Healthcare and Human Welfare Systems

[RonnieR]

Originally Posted by NOVO ECIJANO

GUYABANO(SOURSOP)NATURAL CANCER CELL KILLER

by María-Isabel Marqués on Friday, August 6, 2010 at 10:47pm
I received this e-mail from a friend (doctor)... I want to share with everybody... so please share with your friends...

Guanábana as we called in Puerto Rico, is one of my favorite fruit since i was a little child...


The Soursop Fruit or GUANABANA (name of the fruit in Puerto Rico) GUYABANO, is the name Philippines call the fruit.
The SOUR SOP or the fruit from the GRAVIOLA TREE is a miraculous natural cancer cell killer 10,000 times stronger than Chemo.

Why are we not aware of this? Its because some big corporation want to make back their money spent on years of research by trying to make a synthetic version of it for sale.

So, since you know it now you can help a friend in need by letting him know or just drink some sour sop juice yourself as prevention from time to time. The taste is not bad after all. It's completely natural and definitely has no side effects.. If you have the space, plant one in your garden.
The other parts of the tree are also useful.
The next time you have a fruit juice, ask for a sour sop.

How many people died in vain while this billion-dollar drug maker concealed the secret of the miraculous Graviola tree?

This tree is low and is called graviola in Brazil , guanabana in Spanish and has the uninspiring name "soursop" in English. The fruit is very large and the subacid sweet white pulp is eaten out of hand or, more commonly, used to make fruit drinks, sherbets and such.

The principal interest in this plant is because of its strong anti-cancer effects. Although it is effective for a number of medical conditions, it is its anti tumor effect that is of most interest. This plant is a proven cancer remedy for cancers of all types.

Besides being a cancer remedy, graviola is a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent for both bacterial and fungal infections, is effective against internal parasites and worms, lowers high blood pressure and is used for depression, stress and nervous disorders.

If there ever was a single example that makes it dramatically clear why the existence of Health Sciences Institute is so vital to Americans like you, it's the incredible story behind the Graviola tree.

The truth is stunningly simple: Deep within the Amazon Rainforest grows a tree that could literally revolutionize what you, your doctor, and the rest of the world thinks about cancer treatment and chances of survival. The future has never looked more promising.

Research shows that with extracts from this miraculous tree it now may be possible to:
> * Attack cancer safely and effectively with an all-natural therapy that does not cause extreme nausea, weight loss and hair loss
> * Protect your immune system and avoid deadly infections
> * Feel stronger and healthier throughout the course of the treatment
> * Boost your energy and improve your outlook on life
The source of this information is just as stunning: It comes from one of America 's largest drug manufacturers, the fruit of over 20 laboratory tests conducted since the 1970's! What those tests revealed was nothing short of mind numbing... Extracts from the tree were shown to:
>
> * Effectively target and kill malignant cells in 12 types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreatic cancer..
> * The tree compounds proved to be up to 10,000 times stronger in slowing the growth of cancer cells than Adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug!
> * What's more, unlike chemotherapy, the compound extracted from the Graviola tree selectivelyhunts down and kills only cancer cells. It does not harm healthy cells!The amazing anti-cancer properties of the Graviola tree have been extensively researched--so why haven't you heard anything about it? If Graviola extract is as half as promising as it appears to be--why doesn't every single oncologist at every major hospital insist on using it on all his or her patients?

The spine-chilling answer illustrates just how easily our health--and for many, our very lives(!)--are controlled by money and power.

Graviola--the plant that worked too well

One of America 's biggest billion-dollar drug makers began a search for a cancer cure and their research centered on Graviola, a legendary healing tree from the Amazon Rainforest.

Various parts of the Graviola tree--including the bark, leaves, roots, fruit and fruit-seeds--have been used for centuries by medicine men and native Indians in South America to treat heart disease, asthma, liver problems and arthritis. Going on very little documented scientific evidence, the company poured money and resources into testing the tree's anti-cancerous properties--and were shocked by the results. Graviola proved itself to be a cancer-killing dynamo.

But that's where the Graviola story nearly ended.

The company had one huge problem with the Graviola tree--it's completely natural, and so, under federal law, not patentable. There's no way to make serious profits from it.

It turns out the drug company invested nearly seven years trying to synthesize two of the Graviola tree's most powerful anti-cancer ingredients. If they could isolate and produce man-made clones of what makes the Graviola so potent, they'd be able to patent it and make their money back. Alas, they hit a brick wall. The original simply could not be replicated. There was no way the company could protect its profits--or even make back the millions it poured into research.
As the dream of huge profits evaporated, their testing on Graviola came to a screeching halt. Even worse, the company shelved the entire project and chose not to publish the findings of its research!

Luckily, however, there was one scientist from the Graviola research team whose conscience wouldn't let him see such atrocity committed. Risking his career, he contacted a company that's dedicated to harvesting medical plants from the Amazon Rainforest and blew the whistle.

Miracle unleashed
When researchers at the Health Sciences Institute were alerted to the news of Graviola, they began tracking the research done on the cancer-killing tree. Evidence of the astounding effectiveness of Graviola--and its shocking cover-up--came in fast and furