the developing world.

Added bonus: Medical tourists get to see another part of the world. But the risks can be significant. Imagine everything that can go wrong after surgery -- then imagine it going wrong in a strange city, 10,000 miles from home, in a country whose legal system may make it difficult or impossible to sue.

Still, the financial rewards are big enough, and the quality of care high enough, that growing numbers of Americans with limited or no insurance are outsourcing their medical care.

Take the case of Tim Devinney, a North Carolina Realtor who needed surgery to close a hole in his abdominal wall. Devinney, who is in his 40s, did not have insurance, and a doctor told him the surgery would cost about $30,000.

He put it off, but his intestine kept squeezing through the abdominal wall -- an incredibly painful experience that sent him to the emergency room several times.

Then he read a newspaper story about a North Carolina company that helped people -- mostly middle class and uninsured -- find medical treatment overseas. A few months later, he was on a plane to Delhi, India.

When Devinney landed, a driver was there to meet him. But his medical liaison, who was stuck in Delhi's notorious traffic, was not. The driver didn't speak much English.

"The driver just dropped me off at the emergency room and these people did not know who I was, " he says. "The doctor was ready to start an examination and I was like, 'No, you're not.' "

His liaison found him a few minutes later, and shepherded him through the admissions process. The hospital was a bit shabby -- no air conditioning in the hallways, interiors that felt older than those in U.S. hospitals. Some nurses wore gloves when they touched him; others didn't.

But, he says, "where they were way ahead was in patient care. . . . The night before I had the procedure, I had six doctors in my room for an hour, talking with me about the procedure, answering questions. That's unheard of here."

The cost of the entire 10-day trip -- including airfare, the hotel stay and all of his medical bills -- was less than $5,000, one sixth what the procedure would have cost in the United States.

THE NEW PATIENT

In many ways, Devinney is typical of the new wave of medical tourists. In the past, those who traveled abroad for care often had family overseas, and typically went for minor or elective procedures, such as dental work or cosmetic surgery.

To be sure, many still make such trips.

Abella Bayanos of Miami took her son home to the Philippines this summer after she learned that he needed dental work that would have cost $7,000 here. The whole trip, including the dental work in Baguio City and two round-trip tickets bought at the last minute, cost just over $3,000.

"For me, I think if there's any kind of problem again I'd rather go back to the Philippines, " Bayanos says. "It's a lot cheaper."

More and more, though, medical tourists are going to unfamiliar countries for complex treatments such as orthopedic surgery and cardiac procedures. For the most part, these are working people who are under-insured or uninsured -- though this may soon change.

Several large corporations are considering adding overseas medical treatment to the range of options for employees with health insurance, says Dr. Arnold Milstein, of Mercer Human Resource Consulting, who has been retained by five Fortune 500 companies (he won't say which) to figure out whether outsourcing healthcare is a viable option in some cases. One option under consideration to make the trip more palatable: Covering all of the employee's out-of-pocket expenses, along with a round-trip ticket for a spouse or other caregiver.

Price discounts vary widely, but Milstein says savings of 60 percent are realistic, after factoring in roundtrip airfare for the patient and a companion, the cost of the procedure itself, and food and lodging during the recovery process. Anecdotal reports show even greater discounts.

TOUGH STANDARDS

Of course, price is the easy part. More difficult is finding a hospital with highly trained staff, and the equipment and training to handle the wide range of problems that can arise during or after any medical procedure.

One useful indicator is accreditation by Joint Commission International, the international wing of the Joint Commision on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, or JCAHO, the most important source of hospital accreditation in the United States Joint Commission International was launched in 1998 and has now accredited roughly 100 hospitals in 25 countries, said Anne Rooney, JCI's vice president of consulting. She said the international accreditation standards are based on U.S. standards, with modifications that suit local customs and regulations.

Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, one of the best known of the JCI-certified hospitals, now claims more than 400,000 international patients (inpatient and outpatient) per year.

"You go to Bumrungrad's website and you say 'I'd like to see a rheumatologist, or a gynecologist, or an orthopod, ' " says Claudia Auger, who retired from Miami to Bali and has been to the Bangkok hospital several times. "There's a link to all those doctors. Then you can click on their name and up comes a photo of them and a full bio."

Auger, who chose a doctor who trained at the Mayo Clinic, likes the customer-service side of Bumrungrad.

"You are not held to wait, " she says. "You are walked to your next appointment. When you go to pay for your whole procedure, they hand you any drugs that have been prescribed."

MIDDLEMEN

In the United States, several small companies have sprung up to act as middle-men, helping U.S. consumers find doctors abroad.

Stephanie Sulger, a nurse in New York, launched Medical Tours International five years ago, and now works with a team of doctors and nurses screening both overseas hospitals and U.S. patients.

She tries to warn off those who are too sick to make a long journey, or those with unsafe medical plans.

"People are getting too much cosmetic surgery at one time, " she says. "They'll go overseas and get a complete body lift. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has clearly said you shouldn't be getting this much plastic surgery at one time, even here."

Despite the recent boom in medical tourism, the number of South Florida patients coming in for help for problems after an overseas cosmetic procedure goes wrong seems to be declining, according to Dr. Onelio Garcia, a Hialeah plastic surgeon who chairs the board of trustees of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons.

"There was a time around the turn of the century where this was a weekly event where some nightmare was showing up in an emergency room in this town, " he says. "We see it less now than we used to . . . I think people are more aware of the risks."

The problem hasn't disappeared, though. And often, Garcia says, issues arise not because of incompetence on the part of the overseas doctor but because the patient does not have access to follow-up care and so does not address post-operative complications as soon as they arise.

But even with risks such as these, the global economics of health care mean medical tourism will continue to grow, says Milicia Bookman, an economist at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia who lives in Miami and is writing a book on the subject.

"Medical tourism has the possibility of being the great health care equalizer in this country, " she says. "You've got highly trained, western trained physicians using state of the art technology. What more do you want?"

ROAD TO RECOVERY

For Devinney, the North Carolina Realtor, the answer might have been home sweet home.

His surgery last year went well, and a few days later he moved into a nearby hotel. But he was alone, and the recovery proved emotionally difficult at times.

"Being in a strange country where you don't know anyone -- even though they're all very nice -- it's not the same. There's that loneliness."

Despite that, he'd do it again, he says. "I would recommend it to someone else. But I would say don't expect it to be exactly what you would get here. In some ways it is going to be better, [in others] it's going to be not as good."

MEDICAL TOURISM: WHAT TO ASK

If you're considering going abroad for a medical procedure, check out the following information before you make reservations:
* Is the hospital accredited by Joint Commission International, the global arm of the U.S.-based hospital-accreditation group? A list of accredited facilities is available on the group's website, www.jointcommissioninternational.com or call 630-268-2900.
* Find out where your doctor was trained, and whether he or she is board-certified in an appropriate specialty. Experts recommend doctors trained in the United States, Great Britain, Canada or Australia.
* Find out how many times your doctor has performed the procedure you are going for. More is better.
* Make sure your overseas doctor reviews all of your medical records, and talk with him or her before you leave the U.S.
* You'll be in a foreign country; don't expect everything to be just like home.
* Have a plan for how you will find care once you return home, should any problems arise.
* Consider a medical evacuation insurance policy in case something goes seriously awry. (Check out Medjet Assistance, www.medjetassistance.com or 800-527-7478, or other policies via www.insuremytrip.com or 800-487-4722.)

WHERE TO GO

Sites that serve medical tourists are springing up worldwide. Here are a few popular destinations:
* Costa Rica is known for dentistry.
* Brazil is recognized for plastic surgery.
* India has several large hospitals, including Apollo in Delhi and Wockhardt in Mumbai, that perform cardiac, orthopedic and other complex procedures.
* Thailand is home to Bumrungrad, a full-service hospital that is one of the world's largest and best known centers of medical tourism.

SugarFreak

September 29th, 2007, 10:42 AM

one encounters Atty Sammy Palanca poring over documents and plans for projects that are income-generating. The latest is his idea of putting up a lying-in maternity clinic and a modern Diagnostic Center adjacent to their on progress Horizon towers condominium and a Pavillion resort and hotel expansions... other one 5th district Cong Arroyo of Negros Occidental is activating a plan to build a spanking new hospital worth P400-M in the present compound where the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital sits... But the old hospital will not be torn down as hospital authorities want to preserve the historical structure...

June 30, 2007
Bacolod promoted for medical tourism

To promote Bacolod City as a medical tourism destination, a group of medical practitioners and businessmen recently visited Bacolod to inspect its hospitals, facilities, beaches and spas.

The group visited Mambucal Resort, Riverside Medical Center and Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital. The Our Lady of Mercy Specialty Hospital, which recently performed three successful kidney transplants, has also a renal treatment program, and helped five indigent patients with heart ailment last May who were sponsored by St. Scholastica's Alumnae Foundation. source (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2007/June/30/businessnews2.htm)

Photos:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/dfgdg.jpg
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t226/cosmosnegros/riverside_hospitalmidlandscapebacol.jpg

Malaki ang potential ng Visayas sa medical tourism, especially since GMA is planning to make it the tourism hub. Since our islands are scattered unlike Luzon, there are plenty of nearby beaches to go to. In Metro Manila one has to travel out of town. In the Visayas you just ride a jeepney or tricycle, and many beaches are little known - more conducive to rest and relaxation than, say, Puerto Galera (the White Beach looks like Market Day!).

In Panay, Bohol, Cebu, Negros, etc. a medical tourist can find bucolic ambiance but at the same time will not miss modern conveniences like internet, malls, hotels, plus we don't have the lowlifes that abound in Metro Manila. It's also more convenient to go from one place to another, less traffic and air and noise pollution.

that's a real nice hospital there in Bacolod and i just want to add na madami akong ksama na pana dito sa hospital at ayoko sila sa pilipinas.

3cr

October 22nd, 2007, 11:10 AM

85% of RP health care professionals now abroad
By Mayen Jaymalin
PhilStar
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20071021125

With 85 percent of the country’s health care professionals working abroad, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III admits that the medical system is in crisis, and a “collapse” could not be far behind.

For every 100 health professionals, 88 have left in search of high-paying jobs outside the country, Duque said.

“The health care delivery system in the Philippines has gone critical, almost desperate,” Duque said during awarding of The Outstanding Filipino Physician (TOFP) at the Manila Hotel Thursday night.

Due to this exodus, he said only one government doctor is available for every 28,000 Filipinos.

“By any meter stick, the ratio could only mean the under-delivery of medical services to many of our countrymen,” Duque lamented.

He added that the best doctors are concentrated in Metro Manila and other urban centers where medical practice is more lucrative to the disadvantage of patients in the rural areas.

To make the situation worse, Duque said fewer medical graduates are passing the licensure examinations.

“Low number of medical graduates passing the licensure examination while the monthly pay of new doctors joining the government remains low – make a potentially disastrous brew that could lead to the potential collapse of public health care delivery in the Philippines,” he said.

But Duque expressed optimism that the grim scenario could be prevented as the Department of Health and other agencies embarked on the search for outstanding Filipino doctors.

With the TOFP, Duque said good Filipino doctors and other health care professionals would hopefully be encouraged to stay and render their services here.

“Their examples (of the chosen outstanding Filipino doctors) in living up to the Hippocratic oath are exactly what this country needs. Their brand of quiet heroism is a timely counterpoint to a nation that is desperately in search of real self-sacrificing leaders,” Duque said.

The health chief is also hopeful that with the TOFP, criticisms against Filipino medical practitioners like the recent slur in one of America’s biggest television shows would be prevented.

“With the TOFP awards in place, any snide (remark) at Filipino doctors in the future must not bother us even if it is made in a top-selling television show like ‘Desperate Housewives,’ which they are – desperate,” he said.

Duque said America has not seen the best and brightest Filipino doctors yet like TOFP awardees Dr. Charlotte Chiong, Dr. Enrique Ona, Dr. Willie Ong, Dr. Carmencita Padilla and Dr. Eric Talens.

The awardees were cited for demonstrating professional excellence in their respective fields, and for making a big difference in the service of the people, especially the poor.

By recognizing the life-saving contributions of our doctors, we have started our national campaign for patriotism,” Duque said.

The five awardees bested 72 nominated Filipino physicians, 37 of whom were short-listed and about 19 doctors emerged as semifinalists. But only five were chosen after a thorough scrutiny by a eight-man board of judges.

kiretoce

December 9th, 2007, 06:02 PM

RP seen making name in major medical procedures (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=105810)

MANILA, Philippines -- The local medical tourism industry is building up a reputation as a destination for major medical procedures.

Ruy Y. Moreno, director of the National Competitiveness Council, said in an interview that there were about 100,000 foreign patients that sought medical services in 2006 in various hospitals across the nation.

He said the usual services tapped were in the areas of ophthalmology, dentistry and cosmetic surgery.

However, Moreno said current promotional efforts aimed to position medical facilities in the country as capable of providing major procedures, including heart surgery.

"We are not catching up with our neighbors like Thailand in medical services that are relatively not invasive," Moreno, who is also vice chair of the not-for-profit organization Center for Global Best Practices, said. "Our niche is the market segment that needs more complicated procedures."

The doctors that are attracting foreigners in need of medical services are those trained in the United States.

"There are 500 to 700 Filipino doctors who are board-certified (licensed) in the US but are practicing here or are dividing their time between the US and the Philippines," Moreno said.

"At this point, foreign patients need to know that they would be dealing with doctors of such qualifications but at less cost," he added. "Hopefully, the country can build up on this and that local doctors would be known for their skills regardless of where they were trained."

Moreno said efforts to promote medical tourism was being realized through partnerships between the government and the private sector, particularly through medical roadshows and Department of Tourism missions in North America and Europe.

In the meantime, Rizalino Navarro, chair of the Committee on Health and Wellness of the Task Force on Globally Competitive Service Industries, said key players in the medical tourism industry had already been implementing various strategies to achieve the industry's target revenue of $2 billion in five years.

Navarro said they were focusing on niche markets, particularly the United States and Middle East with six million overseas Filipinos, and regional neighbors Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

He said medical services commonly sought in the Philippines were life-saving procedures like coronary bypass surgery, kidney transplantation, bone marrow transplants, cancer therapy and other specialized cardiac, lung, kidney and liver transplant.

Navarro said the industry already generated about $200 million in 2006 as against the $125-million target for the year.

tigidig14

December 10th, 2007, 08:11 AM

kailangan kong magpatabas ng konteng taba sa gilid ng tyan ko
ayaw maalis, magkano ba

amigo32

December 10th, 2007, 01:13 PM

por kilo daw eh, depende.

santa penge ng pamasko, ayoko nt taba mo.

3cr

December 26th, 2007, 10:42 AM

Medical tourism law pushed
By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=108823

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP) has earned some $350 million and opened satellite offices in two cities in Europe, and is preparing for a "road show" in three other cities in the same continent next year.

And yet, more efforts are being exerted to boost the country's quiet moneymaker. Government officials steering the PMTP are preparing a Medical Tourism Bill that would "institutionalize" the thriving sector responsible for the Philippines' added prominence on the global medical map.

"We really need all the support we can get, and this includes support from our Congress," said Dr. Jade del Mundo, head of the highly successful program.

The draft of the bill is expected to be completed next year, and Cibac Rep. Joel Villanueva is being considered as its sponsor, Del Mundo said.

The idea is to enhance the partnership between the government and the private sector to further boost the program, he said.

According to Del Mundo, the Philippines is running fifth among Asian countries in the medical tourism industry. The field is topped by Thailand, followed by India, Singapore and Malaysia.

3 'high-end' fields

With a Medical Tourism Law in place, the PMTP is expected to encourage more local scientists to venture into other promising areas such as cancer cellular immunology, stem-cell therapy, and regenerative medicine.

These three "high-end" fields are the program's latest features, and the government has opened offices in Paris and Prague to introduce these to the European market, Del Mundo said.

So far, he said, the three procedures had drawn some 30 European patients.

"These fields are the future of our medical tourism program," Del Mundo said.

In simpler terms, he said, the Philippines now had the technology to develop a new kidney in an ailing patient, as well as the capability to treat cancer through "immunotherapy."

Particularly involved in the three high-end procedures are National Kidney and Transplant Institute, The Medical City, St. Luke's Medical Center and Lung Center of the Philippines, Del Mundo said.

The PMTP will be further promoted in the "road show" scheduled early next year in Milan, Berlin and London, he said.

flesh_is_weak

December 26th, 2007, 10:55 AM

just a thought, how would Medical Tourism affect the organ-trade black market?

arnolds

January 4th, 2008, 03:58 PM

New website launched for a company I'm involved in.

www.philmedtourism.com

Comments would be appreciated. :banana:

icarusrising

January 23rd, 2008, 07:09 AM

Medical tourism brings in $300 M in revenues in 2 years – DOH

By Sheila Crisostomo

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Philippine Star Online
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080122146

Medical tourism has brought in some $300 million in revenues since it was launched two years ago, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said recently.

DOH Undersecretary Jade del Mundo said the revenues were from some 200,000 patients who came to the Philippines since 2006 for their medical and wellness needs.

“That included foreign patients, expatriates or those working for different corporations who already live here in the Philippines and Filipinos based abroad. If they are holding foreign passports, they are included in the list,” Del Mundo said in an interview.

The DOH and the Department of Tourism have launched “Philippine Medical Tourism (PMT)” to promote the country as a destination for those in need of medical attention and wellness care.

The official website of the PMT defines medical tourists as those who are “generally residents of the industrialized nations of the world (and) the countries where they travel are typically the less developed ones with favorable currency exchange ratios.”

“More and more people from all over the world are traveling to other countries not only as tourists who come for sightseeing and shopping but also to get medical, dental, and surgical services from hospitals and other health destinations,” the website said.

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry in countries like Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hungary, India, Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand.

Del Mundo added that the Philippines has 35 participating hospitals and stand-alone surgical facilities that accept medical tourists.

“Usually they come here for eye surgery, refractive eye laser surgery, cataract surgery, dental prosthesis, dental implant, cosmetic dental procedures, cardiovascular, coronary artery bypass procedure, dermatology, cosmetic and plastic surgery,” he said.

But Del Mundo said they observed that bariatic surgery is “becoming popular” among medical tourists in the country. This procedure, also known as weight loss surgery, pertains to the modification of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce nutrients intake or absorption.

Under the PMT project, the DOH has some private offices or “integrators” in some parts of the world that facilitate the travel of medical tourists here. Most of the patients come from the United States, Guam, South African countries, Canada, South Korea, China and Japan.

The DOH also has a tie-up with some hospitals in those countries, facilitating the transfer of patients.

“We also have two hospitals in Europe – one is in Paris and one is in Czechoslovakia,” Del Mundo said.

The DOH will soon come up with a comprehensive guidebook on medical tourism to further promote the country as a destination for medical tourists.

Del Mundo added that the DOH is confident the project would meet its $1-billion target by 2012

icarusrising

February 2nd, 2008, 08:46 AM

Quota on foreign transplants to be lifted
By Sheila Crisostomo

Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Philippine Star

The Department of Health (DOH) will lift the limit set for foreign patients that can undergo organ transplant in the country for the sake of Filipino patients who cannot afford a similar surgery.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that under a new Administrative Order on organ donation and transplantation that he is about to sign, the 10-percent quota set in the old AO would be revoked.

“The 10-percent (limit) has no basis. When we were asking what’s the basis of the 10 percent, nobody can give us a clear answer. It’s like a figure that was taken out of the blue,” he said.

But Duque assured the people that when the quota is lifted, poor Filipino patients will not be on the losing end, because foreign patients who will undergo transplant in the country will be required to subsidize local patients and their donors.

“Every foreign patient that will come here will have to support one local patient and the donor for that local patient plus his own donor. So he has to subsidize three people,” he added.

Under the plan, a foreign patient would put up an insurance policy for the two donors and the local patient that he will sponsor.

The insurance must cover a “protection package” for lost productivity, health and livelihood.

A majority of organ transplants performed in the Philippines involved kidney patients.

At the government-run National Kidney and Transplant Institute alone, 98 percent of the over 3,500 transplant operations done there involved kidneys. The cost of operation can reach P800,000 for both the patient and the donor.

Last year, the DOH had initiated a review of the policies on organ donation and transplant amid reports that the procedures, particularly kidney transplants, have already been penetrated by syndicates.

In the old AO, a hospital can earmark only 10 percent of all transplant procedures performed there for foreign patients.

But during public consultations conducted by the DOH, there were proposals to lift the quota, provided that each foreign patient will help a Filipino patient.

Duque maintained that even if the limit is in effect, there is no assurance that Filipino patients will be able to undergo transplant procedures due to budgetary considerations.

“If Filipino patients cannot afford the operation because of poverty, will you close the door to foreign patients who need to be helped and saved? It’s impractical. They can come in and let’s make them help Filipino patients,” he said.

Duque said the DOH would put up a registry to prevent abuses and exploitation of donors. One cannot donate unless he is listed in the registry.

He added that an agency would be created to supervise donation and transplant procedures.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080201166

odyssey

March 7th, 2008, 04:50 AM

$10-million surgery center rises in Subic
http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW030708/content.php?id=043

FILIPINO health care firm TotalMED Subic Corp. has put up a $10-million medical and wellness center in the Subic Bay Freeport.

The facility, inaugurated last week, is the first free-standing, full-service ambulatory surgery center in the Freeport area, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza said in a statement.

TotalMED partnered with Taiwanese health care products manufacturer MedTecs for this venture.

"This presents a high income-generating potential for Subic Bay, which has an excellent environment that is naturally conducive to healing," Mr. Arreza said.

Citing government data, he said the estimated total revenue generated by medical tourism in Asia amounted to $2.5 billion in 2006. This is expected to grow further to about $4.5 billion in 2012.

The same statement quoted Raymond Ricardo, president and chief executive officer of TotalMED, as saying that his company plans to put up more medical facilities and services in the country.

TotalMED is targeting the more than 100,000 employees of companies located in Subic and Clark free ports; some 5,000 retired US servicemen residing in the Subic-Clark area; as well as medical tourism clients from the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, and Asia.

"With the completion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway project [by the end of this April], we are also anticipating a heavy influx of patients from the northern part of Luzon, like Baguio City, Ilocos, Tarlac, and Pampanga," Mr. Ricardo said. — BSSD

Fundador

March 29th, 2008, 05:40 AM

A health haven for the country’s medical tourism

It is undeniable that healing is natural in our country.

Even if different local personalities travel to western countries for health treatments, it is a fact that medical tourism is currently flourishing in the Philippines. More than technologically advanced machinery, we have talented medical professionals who possess the warmth and care which makes our country popular around the globe.

The progress of medical tourism is not surprising since we have the knowledge of the west and the traditions of the east. Our doctors and nurses are some of the most sought-after in the health industry. Foreigners come to our country not just for the sights but also for medical and wellness reasons; thus, the Department of Tourism and various private sectors have gone all out to promote this lucrative branch of tourism.

Among the country’s health destinations is Amezcua Wellness Center, which is the first urban medi-spa in the country. It combines the science of healing and the art of wellness with treatments performed by professionals in the industry to address issues relating to the body, mind, and spirit. A holistic experience and a path to a healthy lifestyle await those who enter the sanctuary.

Unlike the usual ambiance of hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities, which sometimes make patients even more uncomfortable, Amezcua welcomes its guests with a relaxing atmosphere in its zen-inspired lobby. Aromatherapy is instantly offered by the soothing scent of its interiors.

Aside from its impressive structure, Amezcua also offers the assurance of its procedures with its highly qualified staff. Heading their impressive lineup is Amezcua’s medical director Edwin Arellano Bien, M.D., who is accredited both in the Philippines and the United States, and is an authority in iridology, acupuncture, moxa and acupressure, colonic hydrotherapy, and nutritional assessment. He is also the founder of the Iridology Association of the Philippines.

Looking at their menu of services will also show that, more than curing patients, they look closely at ways to prevent illnesses and act on them before they even occur. Living in the urban zone, where people are usually exposed to harmful elements in the environment, increases the importance of looking after one’s health, which is why Amezcua offers a variety of treatments from sophisticated medical procedures to fun and exciting workout programs.

Included in its medical services are the Body Terrain Analysis, where state-of-the-art equipment is used to check the blood, urine, and saliva to detect the oxygen and electron content of the body organs; live blood analysis, where the components of your blood will flash on an LCD screen while the diagnosis is explained; iris analysis; colon hydrotherapy, where the system is cleansed through water infusion and subsequent flushing; traditional Chinese acupuncture; and "Jade mat" therapy. Many other spa services conducted by certified physical therapists and professionals are also available in Amezcua.

Quality and efficiency cannot be compromised when it comes to procedures concerning health. The Philippines has proven to be a hub for medical and therapeutic treatments, and the continuous development of these possibilities is needed to continue accomplishments such as this. The potential is rapidly increasing, which is why health establishments such as Amezcua Wellness Center play a big role in our country’s medical tourism. www.mb.com.ph

3cr

May 19th, 2008, 09:31 AM

Health scams deterring RP's medical tourism bid
ABS-CBN News
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=117553

Recent health-related scandals could dampen the Philippine's bid as a medical tourism destination, a congresswoman leading a legislative investigation into the issue said Thursday.

Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin said she also fears that health maintenance organizations (HMOs) considering investments in the Philippines might be turned off by the country's notoriety for health scams.

"As far as our medical tourism is concerned, this [insurance fraud] is one factor that is deterring our take off," Garin, a doctor by profession, said in an interview on ANC's "News at 8" Thursday morning.

Garin spoke about the US veteran fund scam where hospitals and medical practitioners are believed to have connived with US veterans to avail of
bogus health claims, some of which were allegedly padded by as much as 2,000 percent.

The anomalies are now the subject of US court cases.

A US federal judge has already ordered a Philippine company, Health Visions Corp., to liquidate all assets within 10 months to pay up the $100 million it
swindled from the US military's health insurance program. This came after the company pleaded guilty to uncovered fraud.

In her own investigation, Garin has noted that some of the institutions and personalities involved in the US veterans pension scam may be the same ones involved in an earlier anomaly in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth).

Last year, Philhealth uncovered a scam involving padded claims for cataract operations.

Garin said hospitals and medical practitioners participating in such scams are tainting the image of the Philippine medical community, dashing hopes that it can be considered as a medical tourism destination.

“If we talk about HMOs in other countries who would like to invest in our medical tourism industry, they always have the claim that if Philippines is noted for fraud what are we going to do about this?” Garin added.

Bad rep

Meanwhile, reports have said that the Philippine government has earned a bad reputation because of the perception that it is not doing much to help in the investigation and prosecution those involved in the scams.

An Associated Press report quoted Assistant US Attorney Peter Jarosz as saying that some of those indicted remain free, partly “because requests to extradite suspects from the Philippines have rarely succeeded.”

The same report quoted a spokesman for Pentagon's Tricare Management Activity, which runs the US military's pension program, as saying that other problem include language barriers, a lack of cooperation from providers and limited law enforcement resources.”

Garin then made an appeal to the Philippine government to help expedite the investigations as she noted that some doctors involved in some of the cases
have expressed desire to turn state witness.

Aside from the US pension fund scam, the Philippine medical industry was rocked by the scandal involving several doctors and nurses who allegedly violated the privacy of a patient when they took video footage of the operation to remove a body spray canister stuck from his anus.

The incident, dubbed the "Cebu canister scandal," is now the subject of a court case.

kiretoce

May 30th, 2008, 10:23 PM

Health benefits of thermal baths (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20080530-139847/Health-benefits-of-thermal-baths)

Budapest, which is divided by the River Da nube into two parts Buda and Pest, impresses visitors as a modern Hungarian city with cosmopolitan charm, but the mixture of architectural styles of its old buildings is also fascinating. One finds buildings with neo-Gothic façade, but with Renaissance and Baroque layout.

Aside from its architectural treasures, another tourist attraction in Budapest are the thermal baths, much bigger than the ones we have in Los Baños in Laguna. They are found right in the heart of the city and the local residents believe, as the ancient Romans did, that regularly bathing in these pools confers a lot of health benefits. This practice is already an ingrained part of the Hungarian culture. Visitors from nearby countries in Europe come regularly to have their hydrotherapy in the thermal baths.

Truly soothing, relaxing

The Romans built several of these thermal baths, some of which are still functioning today. The baths source their water from natural thermal and mineral water deep in the ground.

Indeed, immersing oneself in the baths can be a truly soothing and relaxing experience. One can feel one’s stiff muscles, strained by stress of daily work, relax. Taut ligaments also loosen up. Thermal baths have also been reported to help treat other medical conditions including rheumatism, circulatory problems, insomnia, bronchial asthma and gynecological disorders. The list of reported health benefits is quite long making one suspect that it’s too good to be true.

The truth is, there are meager scientific studies of these postulated benefits from thermal baths or spa. But I think no one will question the soothing relief of warm water therapy in pain relief, joint mobility and relaxation.

Health hazards

Soaking or swimming in thermal baths however is not without hazards. The health hazards include those associated with swimming pools, especially if the water is not drained regularly from the pools. The warm, nutrient containing, aerobic water in thermal baths is an ideal breeding ground for many organisms, such as Legionella pneumophila, the cause of legionellosis (legionnaires’ disease) and the virulent Pseudomonas aerugionosa, which causes pneumonias and skin abscesses.

Natural hot spas may also contain a species of amoeba that can cause meningitis. One can also get infections of the ear (otitis externa), urinary tract, respiratory tract, eye and wounds from thermal baths and spas.

The high temperatures in some types of spas also exacerbate the effects of alcohol or drugs and reports of people drowning in the baths are not that rare. All cases of deaths have been attributed to the high water temperature and use of alcohol or drugs.

Because spas can be a virtual Petri dish for bacteria, viruses and fungi, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a program on water sanitation; and has issued guidelines for spas.

Rich in natural elements

Natural thermal baths just like the ones we have in Los Baños, draw water from deep in the ground which gets filtered through rock strata. The water is rich in natural elements such as calcium from limestone strata, magnesium from dolomites, iron in suspension, fluoride and several other trace elements. Waters from volcanic sources may contain high concentrations of sodium and bicarbonates. This gives them a natural effervescence, so water bubbles from underneath the ground.

The water from thermal baths is classified as either mineral or spring water. No therapeutic claims are made for spring water. The waters may be either alkaline (pH above 7) or acidic. These waters, with some filtration and other simple means of purification, can actually be safe for drinking.

Our local tourism should perhaps invest in promoting our thermal baths in Los Baños. But our health authorities should first make sure the water in these baths is regularly checked for microorganisms. We don’t want these baths to earn the notoriety of being thermal disasters.

absinthe_888

June 21st, 2008, 07:19 PM

Discovery Shores Boracay Island

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/6024/dsc04898he8.jpg

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/2126/dsc04899sk2.jpg

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/891/dsc04900xt2.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8430/dsc04912fb9.jpg

Manny Pacquiao's Crib in Boracay
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8206/dsc04994id2.jpg

etienne

June 21st, 2008, 07:38 PM

The Boracay West Cove? yung illegal daw ang construction kasi kulang sa permit!

absinthe_888

June 21st, 2008, 08:19 PM

The Boracay West Cove? yung illegal daw ang construction kasi kulang sa permit!

meh ari ba nun eh si Cris Aquino, yung flag bearer ni Manny sa mga fights nya?

iamjomar

June 21st, 2008, 08:54 PM

Discovery shores is frequently featured in ABS' trip na trip.

le Reine

June 22nd, 2008, 10:18 AM

parang gusto kong makapatay ng tao makapunta lang diyan. :lol::laugh:

iamjomar

June 22nd, 2008, 12:53 PM

^^kaylangan pa talaga pumatay eh noh makapunta lang dyan hahaha

diehardbisdak

June 24th, 2008, 10:46 AM

Hilton Cebu Resort Hotel & Spa
@Kjaex Pics at Flickr!

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/Kjaex_flickr_hiltonpic2.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/Kjaex_flickr_hiltonpic1.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m195/diehardbisdako/Kjaex_flickr_hiltonpic3.jpg

iamjomar

June 24th, 2008, 07:50 PM

Discovery Shores Boracay Island

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/6024/dsc04898he8.jpg

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/2126/dsc04899sk2.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/8430/dsc04912fb9.jpg

Manny Pacquiao's Crib in Boracay
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8206/dsc04994id2.jpg

Boracay Island was one of the most badly striken by Frank, how are these hotels and resorts doin?

Sinjin P.

June 25th, 2008, 04:49 AM

I've heard the whole island is currently deserted. :dunno:

Grandew09

June 25th, 2008, 12:35 PM

I've heard the whole island is currently deserted. :dunno:

Sana magalit si mother nature at sirain nia mga kalat diyan sa boracay....hindi man lang iniingatan....

iamjomar

June 25th, 2008, 03:08 PM

I've heard the whole island is currently deserted. :dunno:

yeah, i've seen on TV.,poor Boracay.

rmb

July 6th, 2008, 01:56 PM

Fort Ilocandia in Laoag was a surprise and just recently, Sandbar at Puerto Galera.

DexterTexter

July 6th, 2008, 08:12 PM

PIAZZA PALERMO @ Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
pics by @harry5388 of flickr.com

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/476961246_2e59e24e13.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/476961262_0c3a700f70.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/476961236_190fe7e262.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/80/249398580_28abc8b9c7_o.jpg

PLANTATION BAY (one of the word's largest waterways)
by nod_423

I miss Plantation Bay. Fell in love with it the first time! The second time, it was still wow. :) Wish to visit it again soon.

And... too bad about Boracay. Hope it recovers soon.

Porknight

July 15th, 2008, 09:11 AM

Wow Cebu is really beautiful , no wonder is getting so popular

Peng Hok

July 15th, 2008, 09:30 AM

Pearl Farm

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/455/samal2bx8.jpg

diehardbisdak

July 15th, 2008, 11:39 AM

Vistamar Resort (Mactan, Cebu) - pics by @mr.bach of flickr!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2670733766_afce006551.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2670733780_ecc75f65f9.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2670733772_10c74a62c3.jpg

kiretoce

July 16th, 2008, 12:55 AM

A closer look at hilot -- A Filipino healing tradition (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/july/16/yehey/life/20080716lif1.html)

Massage is the perhaps the oldest form of therapy known to man, and in the Philippines it maintains a long and rich tradition. The Filipino art of bone setting and therapeutic massage was known by various name: hilot (Tagalog, Visayan, Bicolano, Manobo, Dumagat), hagud (Bukidnon), aplos (Bontoc) and ablon (Northern Ilocano) to name a few. Its practitioners known as manghihilot, mammulo and partera were a common sight throughout the archipelago.

Modality

Like any therapeutic tradition, Filipino hilot has its own unique healing modality. The foundation of Filipino hilot is more or less based on the concept of physical and spiritual channels latent in the human body. So long as energy and other bodily fluids flow freely through these conduits, the body is in optimum health. Thus, the most common diagnosis one will hear from practitioners of hilot is “May baradong ugat [A vein was clogged].”

It is interesting to note that the concept of energy meridians was present in the healing arts of other Asian countries as well. In his definitive article on hilot entitled “Healing Arts of the Philippines,” published in the Rapid Journal Vol. 5 No.3-4, Virgil J. Mayor Apostol, an ayurvedic therapist at the Chopra Center for Well Being in the United States and perhaps the most authoritative practitioner of traditional hilot today, relates that the urat and pennet (energy principles of hilot), has obvious parallels in the Ayurvedic and yogic traditions of India. Apostol explains that in the said healing arts, it was believed that nadis, or channels, that carry prana, or life force energy, exist throughout the body.

Common categories

Hilot is one of the three main branches of Philippine healing tradition. Filipino folk healers were generally categorized into three divisions—the manghihilot (masseurs and bonesettes), the albolaryo (healing repertoire consists of herb tinctures, prayers and rituals) and the kumadrona or partera (midwife). The Philippines healing tradition has a strong resemblance to curanderismo or folk medicine of Mexico, another nation that was subjected to Spanish rule for centuries. Like their Philippine counterparts, Mexican curanderos or healers come in the three types: The yerbero (herbalist), the sobador (masseur) partera (midwife).

Scientific rationale

The resurgence of interest in mind-body medicine in the last few decades has brought a lot of alternative methods of healing under scientific scrutiny. Some have passed, others failed. Though it cannot be denied that hilot has its metaphysical side and it will take some more time before it can be totally quantified scientifically, a number of its practices have a sound medical rationale. Massage for instance, on the most basic level, can abate the fear and anxiety of the patient. Physiologically, it can slow down the release of stress hormone cortisol and increase the body’s production of another hormone, serotonin, which can improve and boost immunity.

An additional scientific healing factor that must be considered is the healer’s personality. There are healers whose power of charisma is bordering on the miraculous that they can make you feel well just by knowing them. Not surprisingly, there were practitioners of hilot who admits that at times, they also harness the potential of the placebo effect in healing their patients.

Prudence

A possible clash between a patient’s religious beliefs and the principles or foundation of a particular alternative healing method must be put into consideration when opting to employ a particular therapy. The occult, reverence to nature spirits and mysticism were part and parcel of the majority of systems of hilot.

Even in the absence of professional and regulating standards regarding the practice of hilot today, potential patients can protect themselves from harm by using common sense. Among the factors to be considered when consulting a particular healer are hygiene, gender sensitivity and the practitioner’s reputation. Be wary of healers who claim to have all the answers. Any healing modality, Filipino or otherwise has its limitation and it is good to learn that despite its mystical nature, many practitioners of hilot today are to open a collaboration with doctors of conventional medicine.

Hilot is a gem of Filipino heritage. With responsible research, its potential can be realized as an effective alternative therapy that many Filipinos can benefit from.

Waldenstrom

July 27th, 2008, 08:20 PM

P200-M Modern Medical Tourism Center to Rise in Tagaytay City

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm209/waldenstrom/tagaytay.jpg

CONSTRUCTION starts for a P200- million tertiary hospital and wellness center equipped with modern medical facilities in Tagaytay City, one of the country’s premier tourist destinations, which has joined the growing medical tourism industry in the country.

The Tagaytay Hospital Systems Inc. (THSI) is a corporation formed by physicians and businessmen engaged in hospital construction and management with members that belong to a highly specialized and experienced group coming from various established health-care facilities.

THSI president and CEO Dr. Amado Manuel Enriquez Jr. said in a statement that Tagaytay hospital will directly provide benefits to host-communities by way of first-class facilities, contribution to economic development through job generation and assurance of satisfying the increasing need for health-care service in medical tourism.

Enriquez added that the hospital will be manned by Filipino specialists in all fields of medicine and health care using state-of-the-art equipment to be able to deliver optimum quality medical services.

THSI chairman of the board Geronimo David said that the Tagaytay Hospital is the latest project among several other medical tourism facilities of the company such as the Las Piñas Doctors Hospital, Metro South Medical Center and the recently opened Parañaque Doctor’s Hospital.

Other health-care facility projects currently under construction are Sta. Rosa Hospital and Medical Center and Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center in the Subic Bay Free Port Zone.

“Tagaytay hospital is offering a unique blend of medical facilities combined with first-class hotel rooms for its medical tourism patients creating a more relax ambience rather than the usual uncomfortable and awkward hospital room settings,” Enriquez added.

The project launching was highlighted with the contract signing between THSI and general contractor D.L. Cervantes Construction represented by its president Diosdado Cervantes for the construction of the hospital expected to be completed within the next 15 months.

“Tagaytay Hospital was designed to accommodate medical and wellness tourism featuring lobby and front desk area similar to a first-class hotel with coffee shops, organic restaurant, boutique and souvenir stores,” Cervantes said.
Cervantes added that the 100-bed six-story hospital with a total floor area of 11,680 square meters, will be built in a prime lot along Tagaytay Rotonda (circumferential) road with view decks in the upper level offering panoramic picturesque view of the famous Taal Volcano lake.

On the same occasion, Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary for sports and wellness Cynthia Carreon entered into a memorandum of agreement with THSI to become “working partners” and jointly promote the Philippines as a medical tourism destination in Asia providing best health-care services and facilities.

Carreon noted that the country would soon be the “Mecca destination for medical and wellness tourism in Asia.”
Carreon added that the Philippines, even if it is far behind in medical tourism industry from other countries such as Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, among others, is fast developing to become the Asia’s best site for medical and wellness tourism with the help of the government and the entry of private investors including medical practitioners themselves.

The hospital will also provide out-patient and emergency medical services to the growing number of city residents and nearby communities.

from Phil. Retirement Inc. (http://www.philippineretirement.org/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=113&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=216&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1581&hn=philippineretirement&he=.org)

icarusrising

July 28th, 2008, 02:55 AM

Korean firm to put up sports hotel in Subic (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2008072754)

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Monday, July 28, 2008

Korean firm Platinum Sports Subic Inc. (PSSI) will build a $1-million sports hotel in the freeport zone, a move seen to promote Subic as a major sports destination not only in the Philippines but in Asia as well, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said.

“This is a benchmark for Subic’s sports tourism program,” said Raul Marcelo, SBMA deputy administrator for tourism.

“This hotel would feature facilities primarily geared to sports professionals and enthusiasts, hence the tag ‘sports hotel,” he added.

As approved by the SBMA board of directors in August last year, the project would include a state-of-the-art gym, sports shops, a kids’ pool, and PSSI’s major commitment to the SBMA — an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Marcelo said this is exactly what Subic needed referring to the 45-room hotel that will be built near the main gate.

He also said the Subic Bay Freeport is fast becoming a major sports venue, hosting several national and international sports events like the 23rd Southeast Asian Games in 2005, the Philippine Olympic Festival, as well as international chess tournaments, regattas and triathlon events.

He revealed that the SBMA is continuously improving its facilities to draw more sports-tourism events here, and has recently solicited proposals to convert its golf course to a world-class, professional tournament venue.

Subic will likewise be hosting several sports events in the coming weeks. These include the ongoing Petron Ladies’ Beach Volleyball Tournament, the ITU-Asian 03 Long Distance Triathlon on August 2, the Philippine Sports Fishing Club’s fishing tourney at the Alava Pier on August 3 and the Jet Sports Association of the Philippines’ jet ski competition on August 23.

The Olympic-sized pool, which is being built according to world standards, will be located near existing sports facilities like the Remy Field oval, the Subic basketball gym and tennis and badminton courts.

For their part, PSSI corporate secretary Elma Caquilala said the concept was inspired by a similar establishment in Dubai, which has attracted a huge patronage because of its unique amenities.

“We targeted this particular niche since we saw the emergence of Subic as a sports destination, aside from the fact that the investor is into sports itself,” said Caquilala.

She added that Subic is an ideal location for a sports hotel because of its strategic location, the soothing environment conducive to sports activities, and the security offered by SBMA.

dinabaw

July 28th, 2008, 01:07 PM

Medical City eyes medical
tourists, out-patient clinics

By ALBERT CASTRO

Medical City is in the middle of a P700 million expansion program that will enable it to cater to more medical tourists.

The hospital will also set up more out-patient clinic in more malls.

Likewise it will set up more hospitals in Cebu, Davao and even Pangasinan.

Margaret A. Benzon, strategic services group head, said that once finished its nursing tower II will add 251 rooms to its current 500 rooms in Ortigas Center.

Part of the new tower is a wellness center as the hospital shifts gears to attract more medical tourists.

Medical City will offer aesthetic service, cardiovascular and cancer treatments for tourists.

It reported that last year it earned P200 million from overseas clients, with total revenues of P2.69 billion.

Bengzon said with the completion of the wellness center by December, they expect their wellness program to generate about P70 million in revenues, a 50 percent growth from the program's gross last year.

Medical City meanwhile is continuously expanding its reach, setting up networks of out-patient clinic, focusing particularly on crowd-drawing places like malls. Medical City currently has 8 outpatient clinics, mostly located in SM Malls in Metro Manila.

Bengzon said Medical City is also looking for "partnerships" with other large hospitals which will allow the firm to co-manage tertiary hospitals around the country.

Bengzon said Medical City is currently looking at areas like Cebu, Davao, Pangasinan.

Bengzon also said that Medical City might also look to list the company in the future.

Medical City is owned and managed by the Professional Services, Inc., and has been operating since 1964.

Since then Medical City has grown to become a 2,100 strong employee with an annual 40,000 in-patient visits and 380,000 outpatient visits.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul28/busi2.htm

christie

July 29th, 2008, 04:28 PM

Cebu will have its own Medical Tourism destination packed with entertainment facilities (such as the sky rides below) all soon at The Crown Regency Hotel & Towers Fuente

sS7U2KF9QkE

Waldenstrom

July 29th, 2008, 09:32 PM

^ That's insane. :D I just hope they'll screen patients well before riding in it. :D

icarusrising

July 30th, 2008, 02:19 PM

UP medical campus opens in Aurora (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=20080729122)

By Manny Galvez
Wednesday, July 30, 2008

BALER, Aurora – A medical school of the University of the Philippines has opened in this province, only the second such school of the university’s School of Health Sciences outside Metro Manila.

The UPSHS-Baler campus was inaugurated here last week and will offer medical courses intended to produce graduates in midwifery, nursing and medicine to solve the dearth of health professionals in the countryside caused by the mass exodus of doctors, nurses and midwives for greener pastures abroad.

Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo said the newly opened campus is a dream come true for the people of the province. She said it has long been her dream to be able to establish a branch of the best university in the country.

Angara-Castillo said the UP branch was initiated by her elder brother, Sen. Edgardo Angara, a former UP president and UP president Emerlinda Roman. She said the UPSHS-Baler campus, will be the first UP specialized school on health in Luzon which will serve the health needs of people in the host province and also the provinces of Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Nueva Ecija.

The newly opened school will temporarily hold office in the campus of the Aurora State College of Technology Zabali campus while the UPSHS building is under construction. A memorandum of agreement has been signed between the UP administration and ASCOT represented by its president, Dr. Eusebio Angara.

Senator Angara said that the UPSHS-Baler campus will be put up at a five-hectare lot in Barangay Reserva at a cost of P154 million to be financed jointly by the Department of Health and the local government.

Construction of the satellite campus, which is expected to be completed in a year, will be in three phases, involving two to three-story schoolbuildings to house the administration building, academic rooms, laboratory, social hall and staffhouse with identical floor areas of 1,200 square meters each.

An initial 59 students had been enrolled in the ladderized education curriculum, including 35 from the province. The curriculum is unique in that it is community sponsored and the people in the impact zone have a stake in the selection of scholars.

The student scholar is bound by a social contract wherein he is required to go back to his community and render health service, thus applying the knowledge he gained from the program.

Roman for his part, said the UPSHS in Baler is a Centennial Project, referring to the Centennial Celebration of the university. She said she is looking forward to an academic partnership with ASCOT through faculty exchange and enrolment.

She said that UP will also open its extension programs in South Cotabato to service North and South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and Shariff Kabunsuan.

Julia Elisa Puertollano, director of the UPSHS-Baler said each student will avail of free tuition fees which would be shouldered by the local government units (LGUs) in the beneficiary areas and the community.

Aside from free tuition, the student will be provided with living subsidy, books and transportation allowance and uniforms worth P24,000 annually.

bartstrife99

July 30th, 2008, 04:05 PM

Cebu will have its own Medical Tourism destination packed with entertainment facilities (such as the sky rides below) all soon at The Crown Regency Hotel & Towers Fuente

sS7U2KF9QkE

Oh my god, is that joke an entertainment facility on top of the roof! i wonder what would happen to patient after the ride! :nuts: thats would be a great diagnosis after operation has been made! :bash:

Waldenstrom

July 30th, 2008, 06:41 PM

heheheh. hopefully they won't die of heart attack or surgical wounds wouldn't reopen. :D

icarusrising

August 6th, 2008, 06:30 AM

Medical tourism to stop brain drain (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/08062008/nation07.html)

By Wilfredo Rodolfo III
Reporter

The fast-expanding multibillion-dollar global medical-tourism industry that the Philippines has joined relatively recently may be the answer to the question of how to stem the exodus of medical professionals for better-paid work abroad.

Cebu Health and Wellness Council chairman Oscar Tuason of Cebu Doctors’ University said the income from foreigners who would come to the Philippines to avail themselves of medical services would give financial flexibility to hospital operators and allow them to expand, buy more equipment and give better salaries.

“Of course, salaries abroad will still be higher, but we can give them a better salary and keep their families intact,” said Tuason. “Families are already being compromised as both parents work abroad. Who would be left to take care of the children?”

The council, composed of hospital operators, dentists, spa operators, tour operators and government agencies, are marketing Cebu as a medical-tourism destination that could rival the best in the Asian region.

Tuason said the combination of affordability and Cebu’s place as a tourism destination makes Cebu an ideal destination for foreigners looking to avail themselves of medical services and, at the same time, have a vacation.

Tuason said a heart bypass that could easily cost $120,000 in the US would only cost a tourist $28,000 in Cebu.

“That already includes a deluxe stay in a 5-star resort and an opportunity to see the wonderful destinations in Cebu.”

Estimates in 2006 show that global medical tourism is already a $120-billion industry with about an annual 20-percent growth.

India remains a leader in Asia, followed by Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Tuason said Cebu can compete with the best in the world in heart procedures, orthopedic cases, eye treatment and other more basic medical services.

“When patients go to India, after their procedure they immediately leave the place. In Cebu they can spend a few more days to go on a holiday,” he said.

Cebu also boasts of a highly professional medical group backed by solid training from top medical schools. In addition, he said many Cebuano doctors also go abroad for further study.

Dr. Cora Lou Kintanar, who represents the Department of Health in the council, said the medical professionals and the facilities in Cebu are ready to meet global standards. “We have a very good group, in fact, better than everybody else. We have come to a point where Cebu is already marketing itself outside of Manila.”

Tuason said the major hospitals like Cebu Doctor’s Chong Hua Hospital and Perpetual Succour Hospital are spending millions of pesos to upgrade their facilities in anticipation of foreign clients.

The Larrazabal family-owned Cebu Doctors’ has been spending P120 million every year for the last five years. He said the hospitals are looking at establishing medical tourism wings where topnotch nurses and doctors will be assigned and get paid better salaries.

He said that a focus on medical tourism would not mean locals will not be able to get access to topnotch medical services. “These foreigners pay in cash and that gives operators a little more to be liquid,” he said. “It will allow us to give more charity services to patients who could not afford medical services.”

Joy Panopio, marketing officer of Perpetual Succour, said hospital rates are the same for foreigners and locals.

Dr. Kintanar said government is also addressing this concern locals may be shunted in favor of foreigners by improving government hospitals.

She pointed to the largest hospital in Cebu -- the Vicente Sotto Memorial medical Center – that she said is equally capable of serving the general public with the full range of medical services.

“We may be a government hospital but we can now do heart transplants.”

jaywalker

November 5th, 2008, 01:24 PM

Antulang Beach Resort
Dumaguete

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Christendom

November 26th, 2008, 12:21 PM

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kiretoce

November 30th, 2008, 06:22 AM

RP wins bid to host World Health Tourism Congress (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=419839)

The Philippines has won the bid to host the 2009 World Health Tourism Congress (WHTC), making the country the first in the Asia-Pacific to serve as venue for this prestigious global event.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said this development marked the country’s serious effort to be positioned as a global health and wellness destination.

“The 2009 WHTC, which will be held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on March 26 to 28, 2009, will bring hundreds of leading health and wellness tourism players — both buyers and sellers — from all over the world,” Durano said.

“Yet, this 2009 WHTC will just be the fourth since its initial staging in Germany in 2006, and we have won the privilege to host it after some fervent negotiations,” he added.

After Germany, Cyprus hosted the second WHTC on March 23-25, 2007 and Spain the third last April 4-6.

The WHTC gathers the world’s health and wellness service providers and corporate and institutional buyers for a three-day conference, workshop and one-on-one business sessions, enabling both parties to forge supply contracts, establish market linkages, form partnerships, and engage in various mutually beneficial transactions.

“Thus, our country’s participating health and wellness industry players will have the opportunity to meet the world’s best qualified corporate and institutional buyers in an exclusive business environment where only those who are invited can attend. As such, they will have the undivided attention of their potential customers,” Durano said.

The country won the bid to host the 2009 WHTC partly because of an emerging trend in the Arab world to move to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, according to managing partner Hadi Malaeb of Aura International Dubai, the congress organizer.

Malaeb told a recent press conference that 92,000 medical tourists from the United Arab Emirates alone came to the Philippines last year compared to only 60,000 to Thailand.

Citing a 2006 Globalysis study, Malaeb placed the value of the world’s health and wellness tourism industry at $40 billion.

“And this is projected to soar to $60 billion in 2012, indicating that health and wellness is the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry,” Malaeb said.

The Asian market alone, according to Malaeb, consists of 1.5-million medical tourists spending a daily average of $362 compared with the $144 of regular inbound visitors.

Thus, the WHTC is strongly focused on sports medicine, wellness, medical and cosmetic treatments such that the participating solution providers to be invited are hotels, spas and health resorts, airlines and air ambulance companies, medical services agents, inbound tour operators specializing in health tourism, and general and specialist hospitals and clinics, especially those engaged in cosmetic dentistry, plastic surgery, and orthopedic and sports medicine, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“Their services will be matched with the needs of corporate buyers who have been pre-qualified as the ultimate decision-makers in their respective organizations for matters on well-being and medical travel,” said DOT Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia Carrion.

“These corporate buyers are looking for solution providers who can understand and provide their specific needs. During the WHTC’s three-day run, they can decide on which sets of services they need and which solution providers to tap for their full-year requirements,” Carrion added.

The corporate buyers, according to travel industry leader Angel Ramos-Bognot, are health officials of various countries, particularly from the Arab world, who are the biggest spenders in medical travel; insurance companies whose network managers decide where to send their clients; third-party medical agents, mostly from North America and Western Europe, who combine travel arrangement with medical treatment for their clientele; and outbound tour operators looking for health and wellness destinations for clients back home.

“The 2009 WHTC will bring this large global market within the reach of our health and wellness industry, and our success in gaining the privilege to host it early next year clearly indicates that our campaign to establish a niche in this field is gaining ground,” Durano said.

kiretoce

November 30th, 2008, 06:25 AM

Medical tourism gets boost (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20081129-175104/Medical-tourism-gets-boost)

The tourism industry is positioning the Philippines as a medical and healthcare destination for Middle Eastern visitors who have been showing preference for Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines.

Tourism Secretary Robert Ace Durano said the move was timely, as the Philippines had won the bid for hosting the 2009 World Health Tourism Congress in March, the organizer of which is based in Dubai.

Durano said the annual gathering would be for the fourth time and for the first time outside Europe.

“The Philippines’ being the first country in Asia Pacific to serve as a venue for this prestigious global event marks our serious effort to be positioned as a global health and wellness destination,” he said.

“The 2009 WHTC, which will be held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on March 26-28, will bring hundreds of leading health and wellness tourism players—both buyers and sellers—from all over the world,” he added.

Durano said the Philippines “won the privilege to host it after some fervent negotiations.”

After the first congress in Germany in 2006, Cyprus hosted the second in 2007 and Spain was the venue for this year’s event.

“Local participating health and wellness industry players will have the opportunity to meet the world’s best qualified corporate and institutional buyers in an exclusively business environment where only those who are invited can attend,” Durano said. “As such, they will have the undivided attention of their potential customers.”

Hadi Malaeb, managing partner of congress organizer Aura International Dubai, said the Philippines won the bid for hosting the WHTC 2009 partly because of an emerging trend in the Middle East to move to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines.

Malaeb said 92,000 medical tourists from the United Arab Emirates came to the Philippines last year, compared with 60,000 who went to Thailand.

He said a 2006 Globalysis study assessed the global health and wellness tourism industry at $40 billion, which is projected to grow to $60 billion in 2012.

“The Asian market alone consists of 1.5 million medical tourists spending a daily average of $362 compared with the $144 of regular inbound visitors,” Malaeb said.

Invited to the WHTC—which focuses on sports medicine, wellness, medical and cosmetic treatments—are hotels, spas and health resorts, airlines and air ambulance companies, medical services agents, inbound tour operators specializing in health tourism, and general and specialist hospitals and clinics.

Given priority among medical establishments are those engaged in cosmetic dentistry, plastic surgery, and orthopedic and sports medicine.

bartstrife99

November 30th, 2008, 08:21 AM

Nice to read this article Go Philippines!

MatudNilaBaby

December 1st, 2008, 04:40 AM

Oh my god, is that joke an entertainment facility on top of the roof! i wonder what would happen to patient after the ride! :nuts: thats would be a great diagnosis after operation has been made! :bash:

i dont think these types of rides will entice the medical tourist to stay in cebu. it could be an added city attraction but there has to be a stern warning sign before one comes aboard on these rides. disneyland, universal and other theme parks do have warning signs that if you have a medical condition like heart problem, hypertension, prior surgeries or physical handicaps are advised not to take the ride for their own safety. even at the sears towers where u ride a 100 storey elevator to the top, they would ask if you are claustrophobic while in the elevator. but crown regency do have an interesting feature that cebu can boast of.

IslandSon.PH

December 12th, 2008, 07:54 AM

Philippines wins in Asia Spa Awards 2008:banana:

http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW121208/dot.jpg

The Farm in San Benito, Barangay Tipakan, Batangas won Spa Retreat of the Year, besting 15 other nominees, in the recently concluded Asia Spa Awards 2008 held in the Salon of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Presented by AsiaSpa magazine, the region’s most recognized spa and wellness publication, Asia Spa Awards gave out commendations in 26 categories, including spa personalities, events, associations and resorts that set the benchmarks in the region. Photo shows Tourism Secretary Ace Durano (right) and Tourism Planning and Promotions Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr.
source (http://www.bworld.com.ph/BW121208/content.php?id=031#spa)

dandelionne

December 27th, 2008, 07:46 AM

the i'll wait forever for a doctor to show up because they are so GOD. That Physicians here just love to feel important that they feel they have the right to let their patients wait long hours in their offices.

That is NOT so true! Its only the ordinary citizen`s PERCEPTION!

You have to wait forever because they also have a long line of patients to attend to at the clinics. Each patient is interviewed and examined thoroughly and this takes longer.

Hindi naman lahat ng patients eh isang tingin lang ng doctor,magrereseta kaagad ng gamot.

Doctors dont see themselves as God! Kung meron man,they are so stupid to think that way

Did anyone see the news that was carried on CNN a few months back where a woman was waiting to be attended to at an E.R. in one of the hospitals in New York and just collapsed due to her condition and hit her head on the floor then died, because no one one was checking on her.

Juan Pilgrim

December 29th, 2008, 10:36 PM

Okay, so i want to take this moment to bitch.

My lolo just got here from Chicago last week, well maybe more than a week i don't remember. He's 89 years old and has cardiac problems related to old age, all his medical ailments are due to old age, and our first agenda for this week was to see a good cardialogist at the heart center. So we did, but the problem was, we were made to wait two hours for the cardiologist that never even showed up. I hear that this is very common here in the Philippines; you know, the i'll wait forever for a doctor to show up because they are so GOD. That Physicians here just love to feel important that they feel they have the right to let their patients wait long hours in their offices. Ok, i have to be frank, Foreigners would NEVER come to this country for medical purposes just to be disrespected. There's a punctuality issue that will get in the way. In America Physicians are inclined to respect their patients and one important way of showing it is being PUNCTUAL.

Well I will not try to downplay whatever Dancethingy and his relatives
experienced when they were made to wait for more than 2 hours for a
doctor that never showed up. He is definitely entitled to his opinionand right to BITC*H.
EVENTHOUGH HIS post happened almost 3 years ago.

This practice can not only be experienced in the Philippines but also here in
the U.S. and I am quite certainthis happens in other countries too.

Physicians whose work usually deal with matters of life and death can
oftentimes become deluded that they indeed possess superpowers and might even start to think that they are divine.

Persons (Some Physicians, Military officers, police officers...) like these generally
believe that they are above the laws of nature or the rules & norms of the society.

So although this is TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE AND UNPROFESSIONAL,
making you wait in their office is not important to them.

Here's what we as consumer can do :
LOOK FOR ANOTHER DOCTOR.
HIT THIS ERRING DOC WHERE IT HURTS THE MOST,
HIS PRACTICE AND THE BOTTOMLINE-- MOOLAH!

:horse:

JP

dancethingy

December 29th, 2008, 11:04 PM

Oh my gosh,

I could hardly remember that post. My grandfather is now 93! Talk about resurrecting old posts.

I was actually shocked to have read what i wrote, because i have such a different outlook now. I was like, did i really write that????

I've been working in the emergency department at a government hospital for some 2 years now and i understand why some patients are made to wait a long time before being seen. I trust the cause for long waits in the emergency can be applied to clinics as well. I remember my grandfather waiting to be seen not because the doctor was thoroughly examining another patient, but because he ran some errands before going to his office. But that's the past, the cardiologist was actually really good and I apologize for having a diva moment..... THREE YEARS AGO.

However, I do believe that some doctors do feel they have God-like powers.

Well I will not try to downplay whatever Dancethingy and his relatives
experienced when they were made to wait for more than 2 hours for a
doctor that never showed up. He is definitely entitled to his opinionand right to BITC*H.
EVENTHOUGH HIS post happened almost 3 years ago.

This practice can not only be experienced in the Philippines but also here in
the U.S. and I am quite certainthis happens in other countries too.

Physicians whose work usually deal with matters of life and death can
oftentimes become deluded that they indeed possess superpowers and might even start to think that they are divine.

Persons (Some Physicians, Military officers, police officers...) like these generally
believe that they are above the laws of nature or the rules & norms of the society.

So although this is TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE AND UNPROFESSIONAL,
making you wait in their office is not important to them.

Here's what we as consumer can do :
LOOK FOR ANOTHER DOCTOR.
HIT THIS ERRING DOC WHERE IT HURTS THE MOST,
HIS PRACTICE AND THE BOTTOMLINE-- MOOLAH!

:horse:

JP

dandelionne

December 31st, 2008, 05:13 AM

Well I will not try to downplay whatever Dancethingy and his relatives
experienced when they were made to wait for more than 2 hours for a
doctor that never showed up. He is definitely entitled to his opinionand right to BITC*H.
EVENTHOUGH HIS post happened almost 3 years ago.

This practice can not only be experienced in the Philippines but also here in
the U.S. and I am quite certainthis happens in other countries too.

Physicians whose work usually deal with matters of life and death can
oftentimes become deluded that they indeed possess superpowers and might even start to think that they are divine.

Persons (Some Physicians, Military officers, police officers...) like these generally
believe that they are above the laws of nature or the rules & norms of the society.

So although this is TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE AND UNPROFESSIONAL,
making you wait in their office is not important to them.

JP

are you sure? its not that physicians let their patients wait at their clinics,its because they make their rounds first at the hospitals. They check those patients who they had for admission. And granting the AP has 15 admissions to check on, di ba it would be natural for them to look and check how they are doing. Because of this, some doctors just come in a huff in the patient`s room and go away leaving the relatives perplexed as to why he left when there are still some queries to answer regarding the patient`s condition.

So when he goes to the clinics,andami pa yung nagaantay. Thru the course of attending each patient at the clinics,these doctors are deluge with inevitable calls from their resident`s updates of their admitted patients and incoming admissions.

After attending to their clinics,they go again making rounds at the hospitals before heading home. Eh most of these doctors go home around 1 AM na.

And when they come home,they review their cases and read medical literatures pa.

Tapos they cant sleep pa cz there are incessant calls every now and then from the residents from new admissions. So that will leave the doctor so fatigued. E utak at katawan ang pinapagana.

Then when he wakes up,same old routine.

kaya yung impression ng iba na nagdiyos-diyosan yung mga doctor,di yun totoo.

yung mga mayayabang lang.

As in the Holy Bible,it states:

"Hold the physician in honor, for he is essential to you, and God it was who established his profession.

From God the doctor has his wisdom, and the king provides for his sustenance.

His knowledge makes the doctor distinguished, and gives him access to those in authority."
from the Book of Sirach 38:3

To quote Jeffrey D. Pomerantz, D.O., "Of course, if an adoring and idolatrous public has put us on a pedestal, we were not dragged there kicking and screaming."

"The medical profession, on the other hand, cannot prove any distinction by Scripture of being a higher calling than any other. Our enterprise is therefore, in this sense, no different from any other."

"We must eschew the cult of medicine as idolatry, cease from overly glorying in our own attributes - which are but His gifts to us - but rather glory in our election (2 Cor. 10:17), supplant the false religion of medicine with the true faith (2 Cor. 10:10) in our practices and, God willing, in our society."

Juan Pilgrim

December 31st, 2008, 06:25 PM

^^This is exactly the reason why I did not generalize my statement about M.D.'s.
I am a physician myself, a product of the Royal and Pontifical Catholic University of the Philippines.
So I will not try to pontificate at this time or be a royal pain in the a*ss just to prove my point.

Waiting is waiting.

If the person/patient/client you are suppose to see is there at the appointed time and place,
and you are NOT THERE, then for whatever reason, you are making this person/ patient/ client WAIT.

When a physician sets an appointment, he should make himself available, NO IFS, ANDS, OR BUTS.

If a physician has a problem in keeping his appointments, then he should NOT schedule appointments,
he should instead establish a policy to see patients on a first come first serve basis ONLY,
and clearly state and inform all patients that WAITING before they can be seen by the physician
OR NOT BEING SEEN BY THE PHYSICAN AT ALL IS A POSSIBILITY.

CAVEAT EMPTOR
"LET THE BUYER (PATIENT) BEWARE."

:horse:

MatudNilaBaby

January 2nd, 2009, 07:58 PM

Medical Tourism? hmm, i dont know, we cant even support the poor people seeking medical attention in our country and we still send simaese twins for operation in other countries, hmmm, maybe Dra. Vicki Belo can be one of the medical tourism frontliners in the country.

yeah she can be with all the gimmicks in here life.

kiretoce

January 3rd, 2009, 05:16 AM

Philippines to host the 4th Annual World Health Tourism Congress in 2009 (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife3_jan3_2009)

The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) aggressive campaign to place the Philippines as a top global health and wellness destination has finally paid off for the country will host the World Health Tourism Congress (WHTC) on March 26 to 28, 2009 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila.

The event is held every year and this is the first time that an Asian country is hosting the prestigious event. Germany (2006), Cyprus (2007) and Spain (2008) were the past host countries of WHTC.

Dubbed as the “Heart of Asia,” the Philippines has a wealth of healthcare options not only when it comes to competitive medical practitioners but also as far as spa, alternative and complementary healthcare are concerned. Aside from the Philippines, the strong players in the Asian region are Thailand and Singapore. While Thailand focuses more on cosmetic surgical procedures, the Philippines has been the destination for cardiovascular and diabetes treatments for the past years.

DOT Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia Carrion emphasizes the country’s edge over its Asian neighbors when it comes to medical tourism, “Our people can beat Thailand. We have everything here especially alternative healing.” She added that the Philippines also has advantage over Thailand when it comes to language, with English being widely spoken in cities and most establishments around the country. Carrion further said that DOT is preparing affordable accommodation to support the health tourism industry.

Meanwhile, DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano stresses that “The 2009 WHTC will bring this large global market within the reach of our health and wellness in industry, and our success in gaining the privilege to host clearly indicates that our campaign to establish a niche in this field is gaining ground.”

Hadi Malaeb, Managing Partner of Dubai-based Aura Events International, the company that organizes the event, on the other hand emphasizes the Philippines’ potential to attract more medical tourists because it offers a retirement or place of residence option as a byproduct of this growing industry.

Big Market

The health tourism (also known as medical and well being tourism) industry covers a huge market for it includes anything from medical to surgical to alternative healing and dental procedures to sports and hospitality aspects. Cosmetic surgical procedures are just a small part of it.

The industry is continuously gaining ground because it addresses the need for affordable health options and provides opportunity to have a vacation while seeking medical treatment outside the home country, according to Malaeb.

He further informs that the World Travel Organization sees it as a rising trend. At present it is a $40 billion industry and based on trends it is expected to reach $61 billion by 2012. There is a ready market for medical tourism because people are looking for a one-stop solution.

Buyers and Sellers

The WHTC is an invitation-only event and not open to the public. Its organizers stresses that this is not a trade show. Rather, it is a gathering of decision makers and solution providers where one-on-one meetings are pre-arranged to maximize benefits for both parties. The event’s main goal is to reduce the sales cycle and for buyers to meet the right providers in a shorter time. The buyers include the Ministries of Health particularly of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, insurance companies outbound travel companies and Fortune 500 companies that use well-being travel as part of their incentives. The buyers are the decision makers so having a meeting with them is actually cost-effective for the sellers too.

These buyers are matched to solution providers that include hospitals, dental clinics, spa, resorts, hotels, government tourism agencies, inbound tour operators, golf courses, sports clubs, sports medicine specialists, medical agent services, plastic surgery clinics, airlines and medical travel portals.

Benefits of WHTC to Host Country

Learning about the benefits of hosting such event in the country can explain why the DOT is aggressively pursuing it. Mr. Malaeb enumerates that investment to local economy is the most obvious benefit as well as opening up of new markets by introducing the Philippines to buyers from the Arab world aside from tapping the US and European markets, introducing local solutions providers to international health market, promoting Philippines as a destination of choice, and growth in border crossing of patients seeking better care, cheaper options and shorter waiting lists.

With Asia being the biggest hub of medical tourism, the hosting of this event is expected to boost the country’s efforts to be a major player in the industry and showcase its brand of healthcare to the world.

venntro

February 13th, 2009, 02:03 AM

Reposting
RP's medical, healthcare services much sought-after by foreigners (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/RP_s_medical_healthcare_services_much_sought-after_by_foreigners.shtml)
Positive News Media (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/RP_s_medical_healthcare_services_much_sought-after_by_foreigners.shtml)
By Lily O Ramos

MANILA, Feb. 13 (PNA) -- Philippine medical tourism and health care services have been gaining worldwide popularity, particularly in physical well-being, beauty, leisure or plain vanity, according to reports gathered in the first World Tourism and Global Health Congress late last year.

The US provides the bulk of clientele for the Philippines but other countries such as Canada and Europe also look towards the country because of troubles due to prolonged waiting time for patients who are in need of immediate medical/health care attention.

The Middle East is of no help since it also suffers from inadequate world-class healthcare professionals for the region’s growing medical/health needs.

More and more Americans are traveling out of the US to avail of medical services that range from simple teeth whitening, to the more complicated procedures like hip surgery and eye operation for sight restoration.

Head of Philippine delegation to the three-day US confab, Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, said Filipino medical experts hope to lessen the rising costs in curing people’s illnesses and pains with the increase of healthcare professionals to attract more foreigners to come as tourists while seeking healing or rejuvenation in the country.

When it comes to comparative costing, Durano said, "A medical holiday can cost from 10 per cent up to 90 percent less than what Americans would pay back home.

”A coronary bypass surgery with heart valve replacement costs $ 11,956 - $ 17,391 here, while in the US, it ranges from $ 70,000 - $ 133,000 for medical procedures."

Aside from adding that the Philippines is an inexpensive destination replete with hospitality, colorful atmosphere and pleasant environment for holidays, Durano also campaigned for cosmetic surgery where facelifts done by top surgeons cost only between $ 3,913 to $ 4,347. In the US, the price would teeter between $ 10,000 to $ 16,000.

Considering that it is the lowest price in Asia, it adds up to huge savings for an American or any foreigner who wants his physical assets enhanced or looks boosted with added years of youth.

“We have the lowest costing in Asia which makes it possible for a patient to have huge savings while enjoying the country’s amenities also as a tourist,” added Durano.

“Topping the pricing advantage is the exclusive selling proposition of our country that our healthcare professionals known all over the world for their natural ability to nurture patients," said Durano.

The Filipinos are by nature friendly, warm, caring, patient and bestow their patients tender, loving care not easily found among other nationalities. No wonder, at the rate of at least 3,500 people leaving daily for jobs abroad, majority of them get hired by satisfied employers. (PNA)

MANILAMAN

February 27th, 2009, 11:37 AM

MANILAMAN

February 27th, 2009, 11:38 AM

Pearl Farm

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/455/samal2bx8.jpg

I love this one too.:banana::banana:

MANILAMAN

February 27th, 2009, 11:39 AM

MANILAMAN

February 27th, 2009, 11:40 AM

MatudNilaBaby

February 27th, 2009, 10:01 PM

yeah, i've seen on TV.,poor Boracay.

why is boracay deserted? was there a typhoon passing through the island?

icarusrising

February 28th, 2009, 03:25 AM

why is boracay deserted? was there a typhoon passing through the island?

I think he was referring to the devastation wrought by typhoon Frank when even Iloilo City and Kalibo were submerged in flood and mud. Business has since picked up. I was there a few weeks ago. Its Shangrila is due for opening this March.

MatudNilaBaby

February 28th, 2009, 03:32 AM

I think he was referring to the devastation wrought by typhoon Frank when even Iloilo City and Kalibo were submerged in flood and mud. Business has since picked up. I was there a few weeks ago. It's Shangrila is due for opening this March.

oh my bad cuz my co worker and her family just visited boracay last month and they were a happy camper.

diehardbisdak

March 1st, 2009, 08:13 AM

The Chi Spa @ Shangri-la Mactan - Cebu

http://images.travelnow.com/hotelimages/s/036000/036029A.jpg
pic source: travel images

MANILAMAN

March 1st, 2009, 01:59 PM

The Chi Spa @ Shangri-la Mactan - Cebu

http://images.travelnow.com/hotelimages/s/036000/036029A.jpg
pic source: travel images

Super ganda talaga. :cheers: Kaso mahal daw room rate dyan.

diehardbisdak

March 1st, 2009, 03:22 PM

^^ it's worth din naman bai...

venntro

March 2nd, 2009, 04:06 AM

Pearl Farm

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/455/samal2bx8.jpg

^^ Is it still called Pearl Farm?

reggiedoc

March 4th, 2009, 05:49 AM

PGMA returns to 'paradise'

Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan (3 March) -- This island off Malay, Aklan never fails to lure tourists including its most foremost admirer – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Visiting this paradise island again for a meeting with members of her Cabinet March 3, President Arroyo described Boracay Island as the country's showcase tourist destination.

Records of the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that foreign tourist arrivals in the island have been on the upswing despite the global economic downturn that has dampened the spending decision of people across the globe.

She noted the same trend when it comes to other major tourist destinations in the country.

In fact, she said that tourism is the country's best response to the global financial crisis. The tourism sector has opened up more jobs and opportunities to Filipinos.

She visited the newest resort in the island, Shangri-la's Boracay Resort & Spa, the first international deluxe resort on the island. :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Recognizing tourism's potentials, President Arroyo enumerated the various projects lined up for the sector including the upgrading of Caticlan Airport, which is the major gateway to Boracay Island.

She also recognized the contributions of the private sector including the forthcoming addition of 22,000 new hotel rooms of which 6,600 are under construction. Moreover, 2,000 of these are set to be opened this year and would provide 3,000 new jobs.

The President has designated the Central Philippines Super Region including Aklan as the country's tourism hub. The super region is interlinked with other regions of the country through a network of roll-on, roll-off highways.

During the Cabinet meeting, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano briefed the President on the latest developments on the Super Regions. The cabinet meeting was coupled with a meeting of the National Anti Poverty Commission. (PIA 6) [top]

venntro

March 24th, 2009, 04:12 AM

15 hotels to open this year (http://http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news4_mar23_2009)
By Roderick T. dela Cruz

FIFTEEN new hotels and resorts offering 2,000 rooms will open this year despite the economic downturn, the Tourism Department says.

The new properties are worth P20 billion, and they will be employing 3,000 workers, the department says.

It says some of these new properties have already opened, and they include 28 cluster villas under the Amanpulo Resorts, which owns Sugihara Villa Resort, Vauban Villa Resort, Salamanca Villa Resort, Almonavides Villa Resort, La Galice Villa Resort, Kapangyarihan Villa Resort, and La Pucelle Villa Resort.

Rates at the Amanpulo properties start at $1,150 a night.

Shangri La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, with 219 rooms, opened to guests on March 2 with daily rates of P20,500.

Discovery Bay Misibis on Cagraray Island, Albay, with 38 villas, also opened early this year with room rates starting at $305 a night.

The 75-room Park Bed and Breakfast Hotel and Restaurant in Pasay City, which is managed by Legend Hotels International Corp., has also opened, and its rates start at P1,500 a night.

The 50-room Microtel Inn and Suites in Puerto Princesa opened early this year, and it offers a daily rate of P3,800.

The largest hotel in Cebu, the 556-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort, will open on May 20, although it has yet to announce its room rates, the department says.

It says more hotels and resorts are opening in the second half of the year, including the 232-room Oakwood Premier Manila in Ortigas Center, which opens its doors to guests in the third quarter. The room rates at its sister facility, the Oakwood Makati, start at P10,000 a night.

The 100-room Picasso Serviced Residences in Salcedo Village, Makati, is expected to be completed by Ardent Development Corp. by the second half.

Also opening in the second half are two luxury hotels near the airport in Manila and beside the Villamor Championship Golf Course.

The Newport Marriott Hotel will have 365 guest rooms, and Maxims Hotel 170 suites.

The P500-million Silang Wakeboard Park is rising up on a 12-hectare plot of land in Silang, Cavite, and it’s expected to open by August.

The Manila Ocean Park in Rizal Park is building extra facilities including a boutique hotel.

The Tourism Department is also processing an application from Bella Roca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano says these new investments in tourism-related facilities and establishments are expected to add more than 2,000 new accommodation rooms and generate 3,000 jobs.

“With this initial list of investments, the country is assured of a vibrant tourism industry with bigger revenue and more jobs,” Durano said.

The new hotels and resorts will pay no taxes for four to six years and may import capital equipment tax-free if they are registered with the Board of Investments, according to Victoria Jasmin, director of the Office of Tourism Standards.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Bill is expected to result in more investment and create more tourism zones once it is signed into law.

The Senate and the House’s bicameral conference committee has approved the bill, which will give the Tourism Department powers beyond its marketing functions.

michael_ray

March 24th, 2009, 07:16 AM

Life's a beachDuka Bay ResortMedina, Misamis Oriental

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8313/dscf2491b.jpg (http://img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2491b.jpg)

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http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1479/dscf2580.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2580.jpg)

venntro

March 24th, 2009, 09:39 AM

^^ Great pics. Thanks for sharing. :)

venntro

March 25th, 2009, 03:47 AM

San Remigio resort invests P8.5 million for expansion (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=451758&publicationSubCategoryId=108)
Updated March 25, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines – San Remigio Beach Club, in the northern part of Cebu, poured in P8.5 million for new facilities noting the increasing demand for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (MICE) in the market.

San Remigio Beach Club general manager Mark Anthony Ynoc said that with their new facilities, the resort’s capacity has stretched to accommodating trainings, workshops, and team building sessions of bigger groups.

Ynoc said that despite the economic crisis, the resort pushed through with its expansion plans bearing in mind the huge demand from group activities citing previous huge group bookings including summer and winter camps of Korean students.

“We felt the demand and this huge demand urged us to really pursue the expansion despite the crisis. There is always opportunity in every crisis and now we are already capable of handling and accommodating big groups because of our expanded capacity,” said Ynoc.

He revealed that around six million was pitched for the construction of two convention centers while another P2.5 million was pegged for the dormitories.

The four dormitory rooms can accommodate 14 people for every room and with this; the resort now has 50 rooms in all.

Aside from these new developments in the resort, San Remigio Beach Club is eyeing to also put up more facilities that will enhance the area and attract more guests both local and foreign, said Ynoc.

After the dormitories and the convention center were launched, the resort is now preparing to start the construction of its Sir Anthony Spa and Sauna, Honeymoon suites and a pool which is eyed to be opened in 2010.

A business lounge is also being eyed to provide ease and convenience to business guests who are in need to always get connected through the internet.

The San Remigio Beach Club is a 7.5 hectare property in Baybay, Tambongon in the town of San Remigio in the north side of the province.

Currently, its development and utilization of the whole property is 70 percent developed.

Ynoc said that with the current global crisis which has affected the operations of some players of the country’s hospitality industry, San Remigio Beach Club is strengthening its hold of the market both local and foreign. — Rhia de Pablo

michael_ray

March 25th, 2009, 11:53 AM

^^ Great pics. Thanks for sharing. :)

My pleasure... :)

kiretoce

March 25th, 2009, 10:16 PM

Medical tourism’s main challenge: Branding Team Philippines (http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/perspective/7988-medical-tourisms-main-challenge-branding-team-philippines.html)

A unified marketing message, stronger public- and private-sector collaboration, infrastructure spending, as well as better data-collection efforts are needed to bring the country’s medical-tourism sector to the next level, according to leading hospital and government officials involved in this industry considered lagging behind competitors in the region.

These, among other recommendations, were shared during Friday’s BusinessMirror forum, which brought together leaders from private health and tourism institutions, as well as officials from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Health (DOH).

“The Philippines is unlike other countries [where] there is a singular [marketing] approach to medical tourism. They all shout and sing one tune,” said Jun Amistoso, marketing and business development leader of Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang.

“At the moment, I would say that there is an institutionalized approach in medical tourism in as far as individuals—but not as a singular voice in medical tourism,” he added.

Alma Jimenez, who heads the Philippine Association of Health Organizations in Medical Tourism (PhilAsHOMe) added: “You cannot play in this industry if you deliver fragmented service. We [need] to come up with a more unified product development, with the principle that hospitals need to unite and sell the Philippines [as a whole].”

PhilAsHOMe is a private nonprofit organization that counts as members several top hospitals in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Eva Trinidad, president of Philippine Medical Tourism Inc., a private company catering to medical tourists, said marketing efforts should highlight the Filipino’s own brand of hospitality alongside the country’s renowned medical excellence.

Industry still growing fast

Despite these challenges and the fact that the Philippines is a latecomer in this sector relative to its Asian neighbors, medical tourism in the country is considered an area of growth.

DOT director Cynthia Lazo said overall tourism arrivals this year are expected to remain flat but, in contrast, the number of medical tourists is expected to grow.

DOH Undersecretary Jade del Mundo expects medical-tourism revenues to increase this year, but did not provide figures. However, citing a 2007 report undertaken by the DOH, del Mundo said there were some 28,000 foreign-based visitors who sought medical treatment in the country and brought in over P1 billion in revenues.

Hospitals, too, have been boosting their spending.

Amistoso said Asian Hospital’s medical tourist patients represented under 5 percent of the business last year, but they expects this number to grow to at least 8 percent this year. He added that depending on 2009’s performance, the hospital is considering building expansion next year.

Dr. Andre Villanueva, vice president of business operations and development at Makati Medical Center, said that since the hospital started counting medical tourists as a separate category, he noticed numbers accelerating in recent years.

“Every day we have an average of four to five inquiries coming in, directly from abroad,” said Villanueva.

In an earlier interview, Jose Ledesma, St. Luke’s Medical Center president, said the hospital has earmarked P500 million to P1 billion for improvements this year.

Del Mundo said part of the expansion will stem from incentives provided by the DOH along with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, which will allow the tax-free importation of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. Government agencies are also credited with facilitating initial contact with the international community.

Government needs to do more

Some feel, however, that the government’s efforts are not enough and the problems are more fundamental.

Amistoso said government support is “far from what we would have wanted it to be” particularly in the infrastructure and marketing components. For her part, Jimenez said medical tourism—as well as tourism, in general—will accelerate if the proper infrastructure like better roads and public facilities is made available.

Jimenez added that better collaboration between the different government agencies and the private sector is the key to moving the industry forward.

“If the government agencies [DOH, DOT and Department of Trade and Industry] work together and recognize their core competencies, we have a good chance of [succeeding] in the medical tourism market,” she said.

Dearth of figures

Jimenez noted that apart from the DOH’s 2007 report, there are no baseline figures to work with. This, she said, is part of the reason the government is unable to set industry targets as well due to the lack of historical data.

Many hospitals, including some of the largest, have only begun to separate medical tourists under a different category—and, in some cases, as recent as last year.

In addition, Angel Bognot, who chairs the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, noted that it is difficult for them to track these individuals as well, since patients seeking treatment may not want this fact to be known to travel authorities; hence, many go unreported.

PhilAsHOMe has pressed for the government to conduct a study this year to systematically document the medical-tourism industry, such as the country’s current level of exposure to the international community, and specific ways the Philippines can market itself to different countries.

She noted, for instance, that they can have government campaigns targeting the United Kingdom for dental services or Japan for cancer treatments since there are opportunities in these countries.

“It’s difficult for hospitals to craft a sensible marketing plan without marketing intelligence,” she said adding, that the government should point the industry in the right direction.

Ground expectations

While Jimenez noted small steps, particularly in successfully marketing under a single banner during the first World Medical Tourism Congress in San Francisco, California, in September 2008, she said the industry still has a long way to go.

She said the local medical-tourism industry’s goal is to become a player in the export market, where visitors will be enticed to visit the country for treatment, spend their money and add value to the economy.

“With just three years since we started this, we’re already achieved this much. How much more if we’re doing this as long as Thailand or India,” she said. “We’re not there yet, but we’re intending to get there.”

icarusrising

March 31st, 2009, 09:26 AM

Mactan hotels find value of biodiversity (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/8195-mactan-hotels-find-value-of-biodiversity-.html)
Written by Willy Rodolfo III / Reporter
Monday, 30 March 2009 20:13

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/Daily_Images/2009/March/03312009/regions-pic01.jpg

IN PHOTO -- RESORTS and hotels on Mactan Island are paying attention to the environment and biodiversity. SHANGRI-LA HOTELS AND RESORTS

CEBU CITY—Imagine world-class beach resorts with luxury amenities. Then imagine swimming with whale sharks over beautiful corals and other marine species.

This is the vision of resorts and hotels in Mactan Island in Cebu province, which banded together to roll out a massive, long-term campaign of protecting one of their biggest assets—the sea—and to bring back the glory days of the Hilutungan Channel.

The campaign seems to be going right for the resorts, the communities and the local government of Lapu-lapu City, Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort general manager Raymond Bragg reported during the opening of the resort’s GoCebuGreen Fair over the weekend.

“Twenty years ago whale sharks have been swimming in the Hilutungan Channel but they haven’t been seen again since. But mid last year, a diver sighted a whale shark in the channel,” Bragg said.

The protected marine sanctuary in front of the resort has the widest variety of corals and fish in the island of Cebu, underlining the resort’s efforts to protect the environment.

Antonio Aboitiz, president of advocacy group Ocean Care Advocates Inc., said it was a great challenge to bring together Mactan’s giant resort hotels—Shangri-La, Hilton Cebu Resort & Spa, and Plantation Bay, along with several smaller resorts and businesses—but the effort was worthwhile as resorts are now fully committed to protecting the environment.

“It’s very important for everybody to realize that it is good business to protect the environment,” Aboitiz told the BusinessMirror. He said being a tourism destination, Cebu resorts and businesses are starting to realize the environment as one of its biggest attraction.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia lauded the efforts of the resorts in Mactan. She said she would ask Shangri-La to partner with the provincial government in educating and training resort groups as well as town leaders to emulate the success story of the resort hotels.

All over the Hilutungan Channel at the eastern side of Mactan Island, several marine sanctuaries have been established where tourists snorkel and dive. Resorts are adopting many of these protected areas and, with the help of Ocean Advocates, several more will be put up in the next few years.

Bragg said Shangri-La is also taking its advocacy further and plans to build an interactive learning lab where guests can appreciate the rich biodiversity of Mactan and Cebu, as well as the resort’s efforts to sustain the environment.

The resort is ready to share its best practices with other businesses so they could emulate the success story of Shangri-La.

Aboitiz said the efforts of the stakeholders in Mactan could serve as an example to other tourism destinations in the Philippines, which at present are facing the gloom a destroyed environment.

The GoCebuGreen Fair, held here for the first time, highlighted projects and products that promote environmental protection and conservation. Bragg said they plan to hold the event every year and make it one of the biggest events in Cebu’s.

filino

April 1st, 2009, 08:03 AM

ang dami ng resorts thread pwede ba i consolidate nalang to lahat? pariho lang naman ang naka post :ohno:

mike durero

April 11th, 2009, 07:56 AM

BAYUD RESORT, SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo288/mike_durero/bayud.jpg?t=1239424973

Christendom

April 17th, 2009, 09:53 AM

April 17, 2009
Spa owners in Negros Occidental
to showcase thriving sector (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2009/April/17/businessnews1.htm)

Almost 30 booths on various spa products and services will be showcased by the Spa Association of Negros Occidental during the 1st Negrense Beauty, Health, and Wellness Show on April 23 to 26 at Robinsons Place Bacolod.

“We want to make the public aware that our businesses exist and generate livelihood for out-of-school youths and the unemployed through our sector,” Victoria Que, head of exhibits committee, said.

The SPAN is closely working with Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, chairperson of the educational session committee, and the Metro-Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry in organizing the event.

Que, who owns the Grand Royal Spa, said the local spa sector is growing as they have reached out to a wider market as more people are now visiting spas, health and wellness clinics, and beauty salons.

In Bacolod alone, there are now more than 20 spa operators, but only about 10 are actively taking part in the association’s activities, she said.

Babes Fisher, owner of O’Fisher Spa, said the spa sector in Bacolod City is growing steadily based on the increasing number of customers visiting spas.

Her business which started a year ago is an example, she said, as they are always fully-booked.

Que, whose spa business is now on its second year, is also attracting a steady clientele, including young professionals like call center agents.

Fisher said she believes that more people now go to spas because of their stressful lifestyles and they see spa and salons as a place to relax in.

During the four-day event, exhibitors will include spas, health and wellness clinics and resorts; beauty parlors and salons; manufacturers and distributors of health supplements, including vitamins, beverages, food and organic products; and beauty and skin care products; and health gyms and studios.

Resource speakers will also discuss the latest updates and innovations in spa management, medical and health tourism, national government initiatives on health and wellness, and development of world-class spa professionals.*NLG

bacolodchamp

April 29th, 2009, 10:48 AM

EDEN ISLAND RESORT & SPA
Hinobaan, Negros Occidental

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^^

bacolodchamp

April 29th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Spa, Medical Tourism are Newest Money-Spinners

The Department of Tourism (DOT) tags health and wellness spa and medical tourism as the newest money-spinners in the country today as revenues from these fields reach $30 Million on top of the thousands of jobs it generated, Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, convenor of the 1st Negrense Beauty, Health and Wellness Show last week said.

The project was held in cooperation with the Metro-Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) and the Spa Association of Negros Occidental (SPAN) last week at Robinsons Place Bacolod.

Given this data, Sports and Wellness Tourism Director Cynthia Lazo of the Department of Tourism (DOT) recently advised the local stakeholders in Bacolod to develop its spa industry alongside the medical tourism industry, notably by encouraging the evolution of a spa into a medical spa.

Batapa-Sigue said she will propose an ordinance establishing an integrated health and wellness tourism program for Bacolod City to further professionalize the workers in this sector, to create a niche for Bacolod after constituting a multi-stakeholder health and wellness council that will encourage private-public sector partnerships in bringing about jobs, investment and opportunities for Bacolod just like what she did in the ICT outsourcing industry.

Lazo also encourages medical professionals to learn about spas and spa professionals to learn about medical spa, to promote spa experiences for pre and post medical procedures to attract clients and improve outcomes. She also challenged local governments and the private sector to invest in education to develop an abundance of skilled spa professionals and develop public relations and marketing campaigns which communicate our tremendous strengths, medical expertise, brand of compassionate care, and facility in English.

The advantages of the Philippines include highly qualified and caring personnel, relatively large pool of trainable personnel, presence of required linkages among tour operations, hospitals, tourism facilities, telecommunications, IT providers, educational institutions, insurance firms to support health tourism, and a very good price to quality ratio in medical care, Lazo said.

The spa as well as the medical tourism facilities will need various entities to provide support services such as the tours and transport, lodging and restaurants, health and other service workers, health insurance and financial institutions, marketing and advertising, education and training providers and real estate developers and construction companies.

The word “spa” actually stands for “sanitas per aquaam” or “health through water” or a town in Belgium named Spa. Spa is internationally defined as “establishments that promote wellness through the provision of therapeutic and other professional services aimed at renewing the body, mind, and spirit.”

On the other hand, a medical spa is a facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, which can include both aesthetic/cosmetic and prevention/wellness procedures and services.

Batapa-Sigue, who is now currently defending a proposed medical tourism and retirement villages ordinance on second reading before the Sanggunian Panlungsod cites various opportunities and services in the health and wellness tourism. This includes IT- enabled and business process outsourcing services, transport, travel and tourism, hospitality, professional health care and patient aid, financial support services, marketing, promotions and advertising, education and training, infrastructure and real estate Development, entrepreneurship and management development services.*

www.ndb-online.com

michael_ray

April 29th, 2009, 06:20 PM

The Malasag House - Cagayan de Oro

http://www.themalasaghouse.com/

http://www.themalasaghouse.com/images/home.jpg

"The Malasag House"
Malasag, Cugman
9000 Cagayan de Oro City
Philippines

Massage Expressions

The Malasag House Massage
Begin our signature treatment with a relaxing foot soak using your choice
of scented salts. You will continue your service with a full body
massage that incorporates heated towels infused with milk and honey to
moisturize the skin and warm the muscles.
PHP 1, 400.00

Dita's Touch
Experience a nurturing aromatherapy massage using pure essential oils.
A variety of essential oils are available to tailor this massage to your
specific needs.
60 minutes PHP 1, 000.00 ~ 90 minutes PHP 1, 35O.00

Ros'es Hand
A classic, full-body relaxation massage using gentle to moderate
pressure with long, tension releasing strokes. Relieves stress, muscles
aches and improves circulation.
60 minutes PHP 1, 000.00 ~ 90 minutes PHP 1, 300.00

kiretoce

May 18th, 2009, 05:28 AM

A Philippine team for health and wellness (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090516-205303/A-Philippine-team-for-health-and-wellness)

About 10 years ago, patients from this region traveled to the United States and Europe for quality health care and treatment. Today, the tide has turned. Asia is now a major destination for those who seek value for money and high quality health care services.

The Philippines is not new in the health and wellness (H&W) market. Some local hospitals and clinics have been treating foreign patients and balikbayans (Filipinos returning from overseas) for decades. The volume may be relatively small in comparison with those of our neighbors, but we have a strategic value proposition that is difficult to match—the reputation of our competent and caring health professionals. There is such a huge preference for Filipino health workers globally. Let’s entice the market to experience compassionate and culturally sensitive, high and tender loving quality health care by Filipinos right here in our homeland.

The global H&W industry is estimated to be more than $40 billion and expected to rise to $100 billion by 2012. Competition is intense, but good for the clusters of inter-connected H&W stakeholders—full hospital care, specialty clinics, wellness centers and retirement care. Global competition has driven hospitals to invest in facilities, processes and people. Their local and foreign patient base has expanded as a result of improved services and better image.

Competition continues to nurture excellence within and among these clusters. But for our country and people to generate and enjoy the benefits of investments, value added, multiplier effects, and employment opportunities, a public-private partnership (PPP) approach must be taken and implemented seriously. It is only through the convergence of interests of the public and private sectors that the interlinking between the supply and market chains of the H&W clusters will be achieved.

Beyond its support in enticing customers and facilitating travel, such a partnership must now push for the full convergence of its forces and resources in addressing some key issues. The wellness concept is not yet very appreciated in our society. There is still lack of alignment among national and local policies. Wellness centers continue to be categorized as sauna baths and massage clinics under the Sanitation Code, which does not allow raising employee image in this sector. International air carriers are disincentivized to enhance connectivity and pursue long-term plans due to the higher costs of doing business (e.g., airport-related and air transport taxes). Our transport and tourism infrastructure have barely improved. The low priority for R & D is evidenced in our inability to commercially produce a variety of spa wellness products given our resource diversity. We lack a critical mass of local government units with existing clusters that provide special investment promotions and service facilitation units that would incentivize investors and enterprises. Hence, the low ranking of the Philippines among the countries that compete for this burgeoning market.

Collaboration on a PPP basis will help address issues such as accreditation, equity, insurance portability and human resource development. In medical tourism, should providers be internationally accredited to become globally competitive? Yes. It’s a signal of our commitment to quality. It facilitates attracting clients of medical insurance firms. Should local facilities be required to secure Joint Commission International accreditation to qualify for fiscal incentives and inclusion in promotions? No. There are other organizations outside the United States (e.g., Accreditation Canada) that perform a similar role; and in our region, a number of public health care systems are granted international accreditation. Our goal is two-fold: to seek international recognition and accreditation of our local system (e.g., Philhealth) by the International Society for Quality in Health Care and to effectively communicate the high quality care by accredited providers. I understand that accreditation bodies such as Accreditation Canada can assist local accreditation bodies.

Some facilities and providers already have their own programs—monthly medical missions, subsidies to charity patients—to address equity. But government and its private partners should involve, develop and engage low income communities as direct providers or outsourced groups at various parts of the supply to market chain. A PPP approach can tap public and private financial institutions to fund projects that are backed up by purchase orders from H&W businesses and their support or related industries. Government must clearly delineate the responsibilities and mandate of its agencies to gain support from the private sector. Cross-border H&W is not the solution to our local health woes nor should it be rejected due to possible risks. Risk recognition and mitigation are essential elements to make the programs sustainable.

Election time is around the corner. Despite the changing of the guard, we need to continue with the successful initiatives and to unite fragmented programs.

The Health and Wellness Task Force under EO 372 should continue, on a PPP approach, to define the policies and monitor implementation. Moving forward, we can consider various models like Singapore Medicine, but my bias is for private sector rather than government to drive and lead this growth engine, although government must provide the policy environment to ensure private sector growth.

kiretoce

May 29th, 2009, 10:21 PM

The coming boom in medical tourism (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/may/28/yehey/opinion/20090528opi4.html)

Before the end of 2009, St. Luke’s Medical Center will open the P9-billion 600-bed St. Luke’s Medical Center hospital at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

St. Luke’s Taguig is the sister hospital of St. Luke’s Quezon City, regarded as, probably—the best hospital in the Philippines today and one of the best in the world. St. Luke’s is better-equipped than 95 percent of hospitals in the United States.

The hospital will cater to two main markets—the booming Makati Central Business District and the international market or medical tourism.

In 2007 alone, some 750,000 Americans traveled abroad and spent $2.1 billion to seek medical care. By 2017, more than 15 million Americans will seek medical services in other countries and spend between $30 billion and $79 billion.

By next year, global medical tourism is projected to be worth $100 billion, up from $60 billion in 2007.

The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions defines medical tourism as the process of leaving home for treatments and care abroad. This phenomenon will show explosive growth, for two reasons:

One, the safety and quality of care in many offshore settings like the Philippines is no longer an issue.

Two, rising health care costs in home countries. The high cost of medical care is eating into corporate profits and household disposable income. Yet, the same medical care, in quality and expertise, is available—abroad—for half or even a fourth of the cost.

The Philippines is a natural for medical tourism. The country has among the world’s best doctors, nurses and health care providers. Filipinos, by nature, are warm, friendly, and caring. They speak English, the language of medicine and patients. And a number of Philippine hospitals are highly regarded abroad.

A strong medical tourism industry will create jobs, help alleviate poverty, and boost the Philippines as an excellent place for doing business and for retiring.

St. Luke’s is home to some of the best Filipino medical scientists, doctors and specialists. Many have undergone rigid training under world-renowned experts in hospitals and universities abroad.

St. Luke’s is the only Philippine hospital twice accredited by the Joint Commission International, or JCI—in 2003 and in 2006. It is the first to be accredited in the Philippines by JCI and the only one re-accredited. Accreditation validates St. Luke’s claim as one of the world’s best.

St.Luke’s at the Fort will be state-of-the-art—with 374 doctors’ clinics, parking for 1,265 cars; and ten institutes, one each for Heart, Cancer, Neurosciences, Digestive and Liver Diseases, Eye, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Pathology, Pulmonary Medicine, Radiology, and Pediatrics and Child Health.

Standing on a 1.6-hectare prime land, the new hospital has 18 operating rooms, five caesarian section and delivery rooms, imaging suites, critical care units, cardiac catheriterization lab, ob-gynecology, and post-anesthetic care unit.

Accordingly, St. Luke’s at the Fort has sought registration with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as a medical tourism park. It is the second hospital to do so. The first was the St. Francis Cabrini in Batangas City, which bills itself as medical facility for cancer patients and for the Japanese market.

PEZA-registered medical tourism parks enjoy a host of incentives, including the payment of a special 5-percent tax on gross income, in lieu of all national and local taxes.

Additionally, they enjoy four years of income tax holiday on profits solely derived from servicing foreign patients. After the four-year ITH or income tax holiday, the medical tourism parks will just pay a 5-percent gross income tax on income solely derived from servicing foreign patients, in lieu of all national and local taxes.

As a PEZA firm, St. Luke’s can also import medical equipment, including spare parts and equipment supplies, duty-free. As a medical tourism center, it will be allowed to employ foreign nationals subject to existing laws.

ruralvillage

May 30th, 2009, 10:30 PM

RP emerges as wellness haven (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/may/31/yehey/top_stories/20090531top1.html)
Manila Times (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/may/31/yehey/top_stories/20090531top1.html)
By Rene Q. Bas, Editor in Chief

Medical tourism is proving to be a super-bright region in our country’s darkening economic landscape. The country’s chief statistician warns that we are on the brink of a recession.

If we do slip as badly as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand have, the tourism industry—and our good old OFWs—will help us survive.

And if our country’s tourism industry becomes a savior, it will be thanks in good measure to the medical tourism-wellness haven subsector of the industry.

Our medical tourism subsector performed better in the first quarter of 2009 than in the same period in 2008 despite the global financial crisis, Tourism Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion happily says.

The 10-percent growth from January to March came from more than 200,000 foreigners who came to our medical, dental, health and wellness centers. If this trend continues, by the end of 2009, a total of 600,000 patients and wellness seekers from abroad would have arrived and stayed spending dollars and offsetting somehow the decline in exports, the decline (God forbid) of OFW remittances and other setbacks caused by the global financial crisis and economic slowdown.

$3 billion tourism revenues by 2012

The Times has estimated from Tourism statistics that each medical and wellness tourist who stays in the Philippines spends an average of $3,500 during his or her stay. If 600,000 medical tourists and wellness-seekers do stay here the gross receipts from them would be $2.1 billion.

If harder times hit our source countries and only 300,000 arrive the gross receipts would still be $1,050,000,000. In the early Department of Tourism projections of medical tourism income, the goal of $1 billion was yet to come—in 2012!

Because of these early successes, Undersecretary Carrion now projects that by 2012, the tourism industry will generate some $3 billion in revenues.

If medical tourism is such a great success, it is because many of the medical tourists actually come for treatment and surgery procedures that our best hospitals like the Capitol Medical Center do as well as or even better than those in the West, but at very much lower costs. For example, in the United States knee-replacement surgery costs at least $50,000, while it costs only $6,000 here.

A complete medical holiday package from the United States to the Philippines costs less—up to 90 percent in some cases—than what an American patient would pay for medical care in the US.

Add to the competence, excellence and price factors the sweet scent of Filipino nurses and caregivers. They are famed all over the Western world for being wonderfully caring and affectionate to their patients.

Undersecretary Carrion also said some of the wellness-seekers come for our healers—traditional massage experts (hilot)—and health spas. Our hilots are getting a good name, especially among Europeans.

Now (see article “Australians awed by RP’s dentists and dental service”) even our dental surgeons—as well as dental hygienists—are being sought by foreigners.

One-stop shop business model and strategy

Undersecretary Carrion explains that the Philippines’ medical tourism industry (or subsector) is perfecting, and can be said to have perfected, the one-stop shop model. Every medical tourist who comes to the Philippines gets not only his or her desired treatment experience—in a medical center, hospital or wellness center. The patient or wellness-seeker is also seamlessly led to enjoy the fun and leisure activities appropriate for his health level.

If golf holidays or cruises, trekking, and whatever else are called for as part of their cure, they are pampered with care in experiencing these post-treatment activities.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano himself said, in 2008, when the Philippines had just won the bid to host the 4th World Health Tourism Congress, which ended successfully on Saturday, that the one-stop shop, as a business model and strategy, is what would make the Philippines succeed as the world’s No. 1 in medical tourism.

“We should be able to provide every medical tourist the total package and seamless experience the moment they arrive in our country,” Durano explained in 2008. “With this system in place, visitors will have a worry-free stay, [enabling them to] focus their energy and resources on the treatment, on relaxing while recuperating and then enjoying themselves afterwards.”

This, he said, means making the medical tourist get not only treatment and wellness services but also all the leisure, fun and shopping components of overseas travel.

4th WHTC a great success

The first three World Health Tourism Congresses (WHTC) were held in Germany, Cyprus and Spain. That the world’s tourism industry chose the Philippines and not the other countries that coveted the opportunity to host the 4th WHTC was itself a proof of our emergence as a medical tourism and wellness haven in the global consciousness.

Further proof, or actual testimonies, came from the foreign delegations who came to attend the Congress. They were not just being diplomatic. Most of the delegates who came from virtually every country in the world were travel agency businessmen who made connections and signed deals with their Philippine counterparts and the health service providers who were represented in the Congress.

For details read “4th Health Tourism Congress truly a great success” and “Sec. Durano: RP rising as prime player in medical travel”.

ruralvillage

May 30th, 2009, 10:33 PM

Australians awed by RP’s dentists and dental service (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/may/31/yehey/top_stories/20090531top4.html)
Manila Times (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/may/31/yehey/top_stories/20090531top4.html)

In a first in Philippine dental history, an Australian group came here on a “Meditour’s Health Holidays Educational Trip” from May 19 to 27.

The group was composed of Australia’s 12 biggest travel agents. They visited the country’s foremost dental clinics, aesthetic centers, spas, and resorts with the sole purpose of selling the Philippines for health and wellness holidays, with especial focus on getting dental services and treatment during their vacation.

The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Team Asia-Pacific, supported by the Makati Tourism Foundation—in collaboration with Australian Robert Graham, who owns All About Asia, a specialist wholesale travel supplier based in Birsbane—facilitated the trip for the group from Down Under.

With the current global financial crisis, many people from developed countries now find traveling a prohibitive luxury.

Health problems, however, must be attended to at once. And once potential patients learn about the world-class health and dental care available in the Philippines at a small fraction of the cost in their countries, they get sold on this country as their tourism destination.

The Meditour’s Health Holidays Educational trip here included a trip to Boracay—where else. But they also meet—in Metro Manila—a group from Palawan.

They stayed at the Dusit Thani, in Manila, they saw Intramuros (Fort Santiago and Casa Manila), Binondo and the Ayala Museum. They saw the facilities of the Makati Sports Club.

They went to The Farm at San Benito, inspected its facilities and some enjoyed the spa.

Being travel agents the group also had business meetings with Filipino counterparts and of course their DOT hosts.

They went on inspection visits to clinics and more spas at the Gutierrez Dental Clinic, the GAOC Dental Clinic, Beverly Hills 6750, Beverly Hills Medical Group, Makati Medical Center (MMC) and had lunch hosted by the MMC doctors.

They also inspected (and some enjoyed) the Zen Institute Medispa, the NuU Asia Dental Clinic, the Smiles Dental Clinic, the Devanara Spa and the Royal Bellagio Hotel.

In Boracay, the Aussie group did island hopping at Crystal Cove and some did some snorkeling. They inspected the Boracay Tropics, after which they went to the Mandala Spa and Villas.

They experienced actually venturing into Boracay’s local restaurants—some went to Aria, others to Cyma.

They did ATV Quad biking at Mount Luho and inspected the Two Seasons and Discovery Shores.

Some industry experts say the Philippines is not yet on the radar of Australians as a tourism destinations—much less as a medical tourism and wellness destination.

These Australians left very impressed with Philippine dental, medical, spa and other wellness facilities—not to mention the regular things tourists want to enjoy, like swimming and shopping.

Joyce Alumno, who is among DOT’s communication consultants, says: “If we are able to show the world how good we are in dental service, executive checkups, aesthetics, spas, etc., the US and other markets will most likely come naturally as we prepare for more hospitals to get international accreditation. This is going to be a good progression of our medical and wellness tourism—more geographic and treatment-focused that creates the niche for the Philippines.”

Nick Bowditch of Nick Bowditch Travel, known as “Australia’s Family Travel Expert” wrote in his blog about the Philippines.

He asked Robert Graham (of All About Asia), “Why would you choose a holiday to the Philippines instead of somewhere else in Asia?”

Nick made a full disclosure: “As some of you know, I am a massive fan of the Philippines having lived and worked there in scuba diving. It is really an amazing and impossibly beautiful place in some parts and I think more Australians should consider it as a holiday destination.

“Crystal clear water, some of the whitest, most beautiful beaches in the world, and locals who are very friendly and who are renowned for quality service.

“But don’t just take my word for it.

“I recently interviewed Robert Graham, from All About Asia in Brisbane, and asked him why Aussies should think about seeing the Philippines.”

tonight

June 4th, 2009, 01:33 PM

Sagip Buhay now online (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=474228&publicationSubCategoryId=75)

MANILA, Philippines – The Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation, an organization with the Philippine General Hospital’s Department of Medicine as its beneficiary, launched its website www.sagipbuhay.org recently.

The foundation provides healthcare to indigent patients in the PGH medical wards who could otherwise not afford treatment.

With the newly launched site, individuals and corporations will be able to support the foundation’s cause more easily through online credit card donations.

“We are excited to be on the World Wide Web,” said Dr. Rody Sy, chairman of Sagip Buhay. “Our contacts abroad — former PGH residents, UP doctors, and those interested in donating — will now be able to reach us more easily.”

Of the 10,000 sick patients who are admitted to the PGH charity wards each year, only five percent can afford the necessary treatment.

Sagip Buhay supports patients with little or no financial means by providing them free medicine, diagnostic tests, and procedures

“We administer the first set of antibiotics, the first dialysis session, and other procedures that can be life-saving in many instances, said Dr. Agnes Mejia, who chairs the PGH-Department of Medicine.

The foundation also supports the training of around 70 medical doctors per year across 14 fields of specialization through research grants.

“Donations, no matter how small, go a long way,” said Mejia. “P10 can buy a needle and syringe for blood extraction, P1,000 can buy three days’ worth of antibiotics for someone with pneumonia, and P5,000 can fund an emergency dialysis for someone with acute kidney failure.”

Those interested in contributing to the foundation’s cause may visit Sagip Buhay online via www.sagipbuhay.org, e-mail at sagipbuhay@gmail.com or contact Dr. Geraldine Zamora-Racaza (+63917-8114205), or Nilda Lique (+632-5264372).

tonight

June 11th, 2009, 07:51 AM

No stopping college opening on Monday—CHEd (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20090610-209821/No-stopping-college-opening-on-MondayCHEd)
By Edson C. Tandoc Jr.

MANILA, Philippines —Big universities are calling on students and employees to take precautionary measures by washing hands, using hand sanitizers and even using facial masks as the Commission on Higher Education said the opening of classes at the college level will push through on Monday amid the growing number of students testing positive for the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

CHEd executive director Julito Vitriolo also said there was a need to "change the approach" in fighting the virus, saying suspending classes "will no longer be an effective measure."

He said the Department of Health should come up with a "new strategy" because postponing and suspending classes "cannot be sustainable."

The CHEd had postponed the opening of college-level classes from June 8 to June 15 after students from the De La Salle University tested positive for the virus.

The DoH said the number of DLSU students with the flu has reached 13. The De La Salle College of St. Benilde also reported its first confirmed case.

Vitriolo said that as of Wednesday, there was no change in the rescheduled date of opening of classes.

The Ateneo de Manila University also said its Loyola Schools would be pushing through with the school opening on Monday despite the suspension of classes in its elementary and high school levels after three high school students tested positive for the virus.

AdMU public relations head Sonia Araneta said classes at the elementary level would resume on Monday while those in the high school level would resume on June 22.

Several campuses earlier postponed their school opening: The University of Santo Tomas would reopen on June 15; University of the Philippines in Diliman on June 16; Far Eastern University on June 17; and University of Asia and the Pacific on June 22.

Vitriolo said schools should focus on preventive measures at the community and individual levels. He said students should strengthen their immune system by taking vitamins while those coming from foreign countries should go on self-quarantine for 10 days.
He also asked students and teachers to "avoid opportunities of contact."

Citing the DoH's recent statements, Vitriolo said the students found positive for the virus were responding to medication, proving that the virus which hit the country is "mild."

Through website announcements, big schools also urged their students and teachers to be cautious.

The FEU website said: "Everybody is advised to wear masks and to wash hands as often as possible."

The UAP also asked students and employees to "always bring with them an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, practice frequent and proper hand washing, and strictly observe the proper etiquette if one is coughing or sneezing."

The DLS-CSB, whose classes would resume on June 19, asked its students and employees "to monitor flu-like symptoms, to stay away from crowds, and to practice good hygiene" during the 10-day suspension.

tonight

June 11th, 2009, 08:26 AM

Keep eyes wide open for glaucoma prevention (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=476376&publicationSubCategoryId=75)

MANILA, Philippines – Did you know that glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in the world, disproportionately affecting women and Asians, is also the third leading cause of blindness here in the country?

However, even though there is no cure, irreversible blindness caused by this disease is still preventable.

A disease of the eye that affects the optic nerve which causes vision loss and blindness, glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises.

When the drainage area of the eye — called the drainage angle — is blocked, the fluid pressure within the inner eye may increase, which in turn damages the optic nerve.

Glaucoma is asymptomatic, as it rarely causes symptoms until it has damaged most of the optic nerve fibers that results in blind spots.

As stated in the Philippine Glaucoma Society website (www.philglaucomasociety.org), “nerve damage develops slowly over years in the peripheral vision where they are not noticed until the very last stages of glaucoma when they begin to affect the central vision.”

However, some types of glaucoma, like the acute angle closure glaucoma, do have early symptoms that include eye pain and redness, blurred vision, seeing halos around bright lights, and nausea and vomiting.

But with early treatment, one can protect one’s eyes against serious vision loss. Regular eye examination by an ophthalmologist is the best way to detect glaucoma.

A complete and painless examination consists of measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry), inspecting the drainage angle of the eye (gonioscopy), evaluating any optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy), testing the visual field of each eye (perimetry), and Optic Nerve Head imaging.

Pfizer, a leading research-based pharmaceutical company, has a portfolio of ophthalmology products specifically for glaucoma.

Its Latanoprost, a treatment of high eye pressure/intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, works by opening drainage channels in the eyes, which allows excess fluid to drain. In turn, the pressure in the eyes drops.

Another type of eyedrop is Latanoprost-Timolol which is used to reduce the pressure inside the eye for people with open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension.

This medication is intended for those who have chronic open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It works by reducing the amount of fluid produced by the eye and by increasing the flow of fluid out of the eye.

The Third National Survey of Blindness in the Philippines ranked glaucoma as the third leading cause of blindness, after cataract and refractive error.

Moreover, the survey gathered that there will be 60.5 million people with open angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle closure glaucoma (ACG) in 2010, increasing to 79.6 million by 2020, and of these cases, 74 percent will have OAG.

Women will comprise 55 percent of OAG cases, 70 percent of ACG, and 59 percent of all glaucoma in 2010.

Hence, Pfizer acknowledges the significance of continuous patient education to raise greater awareness of causes, risks and treatment options for glaucoma to encourage early prevention.

tonight

June 16th, 2009, 04:56 AM

Group: Outsourcing industry ready vs H1N1 (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090615-210617/Group-Outsourcing-industry-ready-vs-H1N1)
By Alexander Villafania

MANILA, Philippines –With the reported increase in confirmed A(H1N1) cases in Metro Manila, the country’s business process outsourcing companies said it has already readied contingency plans to prevent further spread of this illness.

The outsourcing industry is one of the biggest industries in the country with about 500,000 people hired and working in facilities in the metropolis and key cities in the country.

Business Process Association of the Philippines Industry Affairs Director Jonathan de Luzuriaga said many companies under the group have prepared for emergency scenarios and have put plans in place.

Luzuriaga said BPO operators prepare for worst case scenarios, which includes health concerns, through their business continuity measures. He said these measures are standard practices for companies since they’re required by clients.

“We are in the business of business continuity. If there is any hint of a health concern in one facility, operations from that facility is transferred to another one of the company’s facility,” Luzuriaga said.

He added that BPAP officers have discussed measures when A(H1N1) cases broke out in the Philippines.

Some of the companies have moved annual physical exams to prevent workers from catching the disease.

The industry organization has also been cascading updates from the Department of Health to members to keep them informed about the situation.

Employees who have gone abroad are also given days off for self-quarantine.

“So far, there are still no confirmed cases of an employee infected with the A(H1N1) virus but we’re ready if in case there are any,” Luzuriaga said.

BPAP is the biggest BPO organization in the country with over 220 member firms. It is also associated with other industry-specific organizations in software, animation, transcription, call center and game development.

Maxxclip

June 17th, 2009, 11:02 AM

Brazilian scientists have identified a new strain of the H1N1 virus after examining samples from a patient in Sao Paulo, a research institute says.

The variant has been called A/Sao Paulo/1454/H1N1 by the Adolfo Lutz Bacteriological Institute, which compared it with samples of the A(H1N1) swine flu from California.

The genetic sequence of the new sub-type of the H1N1 virus was isolated by a virology team led by one of its researchers, Terezinha Maria de Paiva, the institute said in a statement on Tuesday.

The mutation was comprised of alterations in the Hemagglutinin protein which allows the virus to infect new hosts, it said.

It was not yet known whether the new strain was more aggressive than the current A(H1N1) virus which has been declared pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

The genetic make-up of the H1N1 virus and its subvariants are important for scientists.

Pharmaceutical companies are working to mass produce a vaccine against the current A(H1N1) flu.

There are fears though that it could mutate into a deadly strain, much in the same way as the 1918 Spanish flu -- also an A(H1N1) virus type -- did when it killed tens of millions of people around the planet.

According to the WHO, 36,000 people in 76 countries have been infected with the H1N1 virus, causing 163 deaths.

AFP

RonnieR

June 22nd, 2009, 05:06 AM

Philippines reports high recovery rate as A/H1N1 cases breach 400 mark
www.chinaview.cn 2009-06-22 07:13:41

MANILA, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine health chief on Sunday said 339 out of the 428 patients infected with the A/H1N1 influenza virus in the country since May 21 have recovered.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the recovery percentage of the A/H1N1 flu cases in the country now rises to 79 percent.

He also reported that 36 new cases, all exhibiting mild symptoms, were found in the past 24 hours and only six of them had a history of travel from countries affected by the pandemic flu, which indicates that the majority of the Filipino cases are not imported.

Duque continued to remind the public that the simplest ways to avoid getting the flu are to wash hands thoroughly and to cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, respectively.

tonight

July 30th, 2009, 02:02 PM

DOH warns vs fake flu vaccines (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=491466&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Sheila Crisostomo

MANILA, Philippines - Following the seizure of P4 million worth of fake flu vaccines by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) yesterday asked drugstores to buy their vaccine supplies from legitimate pharmaceutical firms.

In an advisory, BFAD director Nazarita Tacandong warned “all drug store owners and/or their pharmacists to exercise extra diligence in buying this vaccine and any other drugs and medicine.”

“They should buy only from sources duly licensed by BFAD and always demand sales invoices or receipts from their sources indicating therein the name of the drugs and medicine purchased and their respective lot numbers and expiry dates,” she said.

Tacandong maintained that refusal of the source or seller to give such information “should give rise to suspicion and must be reported immediately to BFAD.”

“All consumers are advised to purchase this vaccine and other drugs and medicine only from outlets duly licensed by BFAD and to demand receipts as well,” she noted.

The NBI had confiscated counterfeit Vaxigrip anti-flu vaccines from a house-establishment in San Pedro, Laguna and arrested a former medical representative of a pharmaceutical firm.

The vaccines reportedly contained only distilled water. The raid stemmed from the complaint of Sanofi Pasteur which manufactures and distributes various pharmaceutical products including Vaxigrip.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reiterated yesterday that there are still no vaccines for Influenza A(H1N1). Such vaccines are expected to be out in the market before November.

“What is available now are vaccines for seasonal flu. There is still no vaccine for A(H1N1),” Duque added. Since the A(H1N1) pandemic broke out a few months ago, various flu vaccines have flooded the market, mostly without clarifying that there is no vaccine for the A(H1N1) virus.

Meanwhile, the Caraga region now has the highest number of confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) cases in Mindanao, with 22 confirmed cases.

Fifty patients with flu-like symptoms are also under observation.

This figure does not include those who are under self-medication and who do not know whether their fever is due to the A(H1N1) virus.

Two schools in Butuan City, the Agusan National High School and Rainbow of Little Angels School, recently suspended classes due to confirmed A(H1N1) cases.

Caraga Center for Heath Development records showed that since May the number of persons under observation rose to 50.

Yesterday, an employee at the provincial capitol of Agusan del Norte tested positive for A(H1N1) based on his throat swab test from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Of the 50 patients under observation for A(H1N1) flu, 28 were female and 22 were male with ages ranging from three months to 77 years. Most are within the age group 11 to 20 years, according to health department records.

ruralvillage

August 13th, 2009, 03:38 AM

It's essential to have a separate thread for medical-related travel. In these trips, healing and pleasure are the prime goals.

Sightseeing after surgery (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/214894/sightseeing-after-surgery)
By AMANDA JAUCIAN BALNEG
Manila bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/214894/sightseeing-after-surgery)
August 8, 2009, 2:36pm

This summer, as people in the West head out to foreign lands to travel, some are planning to have hip resurfacing, multiple bypass, or cosmetic surgery while they’re at it.

If travel adventure involves a risky activity, then medical tourism would be an adventure combining surgery and paradise – the risk of going under the knife in some exotic location.

The clincher? The price!

Karen Lee of Concord, California needs to have some dental work done – two crowns and cleaning. The quote she got was at USD$2199.

Traveling to the Philippines, not only will she get to visit her family, but also their family dentist who will only charge her $199.

Meanwhile, Dorothy needs dental cleaning but in Hong Kong that would cost her between HK$600-800 or PHP3000-4000. Most would hate the idea of going to the dentist’s office but Dorothy looks forward to beach hopping with a side trip to the dentist. The dental cleaning fee gave her an extra reason to smile at PHP350.

For complicated and specialized cosmetic, orthopedic, and heart surgeries, costs are usually a fraction or 20 to 80 percent less of what they’ll be paying in developed countries.

Karen is one of the 40 to 45 million uninsured Americans. They have disposable income which cannot afford health insurance. President Obama says he’ll fix the burdened healthcare infrastructure but in the meantime, people are getting sick.

Learning about one’s medical condition would bring dark clouds over anyone’s future. But finding out, to one’s horror, how much it would cost to regain his/her health back would be financially painful.

The Fast and the Furious

Other than cost, there’s the convenience factor.

Some medical tourists go for procedures not covered by their insurance, like cosmetic surgery or infertility treatment.

Others find out that their medical insurance imposes restrictions on the choice of facility, surgeon, or prosthetics to be used.

In Canada and the UK, a large draw to medical travel is the no-wait list. People are frustrated and furious over the long wait and want medical attention fast.

Countries that operate public health-care systems are often so taxed that it will take some time to get a non-urgent medical care.

In Canada, an estimated 782,936 Canadians waited an average of 9.4 weeks on medical waiting list in 2005. Canada has a set waiting-time benchmark like 26 weeks for a hip replacement.

All these medical care hiccups are fueling the trend of medical tourism abroad.

First-rate medical care at Third-World price

Medical tourists turn to the web for alternatives to the traditional forms of medical care and find incredibly discounted medical procedures at accredited hospitals overseas.

Some 80 percent of successful deals with hospitals happen through the web.

Much like when you travel for leisure, medical tourism provides a myriad of destinations for your medical needs.

The Philippines is one of the newer players in the market. It is the country where medical professionals like nurses and therapists, and caregivers are coming from.

A country of warm weather and warm people, Filipinos are known for their brand of hospitality. They say laughter is the best medicine. Spending time with the locals and their sunny and happy disposition towards life would help in recuperating. Filipinos are also hygienic.

The Philippines is one of the world’s alternative healing centers. It is home to medicinal plants, traditional and indigenous health practices, mystics, faith healers, and practitioners of reflexology, acupuncture and acupressure.

Like other Latin and Asian countries, the country credits its lower medical fees to factors like lower salaries, lower cost of living, and currency difference. The currency exchange rate is very favorable to American, European, Australian, and a few Asian currencies.

English is also widely spoken across the islands, mainly due to the strong American influence, so there will be no language barrier.

The Philippines started promoting medical tourism only in 2006. In its first year of medical tourism promotions, the country raked in USD$200 million, with cosmetic surgery, eye treatment, and dental procedures as the top earners.

As an incentive to hospitals, a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority was signed. With the MOA, the Department of Health can endorse hospitals to avail of income-tax holidays and duty-free importation of diagnostic and therapeutic equipments.

Alma Jimenez, president of the Philippine Association of Health Organizations in Medical Tourism Inc., said medical tourism works like in a Business Process Outsourcing. It’s outsourcing the health-care system of other countries into other countries that are capable of doing it cheaper and with comparable quality.

Once the patient has chosen his destination country, the choice is further trimmed down to a particular hospital and physician. Hospitals can organize a video or teleconference between the patient, his/her local doctor and the doctor overseas so the patient can make a more informed decision.

Sightseeing after an Eyelift.

The Philippines takes pride not just in its wealth of doctors but also destinations.

The 7,107-island nation is an exotic vacation spot known for its beaches, rice terraces, volcanoes, whale sharks, chocolate hills, underground river and coral reefs.

But for medical tourists, it’s a place to rejuvenate after an operation.

Depending on what the patient wants, the medical travel package may include flights, transfers, hotel or resort accommodation, chauffeured city travel, bilingual personal assistant and even post-operative vacation.

The vacation phase is not just a value-added attraction. It may be necessary to some medical procedures. Traveling long distances immediately after surgery can increase the risk of complications. Long haul flights and decreased mobility in a cramped airline cabin may cause blood clots in the legs. To avoid this, patients allocate time for rest and recovery in the destination country.

Recovery could never be this quick and enjoyable, convalescing at a beachfront resort, an hour’s flight from the hospital.

With the world shrinking at the click of a mouse, medical tourism promises cost-efficiency and convenience. It offers renewed health in body and mind – something you get after taking a vacation. Is medical tourism the panacea you’re looking for? Get into the adventure and find out.

c6josh

August 25th, 2009, 09:36 AM

Cervical cancer vaccine with superior immune response
By ROWENA BAUTISTA-ALCARAZ
August 24, 2009, 12:15pm

"The new data shows Cervarix provides long lasting high levels of virus neutralizing antibodies able to prevent cervical cancer caused by types HPV 16 and 18.” Thus said Dr. Peter Stern, head of Cancer Research UK Immunology Group at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research of the University of Manchester during his recent visit to the country.

Dr. Stern added: “The vaccine can also protect beyond HPV types 16 and 18 through cross protection against other HPV types – causing additional 11 to 16 percent of cancers. These findings support the decision of UK which selected Cervarix as the HPV vaccine for its national vaccination program for adolescent girls.

Similarly in the Philippines, this can have a significant impact on saving women’s lives.” This sets into motion a cervical-cancer-free country program.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, with 500,000 new cases and 250,000 deaths reported each year. Over 80 percent of cases occur in developing countries including the Philippines. Alarmingly, 12 Filipinas die of cervical cancer everyday ranking the disease as the second most common cancer afflicting Filipino women.

During his lecture, Dr. Stern gave emphasis on the presentation during the 25th International Papillomavirus Conference (IPV) in Sweden where a head-to-head study between two HPV vaccines in the market revealed several findings.

According to Dr. Stern, across all ages studied, neutralizing antibody levels for GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine were more than two times higher than those for the other vaccine for HPV 16; and more than six times higher for HPV type 18.

Aside from inducing significantly higher antibody levels, the GSK vaccine also generates more memory B cells, nearly three times more, for HPV 16 and 18, compared to other available vaccine.

Results from a third study also showed that GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine provides high and sustained antibody levels against HPV 16 and 18 through the 7.3 years of follow-up after vaccination. This is the longest clinical trial follow up reported to date for any licensed cervical cancer vaccine.

Dr. Stern gives credit to ASO4 adjuvant, a substance that enhances the body’s immune response which can be found in GSK’s Cervarix.

c6josh

August 25th, 2009, 09:39 AM

the cervical vaccine shot may be expensive but it's worth it...I should know, my job is in line with this.

c6josh

September 2nd, 2009, 05:40 PM

SPi buys Laguna Medical Systems, boosts healthcare platform
09/02/2009 | 08:21 PM
Email this Email the Editor Print | | More
A wholly-owned subsidiary of ePLDT Inc. bought Laguna Medical Systems Inc. (LMS) for $8.25 million to expand its healthcare platform.

In a statement, SPi president and chief executive Peter Maquera said the inclusion of LMS' service offerings in its healthcare portfolio allows the business process outsourcing (BPO) company to strengthen relationships with more than 400 hospitals, multi-specialty clinics and physician practices it currently serves and increases its healthcare-specific employee base to more than 2,000 worldwide.

"LMS capabilities nicely complement our existing medical transcription, billing and revenue cycle management services and provide an excellent, new entry point for us into this rapidly growing $25 billion industry," he said.

SPi has offices and facilities across North America, Europe and Asia with over 7,000 employees providing content outsourcing services to diversified markets.

As healthcare industry is the largest segment in the US economy, ePLDT president and CEO Ray S. Espinosa said the information and communications technology company is committed to expand platform in this area and looking to add another annuity-based business to their overall BPO portfolio. - Ruby Anne M. Rubio, GMANews.TV

ruralvillage

September 9th, 2009, 11:48 PM

A creative form of medical tourism. . .

MID 400,000 JOBLESS NURSING GRADUATES

BPO Company offers nurses alternative to leaving RP (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/sept/10/yehey/business/20090910bus1.html)
Manila Times (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/sept/10/yehey/business/20090910bus1.html)
By Ben Arnold O. de Vera, Reporter

FILIPINO nurses may opt to stay in the country to work as “digital medical butlers” for a medical knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) firm that will put up training facilities and a contact center to service clients abroad.

In a briefing on Wednesday, Wei Siang Yu, Fly Free for Health Group of Companies founder and chief executive officer, said the company’s Philippine subsidiary, Life Stage Communication, will put up facilities in Manila and Davao in the next six months, through which registered Filipino nurses can assist patients online.

“Instead of nurses leaving the Philippines to work in a hospital outside the country, Filipino nurses can now stay here and still tap the global, borderless healthcare and medical tourism market,” Wei said.

“They can just communicate with their patients via the In-ternet,” he said.

Wei said the company will invest between $2 million and $4 million for the two facilities, and will initially hire about 100 registered nurses.

He said the Philippine facility can attract potential clients from 50 healthcare institutions and organizations from all over the world that are affiliated with Fly Free for Health.

Fly Free for Health is in talks with five major local hospitals, he said, adding that they hope to seal partnership agreements here within the next six weeks.

Wei also said state-led healthcare reforms in countries such as the US and Singapore, as well as aging populations, will likely increase the viability of medical outsourcing. He said this will benefit more Filipino health professionals, who are in demand due to their English-language skills, good education and innate hospitality.

Eleanor Artemia Gapuz, RA Gapuz Review Center president and chief executive officer, said about 400,000 nurses in the country were unemployed last year and the popularity of the profession can add 20,000 more nursing graduates a year. While Filipinos abound in skills and talent, working visas for nurses in foreign lands are still very limited, she said.

“Filipino nurses have to look for alternative opportunities besides working abroad, and working as a medical butler is a good one,” she added.

Cited as among the domestic industries that showed resilience amid the economic slowdown, the Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) industry expects to grow between 20 percent and 30 percent this year, and employ more than 450,000 people by yearend. This sector grew 26 percent last year with revenues of $6.061 billion.

Officials of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) projected growth of between 15 percent and 20 percent for call centers this year, while the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) expects nonvoice, such as animation and back office operations, as well as KPOs to grow over 100 percent this year.

j.r.

September 15th, 2009, 12:39 AM

hmm,.. interesting...

ruralvillage

September 21st, 2009, 11:44 PM

Cebu hospitals ready to compete for medical tourists (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/16294-cebu-hospitals-ready-to-compete-for-medical-tourists.html)
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/16294-cebu-hospitals-ready-to-compete-for-medical-tourists.html)
Written by Willy Rodolfo III / Reporter
Monday, 21 September 2009 20:20

MAJOR hospitals in Cebu see the country’s Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) accreditation guidelines as enough to put them side by side international hospitals, ready to cater to medical tourists.

Cebu Health and Wellness Council president Oscar Tuason said international accrediting standards are a big help, but not as important as marketing Cebu hospitals’ services abroad and the satisfaction of their clients. He said the PhilHealth self-assessment book is on a par with international standards.

“There is no bigger accreditation than patients telling their friends about the services they received in Cebu,” said Tuason, also the hospital administrator of Cebu Doctor’s University Hospital (CDUH).

The council is a group of private-sector players and government agencies committed to promote Cebu as a medical and wellness destination in the world.

CDUH, Perpetual Succor Hospital and Chong Hua Hospital are packaging their services and renovated their facilities to accommodate the growing number of medical and wellness tourists into the city.

CDUH alone receives close to 50 foreign tourists a month as compared with 10 a year ago.

CDUH is the first hospital outside Manila accredited by the Department of Tourism as a medical-tourism facility with 17 well-appointed suites for its VIP patients.

“Cebu not only offers world-class medical facilities, but world-class tourism destinations,” Tuason said.

“We offer First-World facilities and services at Third-World prices.”

Medical procedures in Cebu remain cheap, Tuason said. For example, a heart bypass that could easily cost $120,000 in the US would only cost a tourist $28,000 in Cebu.

Estimates in 2006 show that global medical tourism is already a $120-billion industry with an annual 20-percent growth.

India remains a leader in Asia, followed by Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Tuason said Cebu can compete with the best in the world in heart procedures, orthopedic cases, eye treatment and other more basic medical services.

But he said Cebu’s reputation as a tourism destination puts it a cut above the rest as tourists can go on a vacation after their procedure.

RonnieR

October 19th, 2009, 07:02 AM

PEZA approves P12.5-B medical tourism project
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
October 18, 2009, 2:05pm

A P12.5-billion integrated medication tourism zone complete with a tertiary hospital, a five-star hotel, wellness and recreational facilities is proposed to rise within a 52-hectare in barangay Kayrilaw in Nasugbu, Batangas to cater to the needs of the elderly foreign retirees, particularly Japanese.

Project proponent Global Village Mobile Network Corp. (GVMNC) was already approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as a new ecozone medical tourism enterprise.

In approving the project, PEZA director-general Lilia B. de Lima said that GVMNC facilities would occupy a 24-hectare portion of the 52-hectare medical tourism park being developed by Camp David Investment and Holdings Inc. (CDIHI).

De Lima said that PEZA has also approved CDIHI as a new medical tourism park developer subject to a presidential proclamation. CDIHI has allocated P318 million for the development of the park.

Based on its application with PEZA, the Filipino-owned GVMNC’s project is intended to cater to elderly foreign clients, particularly Japanese and local clients as well.

Facilities that would rise within the 24-hectare medical tourism park include a tertiary hospital that is designed to accommodate 100-bed in-patient suites, 8-bed intensive care units, 8-bed cardiac care units, 10-bed hemodialysis unit, 8-bed day care surgery unit, 3 fully functional operating rooms, a cardiac catheterization laboratory and a lithotripsy unit.

A Telemedicine Institute is also planned to provide a formal training platform for all medical professionals like doctors, nurses and caregivers.

A five-star hotel would also be constructed for visiting relatives and consulting clients. This would be a 100-room all varying suite room hotel allotted into junior, executive and presidential suites.

The development also includes clustered home facilities for the elderly with long term medical care requirements. These are designed to provide programmed long-term care to at least 1,152 residents with on-line telemedicine facilities.

Other facilities in the park include healthcare, wellness and cosmetic surgery and spa; condominium administrative housing, country club complex, pavilion complex and satellite network hub facility.

Once its facilities are in full commercial operation, the wholly-owned Filipino GVMNC expects annual average sales of P5.358 billion.

The CDIHI also plans to develop a portion of the property into a combined herbal and essences farm laboratory in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology.

The Filipino-owned CDIHI, which is chaired by Ana Maria V. Mara, plans to start the development next month. Completion of the project is within three years or by November 2012 with direct employment of 2,177 and indirect workers of about 4,500.

Aside from GVMNC as its main locator, CDIHI would like its other locators to focus on complementary services such as ambulatory care and herbal essences and processed plant extracts for export.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/225263/peza-approves-p125b-medical-tourism-project

nonie_rnuk

October 19th, 2009, 03:17 PM

A creative form of medical tourism. . .

hmm,.. interesting...

very, very interesting:lol:

ruralvillage

October 26th, 2009, 11:41 PM

IRR seen key to improving tourism competitiveness (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/226576/irr-seen-key-improving-tourism-competitiveness)
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
October 26, 2009, 7:12pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/226576/irr-seen-key-improving-tourism-competitiveness)

The Implementing Rules and Regulation of the new Tourism Act or Republic Act 9593 is key to the attainment of the $3 billion revenue target from medical tourism by 2012.

Ruy Moreno, executive director of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), said that medical, health and wellness tourism would account for 20 to 25 percent of the $1 trillion tourism business.

“But to attain our target, we just have to compete in terms of policy framework to support our competitiveness,” Moreno said.

At present, the medical tourism revenues in the country are estimated between $200 to $300 million with 100,000 medical tourists. NCC has targeted to attract 200,000 medical tourists by 2012 also.

Medical tourism was boosted when Malacañang issued an executive order in 2006 mandating the promotion of medical tourism program in the country.

“No competing country can provide the skills and capabilities that we have in the country,” he said.

To achieve these targets, Moreno stressed the need to come up with an IRR to the Tourism Act that would address all the address all the issues that hamper competitiveness in the industry.

Moreno stressed it is important for the IRR to be able to provide the vision and the continuity in terms of policies and implementation.

“We cannot be competitive in other sectors of tourism but we are in the medical tourism sector. This is our real advantages because we have good medical institutions and facilities coupled with good medical practitioners and professionals,” Moreno added.

Moreno noted that the medical procedures being done in the country is 20 to 30 percent cheaper than those offered in other countries.

ruralvillage

December 12th, 2009, 08:33 PM

RP medical tourism seen to rebound as slump eases (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233660/rp-medical-tourism-seen-rebound-slump-eases)
By MELODY M. AGUIBA
December 12, 2009, 1:59pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233660/rp-medical-tourism-seen-rebound-slump-eases)

A rebounding medical tourism industry emerging from the snares of global recession may benefit the Philippines especially as Scandinavian countries Denmark, Norway, and Sweden look to South East Asia for cheaper and yet globally acceptable medical service.

Medical tourism-focused company Shimmian Manila Surgicenter is positioning for this expanding market despite the Philippine medical tourism sector's having been adversely hit too by the financial crisis. But European visitors are poised to come to countries like Singapore and the Philippines even now as recovery begins.

"We're seeing a recovery from the global recession.

Scandinavian visitors really want to go to South East Asia. And the Philippines has an advantage because people can enjoy a low price and an excellent service with us. I have clients from Sweden, Denmark, Finland. They want to go to South East Asia for these services," said Dr. Levi John G. Lansangan, facial plastic surgeon of Shimmian, in an interview at the Shimmian branch opening.

The Philippines is known for experienced medical professionals acknowledged for their degree of craftsmanship, mostly Europe-and-US-trained.

"Our cost of living is quite low," he said.

Since Scandinavian countries have socialist governments that shoulder most of their people's social welfare needs, including health benefits, their people find other extra health services very expensive.

That is why government should take advantage of these opportunities from potential European tourists by enhancing marketing efforts on medical tourism while ensuring quality of service and better international image locally through improved peace and order situation in the country.

"Our government, particularly the tourism department, has been very supportive. But we also have to improve our peace and order situation because people think it's dangerous to come here" due to high-profile criminality news that come out.

Even if Thailand or India may have already gone ahead in their image as a good place to go to for medical services, even for cosmetic surgery.

The value of medical service in India alone is estimated at $2 billion while worldwide medical tourism is estimated to be worth $20 billion a few years back and is seen to double by 2010, according to the "Challenges and Opportunities in the Medical Tourism Industry."

ruralvillage

December 13th, 2009, 10:29 PM

Enabling the wellness tourism sector (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=531367&publicationSubCategoryId=87)
(The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=531367&publicationSubCategoryId=87)) Updated December 11, 2009 12:00 AM

The IDEA awardees: (From left) DOT Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion, Personal Trainer of the Year; Debi Pillarella, Program Coordinator of the Year; and June Kahn, Fitness Instructor of the Year.

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is on its way to becoming a global health and wellness destination, thanks to the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Health — and PLDT-SME Nation will be there as the primary enabler for connectivity between Filipino healthcare providers and their patients.

Sixty representatives from the DOT, DOH and the private sector gathered at the recent Health and Wellness Stakeholders Meeting at the Cav Restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Together with PLDT-SME Nation, they mapped out various strategies to improve the health and wellness industry. Those in attendance included representatives from the health and wellness, retirement and tourism sectors.

“Solidifying the organization of all the stakeholders involved in health and wellness services, retirement and tourism will provide the necessary drive for the Philippines to become a major player in the global healthcare industry,” said Philippine Medical Tourism program manager Dr. Anthony Calibo of the DOH.

The meeting was led by DOT director Cynthia Lazo, DOH Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan, PhilWell’s Cathy Turvill, and DOT Undersecretary for Sports and Wellness Tourism Cynthia Carrion, who recently bagged the prestigious “Personal Trainer of the Year” award at the IDEA World Fitness Convention in Anaheim, California.

“We are one of the leading countries in terms of wellness tourism,” said Carrion. “If we are to really get ourselves on top, we need to get our act together to make our country a destination for medical and wellness.”

With Carrion’s leadership, the Philippines has seen an unprecedented rise in wellness and medical tourism, thanks to the campaign that gave the country its niche as the “Heart of Asia.”

PLDT-SME Nation has been fully supporting the DOT-DOH efforts in building up the wellness industry. It has been enabling the telecommunications and Internet connectivity infrastructure for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) such as the private spas and wellness centers in the country.

“We at PLDT-SME Nation are here to back up the technological necessities for the medical and wellness tourism program that the DOT and DOH are promoting. Our country has a lot to offer in terms of this industry and we think that we should be one with this endeavor to put the country’s name on top of the health and wellness sector,” said PLDT-SME Nation vice president and head Kat Luna-Abelarde.

The wellness industry would greatly benefit from what PLDT-SME Nation has to offer such as the myDSL Biz, PLDT Watcher, and Negosyo Boost.

The PLDT myDSL Biz is a high-speed Internet DSL (digital subscriber line) service that provides businesses with quality broadband access at speeds of up to 50 times faster than dial-up.

This enables SMEs in the industry to efficiently send and download heavy e-mails, browse and conduct research on the Internet and host their own websites while running similar business-critical applications over the Web.

The PLDT Watcher is a video monitoring solution perfect for resorts and spa owners. It enables SMEs to check and oversee their business operations anywhere via the Internet, whether it be broadband access or through 3G mobile phones.

On the other hand, the Negosyo Boost packages are bundles of hardware, voice services, and Internet connectivity that provides start-up SMEs and expanding businesses with the necessary tools.

In effect, SMEs in the wellness industry are provided with whatever technology-enabling services they will need.

For more information on what PLDT-SME Nation offers business, call 101-888 or visit www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.

bluers_butuan

December 25th, 2009, 07:40 AM

itong medical industry lang talaga ako bilib sa lahat. kahit na walang makuhang support sa government, ang galing ng mga doctor natin, nandiyan si belo, calayan, ellen at madami pang iba diyan. pwedeng ipanlaban. I even read from a NEWSWEEK magazine advertisement of Singapore's medical tourism industry citing the Phillippines sthrenght of this arena.

amigo32

December 25th, 2009, 12:42 PM

walang support?
i don't think so.

hakz2007

January 6th, 2010, 01:13 PM

QC to crack down on industrial firms using hazardous chemicals (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/QC_to_crack_down_on_industrial_firms_using_hazardous_chemicals.shtml)

MANILA, Jan. 6(PNA) - The Quezon City government said Tuesday it will close down industrial firms using hazardous chemicals like mercury-based medical devices as part of city’s global fight against climate change.

QC Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” R. Belmonte said they have launched a massive campaign junking mercury-filled health devices with a public blood pressure and temperature screening activity using chemical-free equipment at the City Hall grounds on Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City.

Belmonte said using safe non-toxic medical devices is a testimony to the local government’s support to the global campaign in eliminating hazardous tools in detecting diseases.

The World Health Organization has launched a worldwide campaign against the use of mercury in health care due to serious medical concerns.
Mercury, which is hazardous when ingested, maybe released from thermometers, blood pressure devices and other medical instruments putting the lives of the patients and doctors at risk. (PNA)

bluers_butuan

January 14th, 2010, 05:34 AM

Dito rin ba pwedeng magpost about cheaper medicine bill? na i pass na ba iyong bill na iyon?

venntro

January 14th, 2010, 05:38 AM

The Cheaper Medicines bill was signed into law June 2008.

bluers_butuan

January 14th, 2010, 05:57 AM

The Cheaper Medicines bill was signed into law June 2008.

implement nga siya pero hindi naman lahat sakop that is why other "sakit" cant be healed because of the super expensive medicines. And may be it is just because those medicines are imported.
_____________________________________

Ph Man

January 14th, 2010, 05:23 PM

lgseccionph

January 16th, 2010, 12:52 AM

Cashing in on medical tourism

http://beta.bworldonline.com/webpics/articles/image/stlukes.jpg

St. Luke’s Medical Center received foreign-based patients as early as the 1970s -- MBC

Melinda, a Filipino graduate student from the United States, had sex realignment surgery in Thailand several years ago.

The high costs of surgery in the US and the unwillingness of insurance companies to cover the procedure prompted her decision to fly to Thailand. Melinda’s choice was influenced not only by economics but also by the good reputation the Thai medical industry enjoys.

A year earlier, her friend had the same procedure in Thailand. She convinced Melinda to have surgery in Bangkok.

Sex realignment surgery is just one of the many medical procedures foreigners avail of in Thailand. “Medical tourists” from Japan, Europe, and Middle Eastern countries go there for cosmetic surgery, dental care, orthopedic treatment, coronary procedures, physical therapy, eye surgeries, organ transplantations, and other medical procedures. [Read More... (http://www.bworld.com.ph/main/content.php?id=4652)]

the glimpser

January 16th, 2010, 05:40 PM

P9.5B St. Luke’s hospital goes Global

By Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:08:00 01/16/2010

MANILA, Philippines – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was set to lead at 10 a.m. Saturday the inauguration of the second branch of her favorite hospital, St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City, which sits on 1.6 hectares along 32nd Street at The Fort in Taguig City.

Should she be confined for her usual medical checkup, at the hospital, the President will enjoy all the comforts of home, not to mention the privacy of a P50,000-a-day presidential suite, which is six times the size of a private room and has its own Jacuzzi.

If she wants to elude the media as she is wont to do, she can drop in unannounced using the hospital’s new feature—a helipad.

The new hospital opened its doors Saturday and boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, and yes, four-levels of parking enough to accommodate 1,200 cars.

Three times bigger than St. Luke’s QC (Quezon City), the P9.5-billion new hospital has 629 patients’ rooms, some 400 doctors’ clinics, the expertise of more than 500 doctors and its touted brand of personalized customer care.

Despite the economic recession, the opening of St. Luke’s GC (Global City) could not have happened at a better time, according to SLMC president and CEO Jose F.G. Ledesma. It offers another topnotch medical facility to Filipinos and foreign medical tourists.

New staff

Some 2,500 new employees were hired to staff the new hospital which also gave new business to a host of suppliers and concessionaires. Together with St. Luke’s QC, Ledesma said the two hospitals have around 7,000 personnel not counting the doctors.

St Luke’s GC’s 14-story main building houses the hospital facilities, including the emergency, operating and delivery rooms, as well as the patients’ rooms accessible by six big elevators.

Patients walk through a revolving door and enter a tastefully decorated lobby with a black marble floor, a comfortable sitting area and even a piano bar. It also has centralized air-conditioning.

A bridgeway connects the hospital facilities and the 11-story Medical Arts building which houses the doctors’ clinics, most of which are still under construction. There are shopping and dining areas in the complex.

More parking

Those who have experienced the nightmare of parking at St. Luke’s QC have something to look forward to—the promise of four levels of basement parking with some 1,200 slots.

Ledesma said the two St. Luke’s hospitals offer the same high standard of service and the latest medical equipment—including the PET-CT scanner, 3 Tesla MRI and the 256-slice CT scanner.

“In terms of standards, we now have two hospitals which are equally first-rate,” he said. “We’ve been saying that St. Luke’s QC is better equipped than 95 percent of hospitals in the United States, so now there will be two hospitals in the Philippines which are better equipped than most of hospitals in the US.”

As for doctors, Ledesma said the new St. Luke’s has the widest range of specializations. Its roster includes doctors not only from St. Luke’s QC but from other hospitals in Metro Manila.

“We continue to nurture the combined expertise of both local and foreign-trained physicians to give our patients topnotch medical care. And these physicians have the technology which helps them come up with earlier and more accurate diagnosis of patients. At the same time, these tools and technology give them the opportunity to treat their patients more effectively,” he said.

24-hour concierge service

Marilen Lagniton, vice president for customer relations for both hospitals, said St. Luke’s also takes pride in its customer care service. She said it is the only hospital that offers 24-hour concierge service for its patients. Relatives can call from anywhere in the world and have errands done for their confined patients.

Patients who go for an executive checkup would have customer care officers assigned to them.

Lagniton said the Wellness Center at the new hospital is a one-stop shop, where all procedures for executive checkups are done at the center instead of going to the main hospital’s facilities.

She said diagnostic fees are the same as St. Luke’s QC but room rates at St. Luke’s GC are slightly higher because they are bigger.

Rooms cost from P3,500 (private) a day to P50,000 for the presidential suite. Wards cost P1,500 a day.

Sporting different color schemes per floor, the patients’ private rooms are equipped with modern hospital beds, LCD TV sets, Bose sound system, spacious shower rooms and a safe. Suites are equipped with computers and Wi-Fi.

Most expensive room

The most expensive room is the 157-square-meter presidential suite on the 16th floor. Not only does it have a commanding view of The Fort, it has a living room, a dining room with an 8-seater table, a pantry, an extra guest room which can accommodate two beds and a Jacuzzi.

CT scan rooms will take your breath away. The ceiling features a pleasant scenery and relaxing music is played while the patient undergoes the exam.

Dr. Rommel Cariño, the heart surgeon who saved the President’s husband Jose Miguel Arroyo from a life-threatening heart surgery in April 2007, led a team of surgeons in conducting a simulation of the main operating rooms.

“The operating rooms are just the right size and we have all the equipment,” Cariño said.

All patients welcome

Dr. Jonnel Lim, head of surgery, gave the Inquirer a tour of the operating rooms and the OB-Gyne complex which has four birthing rooms for patients who wish to deliver the natural way.

Dr. Ryan Mirano said the new hospital also has a bigger emergency room.

Being a top hospital, Ledesma said St. Luke’s GC will probably have its share of controversial patients.

“Being the country’s leader in the healthcare industry, we expect patients from every class and political spectrum ... We welcome every patient. We do not choose our patients. The patients choose us. We expect both saints and sinners,” he said.

ruralvillage

January 17th, 2010, 08:01 AM

Cashing in on medical tourism (http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=4652)
Business World (http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=4652)

Melinda, a Filipino graduate student from the United States, had sex realignment surgery in Thailand several years ago.

St. Luke’s Medical Center received foreign-based patients as early as the 1970s -- MBC

The high costs of surgery in the US and the unwillingness of insurance companies to cover the procedure prompted her decision to fly to Thailand. Melinda’s choice was influenced not only by economics but also by the good reputation the Thai medical industry enjoys.

A year earlier, her friend had the same procedure in Thailand. She convinced Melinda to have surgery in Bangkok.

Sex realignment surgery is just one of the many medical procedures foreigners avail of in Thailand. “Medical tourists” from Japan, Europe, and Middle Eastern countries go there for cosmetic surgery, dental care, orthopedic treatment, coronary procedures, physical therapy, eye surgeries, organ transplantations, and other medical procedures.

Globalization contributed to this upsurge in medical tourism. The increasing costs of health care in developed countries, the long queues, the affordability and ease of foreign travel, easy access to information from the Internet, the growing competence of medical practitioners from developing nations, and the lower costs of medical care in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern European nations have all influenced the boom in the industry.

People from developed nations now have the option to have the same procedure at a fraction of the cost. Thailand has positioned itself well in the medical tourism industry.

Over the past two decades or so, it invested heavily on its tourism and health-care industries. The Thai government not only improved its tourism infrastructure -- building a new airport, highways, and hotels -- it also ensured the development of its health-care industry by upgrading hospital facilities to rival technologies found in Western hospitals and by sending doctors for training abroad.

Thailand’s premier hospital, Bumrungrad Hospital, boasts of having 700 internationally trained and board-certified doctors. Recently, Thailand launched the Medical Tourism Magazine to showcase its medical, hospitality, tourism, travel, and wellness industries.

The efforts have been well rewarded. According to the International Medical Travel Journal, 1.5 million medical tourists entered Thailand in 2007, up from 970,000 foreign patients in 2003.

Despite the worldwide economic downturn and the political upheavals that rocked the nation, Thailand is bullish that its medical tourists will balloon to two million by 2010, fortifying its reputation as the leading destination for medical tourists in Asia.

And Thailand has every reason to work hard towards retaining its dominance in the region as competitors -- India, Singapore, Malaysia, and, more recently, the Philippines -- have been vying to increase their share of the global medical tourism market, which is projected to grow to $188 billion by 2013, according to reports.

Initial headstart

Although the Philippine government only started promoting medical tourism in 2006, Philippine hospitals have been receiving foreign patients for over three decades now. There was a time when some Philippine hospitals were considered the best in the region, with people from as far as the US seeking medical treatment here.

St. Luke’s president and CEO Jose Ledesma -- MBC

When Imelda Marcos put up the Philippine Heart Center in 1975, it became an important center for cardiac care in the Asia-Pacific region because of its foreign-trained medical personnel, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced medical care and research. The Heart Center was at the forefront of developing bio-prosthetic valves and prototype medical equipment. It was a trailblazer in coronary angioplasty in the region.

Among the local private hospitals, St. Luke’s Medical Center received foreign-based patients as early as the 1970s, according to St. Luke’s president and CEO Jose Ledesma. As St. Luke’s fortified its name and reputation, the number of patients from abroad steadily increased.

In the 1990s, patients from the Pacific islands started to come in numbers for medical care in St. Luke’s. Medical procedures were not only cheaper in St. Luke’s, its medical services were at par, if not better, with those from many hospitals in the US.

The islanders also found airfare cheaper compared to flying to Hawaii or to the US mainland. The Philippines, however, was unable to retain this edge due to a host of issues.

Hits and misses

In the last years of the Marcos dictatorship, gripped by political and economic upheavals, the country gained the reputation of being an unsafe place for foreign nationals to visit. This proved disastrous to the growth of tourism, medical or otherwise, as foreign embassies issued warnings to its citizens against visiting the Philippines.

The change in government in 1986 initially raised hopes for improvements in the tourism industry. This proved short-lived as coup attempts, severe power outages, and budgetary shortages plagued the Aquino government. The building of important tourist infrastructures languished because the Aquino administration inherited a heavily indebted government that simply did not have the resources to build or maintain government-built and -run tourism facilities.

While the rest of the Southeast and East Asian tourist industries flourished, that of the Philippines lagged behind. Health care, particularly public health care, also suffered. The pet projects of Imelda Marcos, including the Heart Center, Lung Center, and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, were neglected largely because of budgetary problems, but also partly because of the lack of interest in supporting the projects associated with the former First Lady.

Funding for these hospitals became scarce. For instance, the Heart Center’s status as the premier heart center in Asia went into steady decline. Although the Heart Center still hosts well-trained medical personnel, the lack of funds from the national government waylaid its former lead in terms of facilities and services. Its best doctors were also pirated by local and foreign medical facilities.

Formerly known as the Philippine Heart Center for Asia to reflect its mandate to serve the coronary care needs of Asia, the hospital came to be simply known as the Philippine Heart Center. Eventually, local and Asian private and public hospitals caught up or overtook the Heart Center in terms of medical equipment and research.

Under the Ramos administration, the government worked on balancing the national budget and in encouraging foreign investments. The government invested in infrastructure, addressed the power shortage problem, primed up the economy, and laid the foundation for the growth of tourism by encouraging private corporations to invest in the building of tourist facilities.

Dr. Anthony Calibo, program manager of the International Health, Medical and
Wellness Services Program of the Department of Health -- MBC

Thus, tourist arrivals grew at an average annual rate of 15.2%. In 1996, tourist arrivals reached the two-million mark for the first time.

In the health-care front, while government support for public hospitals dwindled, some local private hospitals seriously invested in improving their facilities and manpower. St. Luke’s led the pack as it invested, and continues to invest, millions of pesos for the acquisition of the latest equipment and the training of its doctors abroad to build its reputation as a world-class health-care facility. Other private hospitals followed suit, such as the Medical City Manila, Asian Hospital, and Makati Medical Center.

However, the gains of the Ramos government were fleeting. In the succeeding years, these were undermined by the 1997 financial crisis, the avian flu and SARS scare, the spate of kidnappings in the country, and the volatile political situation during the time of President Estrada, among others.

Today, tourism is one of the few bright spots of the Arroyo administration. Through the able leadership of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, tourism started to regain its lost momentum. Tourist arrivals increased from 1.8 million in 2001 to 3.14 million in 2008, to 1.3 million in the first quarter of 2009.

Although the number of tourists still pales in comparison to tourist arrivals in such Southeast Asian countries as Malaysia and Thailand, projections are still positive that the Philippine tourism industry will grow in the next few years.

Medical tourism in the Philippines

Although foreign nationals have been coming to the Philippines for medical treatment as early as the 1970s, medical tourism as a government program only took off in 2006 when the Departments
of Health, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, and Trade and Industry identified the Health and Wellness Services Program as one of their flagship programs.

The program steps up the promotion of medical services offered by private and public hospitals and clinics. It ensures that health facilities conform to the highest medical standards to ensure that foreign medical tourists and travelers get the best of care. The DOT is in charge of promotion to potential clients abroad, while the DFA acts as a conduit for promoting medical tourism in Philippine consulates abroad.

The Philippine Medical Tourism Program has four domains: full hospital care and treatment; specialty clinics (e.g., eye, dental, and cosmetic services); wellness and spa centers; and retirement and long-term care for the elderly.

According to Anthony Calibo, program manager of the International Health, Medical and Wellness Services Program of the DOH, some 30 hospitals and clinics now form part of the program. Two of these hospitals, St. Luke’s and Medical City Manila, have been accredited by the Joint Commission International, a private accrediting body that ensures health facilities follow international standards in patient care.

St. Luke’s has been accredited twice by the JCI, the only hospital in the country to have gone through this stringent accreditation process and emerged successful. This has important implications for the Philippines’ bid to capture a segment of the American market as this influences the willingness of US insurance companies to foot the medical bills of patients.

Dr. Calibo explains, “The international patient requires a health facility that will be recognized by a health insurance company. If the hospital does not have accreditation, we might not get the significant number of American patients because patients will not be reimbursed should they get procedures from non-accredited hospitals.”

However, although beneficial in general in reaching the American market, not getting JCI accreditation does not impede patients from the US from seeking treatment in non-accredited hospitals. Patients who rely on their own resources to pay for their medical treatment are at liberty to choose the hospitals they will go to in the Philippines.

Given the shrinking coverage of many US insurance companies, more and more Americans have to dip from their own pockets to foot their health bills.

The prospects

The DOH reports over 29,000 foreign-based patients sought treatment from participating Philippine hospitals and clinics in 2008. The figures are nominal, especially compared to the Thai figures. However, Dr. Calibo and St. Luke’s Ledesma downplay the Thai figures. Both say that the numbers may be bloated as the Thai government has yet to come up with an organized and reliable system to track the actual number of medical tourists and travelers in Thailand.

Dr. Calibo notes, “They also include their expatriates living in Thailand, which should not be the case because they are not tourists anymore.” Be that as it may, the number of medical tourists in Thailand is still larger than that of the Philippines. This may be inferred from the tourist arrivals in Thailand, the fact that Thailand has been promoting medical tourism as early as 1997, the growing reputation of Thai physicians as competent professionals, and the relatively lower cost of medical treatment in Thailand, which makes the country a preferred destination for medical tourists and travelers.

According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, cataract surgery costs $950 in Thailand, $1,424 in the Philippines, and $1,014 in Malaysia. Liposuction in the Philippines costs $1,400. Patients in Thailand have to spend $1,365 only for the same procedure.

Total knee replacement surgery is more expensive in the Philippines at $5,639, compared to $5,500 in Thailand and $4,342 in Malaysia. India boasts that its medical rates are 40% to 60% lower than the rates in the US and UK.

Still, Ledesma points out that St. Luke’s has successfully invited established Filipino doctors living and practicing in the US to set up practice in the Philippines. It has also invested heavily in having their medical doctors trained abroad. These professionals bring with them not only their expertise but also their valuable learnings from Western medical settings.

Philippine medical professionals are also fluent in English, which reduces the possibility of error and misunderstanding between doctor and foreign patient. Medical professionals in the country, particularly the nurses, are known for their hospitality, skills, and excellent patient care, which makes them in demand in foreign hospitals abroad.

Dr. Calibo stresses, “We might be a little expensive compared to Thailand, which could explain why they have more medical tourists, but we offer value for their money because of the excellent medical care they can get here.”

In recent years, Philippine hospitals have been investing in the latest medical equipment. St. Luke’s, for instance, is currently the only Southeast Asian hospital that has the positron emission tomography (PET/CT) scanner used in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. It also has a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging machine, an advanced version of the MRI. Recently, St. Luke’s took it a step further by providing concierge service. The concierge service offers personalized, executive-level, and hotel-grade services.

Patients can tap the hospital for such needs as laundry; dry cleaning and delivery service; nanny service; holiday shopping; spa, massage, or beauty salon reservations; flower orders and delivery; airport meet and greet; business travel arrangements; flight updates; customized private tours; and concert and theater ticket orders, among others.

Some impediments

Despite the various bright prospects for the Philippines, certain factors are impeding the country from scoring big in the medical tourism industry. In the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009 released by the World Economic Forum, the Philippines lags behind Thailand, Malaysia, and India on some important travel and tourism indicators.

kiretoce

February 7th, 2010, 08:17 PM

Spa merges with natural medicine (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20100206-251628/Spa-merges-with-natural-medicine)

In these days of environmental degradation, health maintenance no longer means just an occasional visit to the hospital, but also a regular trip to the spa to de-stress.

Thus it didn’t take long for spa and natural medicine (as an alternative to drug prescription) to merge and offer a full range of wellness programs designed for health enhancement, disease prevention and sickness eradication.

That was what happened when Dr. Sam Dizon, who has over 19 years of experience in Alternative and Complimentary Medicine in Subic, Olongapo, Bataan and Pasig, joined forces with his Philippine spa industry counterpart, Cathy Brillantes-Turvill, who headed the newly formed spa association in 2004.

Turvill’s Nurture Spa Tagaytay has partnered with Dizon’s Institute for Natural Healing, originally based in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, to combine pampering and health in one joyful experience at what is now renamed as Nurture Spa Village.

The merger would mutually take their services several notches higher.

Turvill started in the wellness business with professional spa courses from Cornell University. She hired workers from the local communities and had them trained on the highest standards by internationally licensed trainers.

Nurture Spa partner Mike Turvill, who has a PhD in chemistry, developed signature therapeutic oils of the finest quality, created from age-old healing recipes that have been customized to achieve the desired therapeutic effect in the spa treatments.

Nurture Spa Village has also partnered with Chef Jasper of Josiah’s Catering to create healthy and delicious cuisine including delectable non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes.

Doctor Sam Dizon, on the other hand, has studied and trained in the United States on natural health and naturopathy, including organic farm agriculture where he learned to develop herbs and plant food as medicine.

He became a medical missionary in the Eden Valley Institute run by the Seventh Day Adventists in Colorado before coming back to the Philippines to set up his pioneering practice that included using indigenous natural medicine within reach of Filipinos.

His Institute of Natural Healing supervises The Joyful Health Program of Nurture Spa Village where an individualized program of healing can be developed using a combination of detoxification and cleansing methods, nutritional and diet therapy to boost energy levels and bring the body back to health, massage and other physical exercises to improve one’s physical condition.

Before starting the program, a computerized assessment (DMS) system is administered to help the Wellness team draw up a personalized plan.

A Wellness butler is assigned to assist guests with every need.

There is a Radiance program that uses a combination of facials, massages, acupuncture, diet, and hydrotherapy – perfect for brides and grooms to be, or just anyone who wants to look at their most beautiful.

Another program called Forever Young uses a combination of wraps, facials, exercises, massage, detoxification, exercise, diet, lifestyle counseling and acupuncture to jump-start and sustain energy levels and youthful looks.

For those suffering from work stress, the Stressbuster uses a combination of electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage, aromatherapy, exercise, diet, lifestyle counseling and acupuncture.

For people who are overweight or just want to trim down, the Waist Watcher uses detoxification and cleansing methods to remove stubborn fat, together with a specially designed regimen of diet, exercise, herbal remedies, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and herbal supplements to help you move safely toward achieving your desired weight.

For guests who need to be clean inside out, this Gentle Detox package helps get rid of deeply embedded wastes in the colon using juice fasting, colon enemas and supervised diets. A personal cleansing program will be designed according to your comfort level.

For those suffering from chronic illness such as cancer, diabetes, kidney problems, hypertension, this Holistic Health program uses various forms of alternative medicine and a combination of oriental and western treatments to improve the capability of the body to heal itself.

The wellness facility incorporates a highly capable and caring team of health care professionals, a personal butler, with a serene tropical garden, first class accommodations, delicious cuisine, relaxing facilities, pampering spa treatments to accompany guests toward optimum health.

hakz2007

March 1st, 2010, 08:02 AM

FDA to screen ads of food supplements (http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22372:fda-to-screen-ads-of-food-supplements-&catid=26:nation&Itemid=63)

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to screen the advertisements of food or dietary supplements to prevent product manufacturers from making false claims about their purported health benefits or efficacy in curing diseases before they hit the press or go on air.

In a news conference during the Philippine Heart Association’s (PHA) 2nd Summit on Supplements at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila on Friday, Director Nazarita Tacurong said the agency is now in the process of creating a technical working group (TWG) representing the various stakeholders in the health sector for the purpose of setting up guidelines for the screening of materials that regularly bear product labels that are often confused with the disclaimer “No approved therapeutic claims.”

The move was in response to clamor by the PHA, an organization of cardiovascular specialists and lay members, which recently made a stand against the proliferation of questionable food and dietary supplements and their false advertising in the media.

Supplements, the PHA said, are not drugs that are scientifically proven and tested to prevent, if not cure, disease.

Members of the organization expressed concern over the proliferation of various food or dietary supplements, which commercial advertisements pass on to consumers as replacements to medicines. Most of such commercial advertisements often have prominent personalities, including physicians, actors and actresses, beauty queens and singers as endorsers.

Catchy slogans, such as “helps lower blood cholesterol” or “fights diabetes” are just a few of the misleading or false claims used in print. On radio, as well as on television, such advertisements using those slogans are also being aired.

During the news conference, Tacurong extended an invitation to the PHA to sit as a member of the TWG that will conduct the screening.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said the use of these health claims is “patently illegal” as the manufacturers misrepresent their products.

“Supplements are not drugs. They are only meant to supplement inadequacy in the diet,” she said.

Tacurong said screening the commercial advertisements of food or dietary supplement will prevent the malpractice of some manufacturers of making false claims about their products, such as its health benefits that help cure certain conditions, like drugs.

The FDA has vowed to be stricter in the registration and labeling of food supplements and has decided to replace the disclaimer “No approved therapeutic claims” with a Tagalog phrase, reminding the public that the product is not a drug and neither can it cure diseases.

hakz2007

March 9th, 2010, 03:01 PM

RP medical tourism: a $3 B industry by 2015 (http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/today.htm#RP%20medical)

Even the next administration will continue to gain from the growing medical tourism industry which is expected to become a $3-billion industry by 2015.

This was pointed out by National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director Dennis Arroyo during the press briefing that followed the joint NEDA-Cabinet meeting held this morning in Malacanang.

Arroyo said that around 200,000 foreign patients are expected to come to the Philippines every year which would tremendously help boost tourism into a $3-billion industry by 2015.

In 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo started promoting the Philippines as a medical tourism and retirement haven with the issuance of Executive Order 372 which aims to develop the Philippines communication industry, logistics and health and wellness.

The Philippines now ranks among the top countries in medical tourism with the continuous renovation and upgrading of more hospitals to meet international standards.

In the Central Philippines tourism super region, the base of the country’s tourism industry, there are now 44 hospitals and health facilities accredited for medical tourism by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Three of these medical facilities have been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an international organization providing accreditation for hospitals and other healthcare facilities worldwide.

Arroyo said among our advantages are our state-of-the-art facilities, competent health care professionals with excellent English communication skills, reasonably priced medical services, and the innate hospitality of Filipinos.

Retro

March 10th, 2010, 09:19 AM

200 hospitals shut down on nurses’ lack :eek:
by Macon Ramos-Araneta
Manila Standard Today - March 10, 2010

BRAIN drain or the loss of skilled intellectual and technical employees has plagued government and private hospitals in the last two years, causing the permanent closure of 200 institutions across the country and the partial shut down of another 800.

The partial closures meant that one to two hospital wards had stopped operating in the absence of doctors and nurses, who left for better geographic, economic or professional environments.

Former Health Secretary Jaime Galvez Tan, who served under the administration of former President Fidel Ramos, said in an interview that hospitals were forced to cease operations as doctors and nurses were no longer interested to work for them.

Hospitals affected by the migration of health workers, particularly nurses and doctors, are in the remote countryside where health care is badly needed, according to Tan.

Among the hospitals that closed were the Almagro Community Hospital in Western Samar, the Tapul Municipal Hospital, Tangkil Municipal Hospital, Pangutaran District Hospital, Siasi District Hospital and Panamao District Hospital in Sulu, and the Sergio Osmena District Hospital in Zamboanga del Norte.

“In Sulu, majority of the municipalities have only one doctor. The municipalities of Pata, Talipao, Lugus and Pandami have no doctors at all,” Tan said.

Partially closed were the Calbayog District Hospital, Gandara District Hospital, Basey District Hospital and Tarangnan District Hospital in Western Samar, the Malipayon District Hospital, San Jose District Hospital and San Andres District Hospital in Romblon, and the Jolo Provincial Hospital.

So far no hospital, private or government-run, has shut down in Metro Manila and the well-off provinces of Davao and Cebu because of the brain drain, Tan said. Health workers prefer to work for well-known hospitals that are popular among patients.

“Andito kasi ang pera at resources. Kaya nga may overflow ng health workers at pasyente sa mga ospital na ito (Here is where the money and the resources are. That is why there is an overflowing of health workers and patients in these hospitals),” Tan said.

But when one goes to Samar and other poor provinces, like Kalinga Apayao, Mindoro, Sulu and Agusan, and in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the Caraga Administrative Region, one can find areas with no hospitals, he said.

The latest statistics available from the health department and the National Statistics Office showed the majority of doctors and nurses are concentrated in the National Capital Region and in Region 4-A or the Southern Tagalog. As of 2007, there were 125,899 doctors and 5,426 nurses in the capital and 75,213 nurses and 3,876 doctors in Region 4-A.

In the ARMM there were 4,058 nurses and 2,726 doctors, and in Caraga were 8,854 nurses and 232 doctors. These were the regions with the least numbers of health workers.

Tan said all the hospitals that closed were licensed. “There is no such thing as fly-by-night hospitals, because before a hospital can operate it must have authority from the DOH, and accreditation from the Philippine Health Insurance.”

RonnieR

March 23rd, 2010, 07:58 AM

Top eye clinic has new Makati address

By Jake Ramirez
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Date First Posted 22:05:00 03/23/2010

PHOTO:http://images.inquirer.net/media/lifestyle/images/Rpic-03221006020377.jpg

“THERE IS NO NEED TO GO TO the US for one’s eye care, our doctors and facilities can stand up to any eye facility,” said Dr. Jack Arroyo Jr., the pioneer Lasik surgeon in Asia.

He was talking about the American Eye Center/SPEX, the country’s premier ophthalmic laser center for the treatment of eye-related conditions, which has opened its latest branch on 4/L, Greenbelt 5.

Most everybody must have heard of the wonders of Lasik surgery.

Lasik stands for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Ketomileusis. (Laser stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.) Lasik is therefore Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation-Assisted In-Situ Ketomileusis. (Whew!)

In the Philippines, American Eye Center/SPEX has done 25,000 refractive surgeries since 1987. Its clientele includes international bowler Paeng Nepomuceno and billiard king Efren “Bata” Reyes, singers Zsazsa Padilla and Pops Fernandez, cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo, Sen. Joker Arroyo, and former President Fidel V. Ramos.

The American Eye Center has the longest-serving clinical experience in Southeast Asia since it opened its first stand-alone center at Shangri-La Plaza in 1995.

It was founded in 1987 by a group called the Associated Eye Specialists, composed of physicians Benjamin Cabrera, Cesar Espiritu, Victor Caparas and Arroyo.

Cabrera is the president of Philippine Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, while Espiritu is the president of the Cornea Club of the Philippines.

Caparas is the chairman of Medical City’s ophthalmology department.

The American Eye Center provides complete eye services, including cataract and Lasik surgeries. It offers the latest diagnostic and therapeutic services for people with eye problems such as cataract, refractive surgery, glaucoma, retina and vitreous, neuro and pediatric ophthalmology, adult strabismus, cornea external diseases, oculoplastics, lacrimal orbit.

The American Eye Center is actually a dream team of eye doctors, with four senior partners leading 14 other eye specialists.

Dr. Carmela Ongsiako is office manager of the Eye Center. She is also chief of the Low Vision and Vision Rehabilitation Section of the Makati Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology.

Other than the two existing branches, there are screening centers conveniently located at Medical City, Capitol Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital and Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

Visit www.eyecenter.com.ph or e-mail info@eyecenter.com.ph

kiretoce

March 27th, 2010, 12:56 AM

Geography, it seems, is destiny at least when it comes to numbering our years. A global look at longevity.

Life expectancy at birth around the world

Average Years Lived
82.1 Japan
82.0 Singapore
81.6 Australia
81.2 Canada
81.0 France
80.9 Sweden
80.7 Israel
80.2 Italy
79.3 Germany
79.0 United Kingdom
78.1 United States
77.5 Cuba
76.8 Czech Republic
76.3 Saudi Arabia
76.1 Mexico
73.5 China
73.1 Thailand
72.0 Brazil
71.1 Philippines
71.0 Iran
70.8 Indonesia
70.0 Iraq
67.9 Kazakhstan
66.9 Bolivia
66.1 India
66.0 Russia
65.3 Pakistan
63.0 Yemen
60.8 Haiti
54.4 Congo, DR
49.0 South Africa
46.9 Nigeria
45.8 Zimbabwe
44.4 Afghanistan
38.2 Angola

bledzoe

March 28th, 2010, 04:02 AM

Philippines becoming “Eye Care” center of Asia (http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=10821)
Posted on March 22nd, 2010 under Technology Milestones

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Eye-Exam5.jpg

The country is fast becoming the hub for high-technology eye care in Asia.

Through the years, Filipino eye doctors reputation for a special form of eye surgery called LASIK has grown.

LASIK surgery. It’s an acronym for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomilieusis, is a blade-less surgical procedure that corrects hyperopia (farsightedness), myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.

It does this by reshaping the cornea using laser. Bloodless and painless, the procedure is finished in just a few minutes. More importantly, recovery is almost instantaneous. Patients can usually go back to their normal routine the very next day.

This done on their eyes so they can stop wearing glasses or contact lenses and lead normal, more active lives.

You no longer have to go abroad to undergo this revolutionary refractive procedure. There is now a modern, well-equipped eye care center in the country that does LASIK surgery as well as the best US eye hospitals at just about half the cost!

American Eye Center (AEC), which opened its second branch in Makati’s Greenbelt 5 last month, has, in fact, been doing LASIK surgeries – and other modern eye care procedures – for almost 15 years now.

Dr. Jack Arroyo, AEC’s chief executive officer, performed the first LASIK surgery in the Philippines in 1995. Having done over 20,000 LASIK surgeries since then, he is undeniably the most experienced refractive expert in the country.

“There is no need for anyone in the country to go to the United States for refractive surgery,” Dr. Arroyo says. “Our ophthalmologists at AEC can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.”

He leads a team of 14 other specialists who provide medical and surgical services at the Center. Aside from their AEC practice, these doctors also teach at the University of the Philippines, Ateneo and other residency programs.

Established in 1995 at the old Medical City in Pasig, the AEC moved to Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong in 2000 where it grew from a LASIK-refractive facility to a fully operational stand-alone diagnostic, therapeutic and ambulatory surgical center capable of performing cataract, glaucoma, retina, muscle, corneal transplant and oculoplastic surgeries.

The Center also has a long-time partner in SPEX, a modern optical shop that is owned and managed by the father-and-son tandem of Dr. Gil Divinagracia and Dr. Timothy John Divinagracia. SPEX offers a wide range of lenses and spectacles, including top-of-the-line signature brands.

With SPEX as its partner, the AEC is truly a one-stop shop for world-class eye care services.
And during this summer season, eye doctors reminded the public on taking extra care of their eyes.

Ophthalmologists said eyes were the soul of a person’s body. “It’s also the best part of a woman’s body. And it’s also the “focal point” when you want to know the truth,” they said.

Here are practical eye care tips from the opthalmologists:

1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of nutrients such as beta carotene needed by the eyes.
2. Take plenty of vitamins. Vitamins and supplements help ensure that our eyes get the proper dose of the nutrients they require to function properly. Have adequate rest. Well-rested, unstrained eyes work more efficiently.
3. Exercise regularly. Working out improves blood circulation. This is also the only time your eyes are sure to receive enough oxygen.
4. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Drinking lots of water flushes out waste from the body that can help avoid puffiness in the eyes.
5. Don’t rub the eyes. Do not rub and blink instead or flush with water when dust gets in your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can irritate them, leaving them red and stinging.
6. Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses aren’t only created to make you look cool. Wearing sunglasses actually protect your eyes from sunrays which can cause heavy damage to the eyes.
7. Visit your eye doctor at least once a year. When going for a visit, you don’t only get checked if you still have a 20/20 vision.
8. The eye doctor also examines you for other eye problems and also makes an assessment of what you need to keep your eyes in good condition.

ruralvillage

April 5th, 2010, 09:11 AM

Medical travel: The next big thing (http://mb.com.ph/node/250136/m)
Manila Bulletin (http://mb.com.ph/node/250136/m)
By TRICIA V. MORENTE
March 29, 2010, 2:06pm

Medical travel could be the Philippines’ next economic driver. In a recent press conference for the October 2010 International Summit on Medical Travel, Wellness and Retirement (IMWELL Summit), world experts from the hospitality, healthcare, travel and wellness industries discussed how to make the Philippines the next preferred medical travel destination in Asia.

Medical travel has grown extensively over the years, with neighboring Asian countries like Thailand, India and Singapore all working hard at getting a piece of the pie. According to the International Trade Commission of Geneva, medical travel today is estimated to be at the range of $40 to $60 billion and is growing annually at a rate of 20 per cent that by the year 2013, it is predicted to be a $188 billion global business.

Clearly, someone’s pain is someone else’s gain. In the United States alone, there are over 50 million uninsured Americans and a large number of underinsured, and with U.S. healthcare insurance costs skyrocketing at a higher rate than overall inflation, more and more employers are finding it difficult to provide their employees with adequate healthcare coverage. It is no surprise then that Americans have turned to overseas providers when it comes to addressing their healthcare needs.

A Global Demand for High-quality Care

A marked reduction in new physicians entering the U.S. healthcare system and a growing aging population increases the gap between U.S. healthcare’s supply and demand. “The United States accounts for $1.7 trillion of the $3.3 trillion spent annually for healthcare worldwide,” says Dr. Sanjiv Malik, Honorary Chairman of the IMWELL Summit. “That’s a little over 50 per cent that they’re spending on medical travel, yet a statement from the World Health Organization says that they rank only 37th when it comes to quality of healthcare.

“Europe and Canada also have their own set of challenges,” discloses Dr. Malik. “There is an increasing life expectancy and aging population and their public healthcare infrastructure is unable to cope with the number of patients. The average waiting time in England for a knee replacement is around 16 to 18 months. Developing countries like the SAARC, Micronesia region, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and parts of Africa and Latin America have their share of challenges, too. They have a shortage of healthcare workers, as well as not having the facilities for advanced medical care.”

This is where countries like India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines come in. Filipinos, in particular, are known for their unique brand of care, compassion and sensitivity when it comes to dealing with patients. Says Dr. Malik: “It’s not just the quality of treatment, which, believe me, is excellent. What the Philippines and we Asians are known for is the quality of care. We treat human beings as human beings, and not as a commodity. There is huge potential in projecting ourselves as quality healthcare providers.”

Medical Tourism in the Country

The Philippines, while having had foreign patients for more than three decades now, only launched medical tourism recently under the initiative of Secretary Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism (DOT). Medical tourism continues to grow, with the number of patients and clients rising from 60,000 foreign patients in 2007 to about 100,000 foreign patients in 2008 and gross revenues estimated to be at $350 million since the program was launched in 2006.

In light of this booming phenomenon, the DOT expects the Philippines to have an influx of 1 million patients by 2015, generating a total of $3 billion from the global medical tourism industry, with 200,000 foreign patients arriving annually. “The Philippines is well-positioned to take advantage of this sunrise industry,” relates DOT Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion. “The country has all the ingredients to be the hub for medical tourism. We have a large pool of very competent healthcare professionals with excellent English communication skills. There’s the innate hospitality and optimism of the Filipino people, as well as the country’s pleasant, tropical weather. Furthermore, the Philippines boasts of reasonably priced healthcare services and a favorable business environment.”

Of course, medical tourism in the country isn’t without its share of hits and misses. While the country’s hospitals are steadily gaining international accreditation—the Medical City in Pasig, Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu, and St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City are all accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a leading international accreditation body—foreigners still question the brand of the country, with our unstable political environment, as well as the recent killings in Maguindanao. This was also the case when medical tourism started in India, says Dr. Malik: “We had excellent hospitals and doctors but foreign patients were wary about getting their treatments as India was plagued by terrorism. There were also issues with the tourism industry not integrating well with the healthcare industry. We’ve learned that when a patient makes a decision, it’s not just about hospitals. He also decides on the brand of the country.”

It is with this intent that the DOT initiated the Health and Wellness Alliance of the Philippines (HEAL Philippines), composed primarily of private and public hospitals, spas, wellness destinations, stand-alone clinics, retirement communities, and support services such as travel agencies, airlines, etc. According to Dr. Joven Cuanang, President of HEAL Philippines and Chief Medical Officer of St. Luke’s Medical Center, one of the organization’s strategies is “to make sure that there’s going to be a seamless delivery of healthcare in all the activities we want to promote. It will be a well-coordinated effort, from the patient’s point of entry to exit, between public and private institutions, making sure to highlight the gracious hospitality of the Filipinos.”

Catching the Quality Wave

Given that the government’s primary responsibility is to its local citizens, the big question when it comes to medical tourism is this: What’s in it for the local citizens? As a Filipino, one has to ask two questions: 1) How does medical travel/tourism’s promotional earnings from this help the local citizen? And 2) How does this improve the local healthcare infrastructure?

“What medical tourism has done (for India) is that it initiated a quality enhancement wave which helps local citizens in getting better care than what was available to them previously,” says Dr. Malik. “If the earnings coming from foreign patients is utilized adequately to support public health, then it would be a win-win situation for both domestic and international patients.”

With the advent of medical travel, the Philippines’ quality standards when it comes to healthcare are enhanced. And with more hospitals steadily undergoing international accreditation programs, this also means that local patients will be benefitting from treatments that are at par with global standards.

It will also enhance complementary industries such as telecommunications, travel, airlines and hospitality. “It really has an effect that keeps on multiplying itself,” shares Dr. Malik. “I think that the most important effect is that it reverses and reduces the brain drain. Because according to a 2006 Gallup Poll, it’s lack of career progression and the workplace environment that are the main factors why people leave their countries or change their jobs. So if you create a kind of culture where you are utilizing international practices, there’s good technology, and both foreign and local patients are treated well, you create a culture where a person feels satisfied. This reduces and reverses the brain drain of all the people who have gone abroad for greener pastures. If you have all these in your own country, why leave?”

RonnieR

July 6th, 2010, 01:13 PM

Mod: Do we really need to have a separate thread for Medical Tourism? or it's better to merge it with Travel and Tourism thread.

Thanks.

Ady001

July 7th, 2010, 04:31 AM

^^ It's just necessary, or probably name it as "Healthcare Industry In The Philippines."

Ady001

July 7th, 2010, 04:41 AM

Number of jobless Filipino nurses increasing

By Apples Jalandoni
Richard Palikpik was one of the 92,000 nursing graduates who took the licensure examinations on Saturday.

Palikpik said he spent the last 3 months reviewing for the exam.

“Ayaw namin bumaba pa ang aming rating para hindi rin bumaba ang tingin ng ibang bansa sa amin,” he said.

But according to an official of the Review Center Association of the Philippines (RECAP), failing in the exams should be the least of the nursing graduates’ concerns.

“Ang pinakamahirap ay ang maghanap ng trabaho. Madali lang naman pumasa,” said Dr. Carl Balita, vice-president of RECAP.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), there are 187,000 unemployed nurses in the country today. They can’t find work because there are no vacancies in hospitals, it added.

Lack of work experience also prevents them from seeking jobs abroad like in the United States and Britain.

That is why Jen Palmero, who took the exams, said she would accept any work abroad even as a caregiver with lower salary.

“Caregiver is okay,” she said. “Related naman.”

For the PRC, it will be a waste of manpower if the government continues to allow nurses to work abroad as caregivers or nursing assistants.

Nursing graduates, meanwhile, called on the new administration to increase the plantilla positions of nurses in government hospitals to accommodate new nurses. - via ABS-CBN News

Manila-X

July 8th, 2010, 08:52 AM

Cayetano disappointed over TRO on graphic health warning on cigarette packs
July 8, 2010, 1:41pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/265790/cayetano-disappointed-over-tro-graphic-health-warning-cigarette-packs

MANILA (PNA) — Senator Pia Cayetano expressed on Wednesday her disappointment over a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the printing of “graphic health warnings” on cigarette packs showing the diseases caused by smoking.

“I am disappointed by the court’s decision to halt the implementation of Administrative Order No. 13 issued by DOH,” said Cayetano.

Cayetano is referring to the TRO issued by Judge Felix Reyes of Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 272 last July 1, stopping a Department of Health (DOH) administrative order directing cigarette companies to print the “graphic health warnings.”

“It is unfortunate that the decision did not give weight to the fact that the Philippines had been a signatory since 2005 to an international treaty under the World Health Organization, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). As party to this treaty, our government is committed to strengthen national regulations on smoking in order to safeguard the health of our people,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano said there is basis for the government to carry out the provision requiring graphic health warnings since this is contained under Article 11 of FCTC.

“I am still hopeful that DOH will appeal the TRO and that the court will recognize that it is government’s duty to protect public health in line with its commitment to international treaties, particularly FCTC.” (PNA)

RonnieR

July 12th, 2010, 11:20 AM

Linguine

September 3rd, 2010, 02:18 PM

CebuPac justifies refusal to transport kidneys

BUDGET CARRIER Cebu Pacific admitted refusing to transport a medical team carrying kidneys for transplant, saying it merely followed international regulations “meant to protect passengers’ health in case of any leakage.”

“The standards refer to packaging, labeling and carriage, with the latter specifically prohibiting the containers from being carried on the passengers’ laps,” it said in a statement.

Cebu Pacific said it was bound to strictly follow internationally prescribed regulations of the International Airline Transport Association (IATA) on the transport of human organs.

The medical team that brought the organs came from Cagayan de Oro and passed by Cebu City on the way to Legazpi, Albay before proceeding to Metro Manila, the airline said.

"Last August 28, the airline offered three passengers options on how to transport the human organs for transplant, in accordance with the airline’s safety regulations. The team was informed that Cebu Pacific can accommodate the human organs for transplant on the flight, through priority cargo.The passengers decided not to take the flight," the company said.

It added: "In response to news reports, [the] flight deck crew was aware of the urgency of the situation, and did not mention anything in reference to the smell or blood of the items carried. They acted in compliance with IATA-compliant procedures and Civil Aviation Regulations.” -- Aura Marie P. Dagcutan
|

source (http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=17133)

Ady001

September 5th, 2010, 06:03 AM

^^ Just correct. It's not only one human life we are concerned here but also passengers' lives right? NKTI should also coordinate with the carrier first before they bring in the goods because there are protocols to follow.

xxxriainxxx

September 7th, 2010, 11:12 AM

Anyone who has been to Mandala Spa Boracay? Was it worth it?

Linguine

September 14th, 2010, 04:21 PM

(Re)appreciating Filipino Vegetables
By ARMOR B. RAPISTA
September 13, 2010, 2:16pm

With the economic difficulties raging the land nowadays, scarcity in food is the likely effect. Thus, household budgeting now becomes a burden and choosing the right food within the budget is as tricky as it could get. Yet, during the Safe Food for Best Health and Wellness forum organized by Consumer Rights for Safe Foods (CRSF), there are several ways on how to go around this choosing and budgeting. One way is to (re)appreciate and (re)discover the health benefits of locally grown vegetables like sweet potatoes, kangkong, malunggay, saluyot and dahong sili.

According to former Heath Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, sweet potatoes, kangkong, malunggay, saluyot and dahong sili often don’t get the attention they deserve. He explains that the said vegetables are equally nutritious and delicious as compared to those vegetables usually found in the supermarket. Furthermore, it is organically produced which simply means no synthetic fertilizers were used.

He further tells that kamote was only placed in the limelight when it was known that the people’s champ, Manny Pacquiao, eats kamote two or three days before every fight. However, other equally nutritious vegetables, like the saluyot, don’t have a patron like the people’s champ. Still, saluyot also deserves much attention especially that there were recent studies that show how saluyot can be an anti-stress reliever. Saluyot is easy to grow and can be found almost in every farm and even in any provincial roadside. In spite of that, saluyot found more attention in Japan as they produced the first saluyot chewable tablets while many Filipinos still don’t know what saluyot is.

Malunggay on the other hand is a fast rising star. There are several products out in the market that uses malunggay as one of its main ingredients, like the malunggay-infused bread and noodles and even the health supplement malunggay tablets; and given several more years, it would be no wonder that other malunggay food products or supplements will be produced. Moreover, kangkong and dahong sili should not be only associated with sinigang and tinola respectively. Dr. Tan shares that one should be creative and adventurous in cooking and appreciating kangkong and dahong sili; thus, using the said green leafy vegetables, he concocted his own brand of salad calling it Ensalada Filipina.

Aside from (re)introducing organically and home-grown vegetables, the forum also shed light on some misconceptions associated with organic food. Beth de Castro explains that one of the misconceptions of going organic is going vegetarian. It is not the case. “You don’t have to be a vegetarian to go organic,” she stresses. De Castro who owns an organic farm explains that people can still eat chicken, pork, and beef provided that the livestock are raised in the native way (no synthetic feeds).

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/276827/reappreciating-filipino-vegetables

RonnieR

October 6th, 2010, 10:15 AM

GE, Century Properties to build RP medical-IT center:cheers:
10/06/2010 | 02:20 PM

GE Healthcare, a unit of General Electric, and Philippine real estate developer Century Properties will build a $100 million outpatient medical-information technology building in the business and financial district of Makati City.

“The project will rise in a one-hectare IT park accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority at the 3.4-hectare Century City, [Century Properties’] flagship mixed-use development on Kalayaan Avenue," the developer said in a statement Wednesday.

“The project is expected to generate 3,000 jobs during its construction and 5,000 jobs upon the start of operations, which is estimated to be in the latter part of 2013 or early 2014," the real estate developer added.

A memorandum of understanding was singed by representatives of GE and Century Properties on at the Sofitel Hotel in New York City on Sept. 23 coinciding with the US trip of President Benigno Aquino III to attend the United Nations General Assembly and for the business roadshow to attract foreign investors to the Philippines.

Present at the signing were GE Technology Infrastructure vice chairman and CEO John Rice and GE vice president and senior counsel Karan Bhatia, with Century Properties chairman Jose E.B. Antonio.

President Aquino, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, and Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras also witnessed the signing.

Accessible

“We are optimistic that this assistance of providing advanced medical equipment, best practices and technological solutions will not only boost medical tourism in the Philippines, but also improve the standards of outpatient medical services in the country and make this accessible to more people," GE’s Rice said in the statement.

“It is a privilege to work with GE Healthcare for this project in the interest of promoting the Philippines as a top medical tourism destination with globally competitive standards for outpatient medical services," Antonio said.

“By providing the right venue with the right technology and systems, doctors may now put up clinics and provide the best care possible for people the world over," Antonio added.

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry in the Philippines, which can fully benefit from the establishment of new and technologically-advanced medical facilities, according to Century Properties.

With about 30-member hospitals, clinics, wellness centers and resorts, the Philippine medical tourism industry registered gross revenues of $350 million since 2006.

The Department of Tourism expects the total revenues of $3 billion by 2015, with the industry catering to 1,000,000 foreign patients a year.

“Research also shows that the Philippines has an even bigger potential in attracting medical tourists because of its culture of hospitality, quality healthcare services, competent medical practitioners, and cheaper medical treatments of as low as 70 percent compared to other Asian countries," Century Properties said.

GE is the fifth largest company in the US with revenues of $183 billion, while UK-based GE Healthcare is its $17-billion unit and a leading global provider of healthcare information and medical technology. —VS, GMANews.TV
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/202734/ge-century-properties-to-build-rp-medical-it-center

Linguine

October 6th, 2010, 11:38 AM

Creation of Hospital for Teachers Pressed

By MARIO B. CASAYURAN
October 6, 2010, 4:26pm

MANILA, Philippines — It is now time for the national government to put up a special Philippine Teachers’ Hospital following the increasing number of teachers being diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), pharyngitis, hypertension, anemia, hyperacidity and other work related-health risks.

Sen. Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate climate change council, strongly endorsed the establishment of this kind of hospital in Senate Bill 1397, known as the “Philippine Teachers’ Hospital Act.,’’ she recently filed.

In celebration of the World Teacher’s Day, Legarda delivered a privilege speech last Tuesday urging her colleagues to pursue proposed laws that seek to promote the welfare of teachers such as Magna Carta for Public School Teachers and regionalizing the Department of Education (DepEd) payroll system.

Citing Department of Health (DoH) statistics based on a World Health Organization (WHO) report, Legarda said the Philippines is among the 22 high-burdened countries in the world.

TB is the sixth leading causes of illness and the sixth leading cause of deaths among Filipinos. Most TB patients belong to the economically-productive age group ranging from 15 to 54 years old.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/280809/creation-hospital-teachers-pressed

Linguine

October 10th, 2010, 08:40 AM

Medical tourism seen as 'big business' for RP

By Amanda Fisher (The Philippine Star) Updated October 10, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (1) View comments

MANILA, Philippines – Boob jobs can bring back overseas Filipinos.

It seems a far-fetched claim to make, but if you listen to the Department of Tourism’s Betty Nelle, she has a compelling argument for how the country’s plastic surgeons will help reverse the tide of overseas Filipino workers: Medical tourism.

Last year, the country received at least $200 million from foreigners coming to the country specifically to use Filipino doctors, dentists and cosmetic surgeons. By 2015, they want to increase 2009’s 100,000 to one million — which would represent at least $2 billion to the economy.

“If medical tourism is really to succeed it would be one way of bringing back a lot of our medical practitioners who have gone abroad,” the DOT product research and development director says.

“Medical tourism really contributes a lot to the economy... it’s big business.”

The essential ingredients

The country has all the right ingredients to be a good medical tourism destination, she says.

It is cheaper than many other destinations, people are fluent in English, there are well-trained doctors, modern facilities, Filipino nurses and doctors are renowned for their nurturing manner, and there is very little waiting time at medical facilities.

The Philippines also has the cheapest hotel room rates throughout Asia, medical check-ups are the second cheapest (behind India), and it has some of the cheapest rates for cosmetic surgery.

Many of the tourists, who come primarily from the United States, Japan, Korea and the Middle East, come for cosmetic surgery.

“I think we’re rather good at it,” Nelle says.

Middle Eastern tourists are particularly lucrative, on account of the way they travel.

“When they come here they really spend a lot, because they come with their families, they stay in hotels, they travel a lot, they do a lot of shopping,” she says.

Most tourists divide into two categories: those who come from other countries because their own do not have adequate health facilities, and those who come simply because it is cheaper.

For example, residents of Micronesian states such as Guam and Nauru choose the Philippines for essential medical treatment because they must go overseas and choose somewhere close by and affordable.

But even Westerners are seeking refuge in the country’s medical care.

“In the United States the cost of insurance is becoming very prohibitive so a lot of them say that even without insurance it’s cheaper to come to Asia and have your medical treatment here than it is to buy insurance in the US,” Nelle says.

Residents from countries with public health systems will also choose to pay lower private health costs in the Philippines than sit on public waiting lists.

Good for the whole country?

Nelle says the DOT has put a lot of work into developing the industry since 2005. They attend medical congresses to liaise with medical tourism operators and surgeons, and have five staff dedicated to medical tourism, who are able to field queries and aid medical tourists.

“We... work closely with the tour operators that sell medical tourism packages, beauty packages, dental (packages).”

The operators make sure all of a patient’s arrangements are taken care of. They arrange transport from the moment the patient arrives at the airport, book accommodation, take care of needs of anyone accompanying the patient, and book other tourist activities planned before or after any procedures.

Concerns have previously been voiced that foreigners will take over the hospital beds needed by the country’s own sick, but Nelle dismisses this.

“We will never turn away our own countrymen.”

Accredited hospitals have given the DOT an assurance of this, but any enforcement depends on self-regulation.

Universal beauty

Cosmetic surgeon Joel Nicdao has had his own practice for nine years, and currently has a 20 percent foreign patient base. His surgery is even located in a hotel, where his patients stay.

“You start local just like everybody else,” he says.

Six years ago he had his first foreign patient, an American woman living in the Okinawa naval base in Japan but whose husband worked in the Philippines. Her husband, a decade younger than her, had wanted her to get the “full works” and interviewed six surgeons before deciding on Nicdao.

The extensive remodeling included breast augmentation, tummy tuck, vaginoplasty, thigh lift, butt augmentation, facelift, and work on her eyes and nose.

“From that single patient to today, I’m now the most popular plastic surgeon in the Okinawa base, it’s like a household name,” Nicdao says.

Americans are his main international clients, followed by Koreans, British, Brazilians and Australians.

“(Americans) have the mentality to get plastic surgery.”

While the desire for plastic surgery is the same for all ethnicities - to look younger and sexier — there are nuances, Nicdao says.

Asians often want eye folds and bigger breasts and hips, whereas typically prematurely ageing Caucasians request facelifts or eye work — “Even in your 30s, the wrinkles are coming.”

Thin skin and a love of the sun are to blame, he says.

The Philippines is a good place for foreigners seeking plastic surgery because it is as cheap as Thailand — the other main destination — but English is a national language here.

“The communication is very important... the slightest miscommunication can mean a different-looking eye, a different-looking nose.”

Filipinos are educated the “American way” and would be very similar to the surgeons of Beverly Hills, except for some missing bells and whistles such as automatic reclining beds.

“There is very little need for high-tech gadgets in plastic surgery, so the surgeon’s really only as good as his hands,” Nicdao says.

It is cheaper to have plastic surgery in the Philippines, even factoring in the cost of plane tickets. For example, breast augmentation in the Philippines is between $3,500 and $8,000 compared with $5,500 to $18,000 in America.

Nicdao communicates with patients via e-mail, sending photos and discussing options so “before they fly out they have a pretty good idea of what will be done to them.”

Just like going to the parlor

Nicdao works with a travel agency, which organizes other tourist activities for patients who want it - and most do, he says. The hotel even has another location in Boracay, where some opt to recover.

Nicdao was recently invited to join a “wellness center” in Boracay, where he would work weekends.

The center would also have a cosmetic dentist and stem cell specialist, so patients could get all their beauty work done at the same place, “while touristing.”

He expects the venture to be a success, if the current trend is anything to go by.

“(We are getting) a lot (more patients). I don’t know if it’s just because of my price, but I don’t think so.”

“It’s just part of life now, just like the parlor is a part of life. Now women take it a step higher, they also go to the plastic surgeon.”

And it’s not just women — Nicdao has seen a three-fold leap in male clients in just five years, with three males for every 10 female patients.

Male embrace of plastic surgery is a telling sign of its accepted status, he says.

But Nicdao still thinks there is more the government could be doing to promote the Philippines as a medical tourism destination.

“We should be doing better than Thailand, the only reason is the same (reason why) our economy is not doing well.”

Issues for the country such as corruption and the Muslim separatists mean the government is preoccupied with issues other than promoting the country.

“Our resources are directed elsewhere instead of being directed to tourism,” Nicdao says.

Linguine

October 10th, 2010, 08:45 AM

Making the world look and feel good
By Lester Gopela Hallig (The Philippine Star) Updated October 08, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/8058/travel1can.jpg

The Cathy Valencia Skin & Body Centre has beefed up its machine-based treatments with the acquisition of new machines from Europe, including the Carbon Dioxide Fractional Laser (center) and the Eximia (right). ‘We combine the effectiveness of the machines into one treatment for maximum results,’ says Cathy Valencia (left).

MANILA, Philippines - It is good to know that our medical tourism community is constantly on its toes. We learn about practitioners, particularly in the skin and body care industry, pushing to establish the Philippines as the destination for medical needs. They are able to do this by being updated on the latest technology and techniques that will make their services better. No wonder people from other countries come over to avail themselves of these services. What could be better than combining high technology with the Filipino way of pampering?

That last point holds true at the Cathy Valencia Skin & Body Centre. Already known for its use of all-natural treatments, the center is enjoying a loyal following around the globe. Since establishing itself almost 10 years ago, the Cathy Valencia Skin & Body Centre has remained ahead of the pack with its line of organic products and up-to-date treatments.

Recently, the center has beefed up its machine-based treatments with the acquisition of new machines from Europe. One of these is the Carbon Dioxide Fractional Laser, which treats wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentations. It also helps reduce acne formation and closes pores.

“We always subscribe to the non-surgical painless methods,” says Cathy Valencia herself. “If one needs to shed unwanted fat, we go for the non-invasive treatments.”

She shares that Eximia, a new machine from Italy, abides by that principle. This beauty technology allows patients to lose up to five centimeters in a week. The innovative device instantly eliminates body fats and helps firm and tone one’s face and body.

The Eximia has two principles behind it: the Cavitational Ultraporation and the Endolift. The former method penetrates the deepest layer of the skin up to the inner fat cells that can speed up one’s metabolism. The latter further enhances the process by draining one’s excess fluids.

The center also acquired the newest and most advanced biomedical technology from Spain called Mesolux. Valencia informs us that the machine combines electroporation and phototherapy that enhance the penetration of medicine into the innermost skin layer. “All of these machines are exclusively for the Cathy Valencia Skin & Body Centre,” she declares.

“These actions are designed for face, body and hair treatments,” Valencia says. ‘The process comes with formulated medicine to make it more effective. For example, we have the Hydraextreme which enhances skin moisture and the Lipolytic for slimming and activating fat cell metabolism.”

“We take pride in the fact that we do not just rely alone on radio frequency to generate heat on body parts. Our Delta X machine applies cryotherapy to cool down fat cells,” she explains.

Yet another trailblazing treatment is the X-Light from Italy. The process utilizes non-burning laser pulse light that treats acne, vitiligo, psoriasis, and wrinkles, among others. Valencia tells us: “Laser light is better than injecting steroids in treating acne. It is safer. We never use steroids in the center.”

Recently, the Cathy Valencia Skin & Body Centre introduced the Stem Cell Facial, a botanical-based stem cell facial treatment that counters ageing, cleanses, and rejuvenates skin. “It has a glowing effect in just one session,” Valencia pipes in.

Valencia says, “We combine the effectiveness of the machines into one treatment for maximum results. We take pride in maintaining the highest standards possible, making sure that these are used in taking good care of our clients.”

From the looks of it, the future of medical tourism is in good hands with this commitment to quality. People from all over the world flock to this clinic to look good and feel good. Then they get the opportunity to see what the country has to offer. Well, Cathy Valencia is doing a commendable job is asserting the Philippines’ place in the world’s beauty map.

Ady001

October 10th, 2010, 09:50 AM

Medical tourism seen as 'big business' for RP

Dami ding nagpapasta ng ngipin dito sa 'tin.

Linguine

October 12th, 2010, 03:55 PM

Aiming for a Better Medical Care
By JULIUS P. VICENTE
October 11, 2010, 2:48pm

Supporting the government’s agenda of giving universal access to high quality healthcare, a globally recognized accreditation program was recently launched to help improve the quality of local healthcare providers and to develop the country’s medical tourism products and offerings.

Through its exclusive Philippine representative, HealthCORE, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) International was introduced to promote the program of improving conditions, systems, processes, and skills of healthcare facilities and professionals in the country.

“Accreditation is a practical solution to one of the main issues in medical tourism, which is quality and safety assurance. Through NABH International, it allows our healthcare provider to build credibility and confidence, which generates recognition among foreign patients, thereby promoting medical tourism,” said Dr. Sanjiv Malik, board member of NABH and executive director of DM Healthcare Group in United Arab Emirates.

Developed and successfully implemented in India, NABH has been accredited by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) under its International Accreditation Program in 2008. ISQua is an international body, which grants approval to healthcare accreditation programs as a seal of excellence.

Department of Tourism (DoT) undersecretary for tourism planning and promotions Vicente Romano III said that accreditation program is the key for medical tourism to truly flourish in the Philippines, as it will recognize the Filipino healthcare providers to be at par with world-class standards.

NABH International’s accreditation process entails onsite visits and facility tours to assess if standards on access, care of patients, management of medication, patient rights, and infection control are met. Standards on continuous quality improvement, good governance, facility safety, human resources, and information management system are likewise evaluated by highly qualified and well-trained assessors comprised of clinicians, healthcare administrators, and nursing supervisors.

“This is an opportunity for the Philippines to benchmark with the best in the world. Accreditation with NABH International results in healthcare organizations that are globally competitive and attuned to the needs and requirements of international patients,” shared Dr. Girdhar J. Gyani, CEO of NABH International and Secretary General of Quality Council of India.

Aside from hospitals and clinics, NABH International also covers the accreditation of spas, wellness centers, blood banks, community health centers, and other small healthcare organizations.
“As we aspire to position the Philippines as an international healthcare destination, our world-class doctors, nurses and therapists need the same world-class facilities to practice their profession. By matching our world-class capability with the improvement of our hospitals and clinics to world-class standards. The Philippines is set to become a global hub of healthcare,” said staunch medical tourism advocate Joyce Alumno, President of HealthCORE and CEO of HIM Communications.

Aside from boosting medical tourism, the accreditation program is seen to support the present administration’s agenda of giving universal access to high-quality healthcare.

“With NABH International’s stringent accreditation process, we can ensure that our hospitals will provide safe and effective healthcare of the highest quality and best value. At its heart, NABH is all about improving the overall healthcare system for the benefit of patients,” Alumno concluded.

(HealthCORE is the central source and resource about Philippine healthcare, medical and wellness tourism, and retirement. With its top-caliber team of experts, HealthCORE provide solutions in research, communications, consultancy, training and accreditation for global healthcare, and medical tourism. For more info, visit www.healthcore.com.ph or call (632) 9108030 / 4689999.)

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/281568/aiming-a-better-medical-care

NTprime

October 13th, 2010, 10:59 AM

Megacities: a mega global health challenge, say experts (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20101012-297306/Megacities-a-mega-global-health-challenge-say-expert)

By Richard Carter
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 10:34:00 10/12/2010

BERLIN, Germany—Health issues facing so-called "megacities" like Tokyo, Mumbai, or New York are poised to become a huge challenge for global policy as the cities grow, experts at the World Health Summit said.

Megacities, roughly defined as cities with a population of more than 10 million, are springing up around the world as people increasingly migrate from the fields to massive, sprawling urban centers.

There will be 27 of these megacities by 2020, up from 19 in 2007, said Victor Rodwin, director of the World Cities Project at New York University, with most located in Asia, South America, or Africa.

Moreover, the cities themselves are growing at a ferocious rate. "For every minute that I speak, a new person is going to be moving into Lagos, Kinshasa, or Dhaka," said Ricky Burdett from the London School of Economics.

One in every 25 people on the planet will be living in a megacity by 2025, predicted Francisco Armada Perez, an official from the World Health Organization.

Health issues found elsewhere are exacerbated in megacities. Diseases such as AIDS, SARS, or H5N1 bird flu can spread like wildfire, especially through slums, where one-third of urban dwellers live.

Overcrowding and poor sanitation foster tuberculosis, another major challenge facing health officials in megacities.

Burdett pointed out also that 300 people die every day in car accidents in India. "That's equivalent to a jumbo jet crashing every single day and no one ever talks about it," he said.

In addition, three-quarters of global CO2 emissions come from urban areas, meaning that small alterations in the way people in cities consume energy could have a massive effect on climate change.

"We now have a new issue, a new field of study, which is the field of urban health," said Rodwin, speaking on a high-level panel on megacities.

Nevertheless, the health problems faced in megacities are not confined to the developing world, the experts said.

"If you walk through the poor areas of Paris or London, you can find the same health problems as you might find in Mumbai or Lagos," according to Alfred Spira, from France's Institute of Public Health Research.

Life expectancy drops by around one year for every stop travelled eastward on London's west-east Jubilee Line, Burdett pointed out.

In April, the World Health Organization launched a major campaign to "open up public spaces to health," by urging some 1,000 cities to close off portions of streets to traffic and encourage exercise in public parks.

In 2009, the UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes predicted that megacities were ripe for a "megadisaster" due to climate change and rising sea levels as several are located in coastal areas.

Timothy Evans, from the BRAC school of public health in Bangladesh, called for more involvement with people on the ground in slums but pointed to some examples that showed improvements could be made.

"Who is going to solve these problems? It might not be the class that is born with a golden spoon in their mouth," said Evans.

"If our politicians can't speak the language of the favela, then they may not be interested or able to solve their problems," he added, referring to the Brazilian word for slum.

However, he noted a scheme in Dhaka whereby gynecology centers had been introduced within the slums that had slashed the mortality of women in half.

"Success is possible," he said.

The 2nd World Health Summit in Berlin brings together around 1,000 of the leading global experts of health issues and runs until October 13.

Linguine

October 18th, 2010, 05:21 PM

Herbal industry sees $780-M gross this year
Monday, 18 October 2010 12:48 Max V. de Leon / Reporter

EXPECTING a 30-percent growth this year, the herbal and natural-care industry says it was time the government officially recognized it as a “sunshine industry” that deserves more attention and support from the State.

“In addition to the farmers who grow our herbs, we also have production and toll manufacturing operations that contribute immensely to job generation. Our economic contribution is much bigger than what people think,” Albert M.G. Garcia, president of the Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (Chipi), said.

He said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has valued the industry’s gross revenues, including exports and local sales, at about $600 million. This, he said, is poised to grow by up to 30 percent this year due to the greater awareness of consumers on the alternative and natural way to prevent and cure illnesses.

Aside from direct contribution to the economy, Garcia said the industry also helps significantly reduce health costs for the State.

He said being a “sunshine industry,” the government, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), should encourage more farmers to grow herbal and medicinal plants, conduct more research through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and hold more promotions in coordination with the DTI.

“The national government should finally declare that alternative and traditional medicines have important roles to play in the economy,” he said.

This, Garcia said, can be done through the appointment of a point-person and the creation of a task force that would oversee the continued growth of the industry.

Chipi is holding the 4th MARPE Health Expo 2010 on October 22 to 24 at the Megatrade Hall SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City with the theme “Pinoy Herbals: The Natural Way To Health & Wellness.”

Garcia said from being composed merely of small and medium-size companies, Chipi now has in its fold big corporations such as Splash and Pascual Laboratories.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/2649-herbal-industry-sees-780-m-gross-this-year

Linguine

October 21st, 2010, 04:14 AM

Health official raises prospects of Samal for medical tourism

DAVAO CITY -- Samal Island, noted for its beach resorts, could also attract medical tourists, an official of the Department of Health said during a recent visit.

"We will look into putting up a state-of-the-art medical facility in Samal," said Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.

She gave assurance of the department’s support for the project as the island could expect funding from the national government similar to those received by other tourist destinations with medical tourism facilities.

The plan to make Samal a health services destination was expressed by Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario during his inaugural address in July.

He noted that as an initial step, the island city’s district hospital, which currently operates under the provincial government, will be upgraded.

Officials admit the local hospital could hardly provide adequate service to residents and visitors.

Agapito B. Hornido, provincial health officer, said to jump-start the plan, Mr. del Rosario has expressed his willingness to donate from five to 10 hectares of his personal property to host the new medical center.

Before joining the government during the Marcos regime, the governor was a leader of the region’s banana industry that now exports to foreign ports at least $500 million annually.

In recent years, Samal City’s upscale properties have attracted not just tourists but local and foreign retirees as well.

Beach front residential projects of major Manila-based developers are currently being developed on the island, which is less than an hour away by boat from Davao City which hosts modern medical facilities.

Davao del Norte and Samal Island city officials said it will be more convenient and reassuring for residents, as well as retirees and visitors if a good hospital is accessible within minutes.

The provincial government could not immediately provide data on the project amount, and only said that building the initial structure within the medical facility will cost P100 million.

http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=19828

Linguine

October 24th, 2010, 11:35 AM

Health Fair Seen to Tackle Health Woes
October 24, 2010, 3:20pm

MONTEVISTA, Compostela Valley (PIA) – With three years in the running, the conduct of the Family Health Fair in Compostela Valley (ComVal) continues to aid in combating the province's health problems by delivering health information and services to more people.

“The conduct of the health fair increases the level of awareness of the people and inform them that there are many health services available for free,” said ComVal Gov. Arturo Uy.

The governor said that the annual Family Health Fair is now marked with a strong unity and commitment of the health personnel and political leaders of the province.

Institutionalized through a local ordinance by the province, the Family Health Fair is conducted every first week of September and will be rotated among the 11 municipalities of the province.

The two-day health event was attended by over 1,448 participants who availed of health services such as micronutrient provision, dental services, medical check-ups, and were given counseling sessions on family planning, maternal, child health and nutrition, and healthy lifestyle.

“We have also increased the number of health personnel equipped with seminars and training necessary in their line of service,” Uy said.

During the provincial launch of the “May Plano Ako. Kaya Mo Ring Magplano” family planning campaign, Uy has directed that the budget on health be increased up to 15 percent.

Each Municipal Health Office (MHO) was given a booth focusing on particular health theme including environmental sanitation, tuberculosis awareness, rabies awareness, safe motherhood, immunization, and infectious diseases.

Department of Health Regional Director Teogenes Baluma said that ComVal has improved in terms of health situation and in terms of addressing health concerns by the provincial government.

“The Department of Health vows to continuously provide technical and financial support to ComVal, including the provision of funds for the construction of rural health units as well as training for advancement of skills of health service providers,” he said.

The celebration of the annual Family Health Day in ComVal was declared by virtue of Executive Order No. 036-2008.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/283964/health-fair-seen-tackle-health-woes

Linguine

October 24th, 2010, 02:07 PM

Herbal firms to Aquino: Harmonize FDA rules with Tama
Sunday, 24 October 2010 10:44 Max de Leon / Reporter

THE Chamber of Herbal Industries of the Philippines Inc. (Chipi) asked President Aquino to implement the policy recommendations of technical experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) for the harmonization of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations with the Traditional and Alternative Medicines Act (Tama) of 1997.

Lito Abelardo, Chipi chairman, said it has been six months since the UP experts, who were commissioned by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (Pitahc), submitted their output to the Department of Health (DOH).

However, even with the changing of administration, no action has been taken to implement the recommendations. “The harmonization of the FDA regulations with the Tama is important for the continued growth of the industry so we wrote a letter to President Aquino just a few days ago asking him to start implementing the recommendations,” Abelardo told the BusinessMirror at the sidelines of the fourth Marpe Expo at the SM Megatrade Hall in Ortigas. He said with the adjustments in the FDA regulations, the agency will now also be promoting the growth of the herbal and natural health industry because that is stipulated in the Tama.

For instance, Abelardo said FDA would have to begin setting criteria to validate the therapeutic claims of herbal medicines. This will then allow the industry to get rid of the “no therapeutic claims” in their labeling.

This, Abelardo said, is a significant next step to the commitment of the DOH that it will be issuing an administrative order (AO) nullifying an AO released in the previous administration that compels the herbal industry to stress in their promotional materials and ads that their products have no proven therapeutic value.

This was committed by Health Undersecretary Alex Padilla in his speech at the Marpe Expo.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/2855-herbal-firms-to-aquino-harmonize-fda-rules-with-tama

Linguine

October 25th, 2010, 07:13 AM

Cebu’s wellness centers eye more tourists

Monday, 25 October 2010 00:00
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CEBU CITY: Cebu seeks to lure at least 270,000 tourists to its health and wellness tourism initiative in the next two to three years, a local government official said recently. Engineer Oscar Tuason of the Cebu Health and Wellness Council (CHWC) disclosed this plan to Manila- and Cebu-based journalists who traveled to the provincial capital recently to visit German development cooperation projects.

The council defines health and wellness tourism as one which aims to improve tourists’ physical well-being through exercise, therapy, dietary control and medical services relevant to health maintenance during their stay in the country.

“There is a demand for health and wellness tourism because foreign tourists go here either for business [meetings or opportunities], residence [options] or medical procedures. Here, they can avail of first-world service at an affordable price,” he said.

He added that “there are 40 to 50 foreign tourists [a month] who avail of health and wellness tourism, and we [already see that] as an achievement, considering what happened [after the] Manila [hostage-taking crisis, which resulted in a drop in] tourists arrivals . . . including in Cebu.”

The 12-hour crisis, which took place on August 23 at the Quirino Grandstand, not only left eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker—dismissed police captain Rolando Mendoza—dead, but also earned the Aquino administration stinging criticism for its mismanagement of the incident.

Tuason, who is also the administrator of Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, said that there are at least 520,000 foreigners who visit the Philippines each year, with 52 percent of them going to Cebu.

Competitive advantage
He also noted that health and wellness tourism can thrive in Cebu, since the province boasts of quality hotels, modern and efficient transportation, highly competent professional health practitioners and newest medical facilities.

“If we get that 52 percent in the health and wellness tourism in two to three years, then well and good because this creates investments, job opportunities and revenues for the local government,” Tuason said.

He feels optimistic about achieving this target, because the CHWC is backed by the Value Chain Mapping and Analysis of the Health and Wellness Tourism sector project.

This project, which started in January 2008 to provide a leadership that insures board representation of health and wellness tourism in Cebu, encourages partnerships between public and private sectors, as well as advocates for sustainable economic growth in an environmentally responsible way.

The German Technical Cooperation or the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) and the Netherlands Import Promotion Program have funded this initiative through Philexport Cebu and in coordination with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry. As a result, hospitals in Cebu saw an upgrade in their facilities in order to meet international accreditation requirements. In turn, this contributed to the development of health and wellness tourism packages.

Tuason, however, conceded that much work in this area remains because it is difficult to identify the number of tourists who availed of such packages. Many of those who came in the country for leisure and cosmetic surgery don’t usually want to disclose these.

“We still have to address the lack of updated profiles, specifically on the satisfaction level and overall experience of tourists, as well as improve the market access database by increasing international and local accreditation of facilities, holding therapists licensure exam in Cebu and promoting policies and programs that improve competitiveness,” he said.
LLANESCA T. PANTI

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/30239-cebus-wellness-centers-eye-more-tourists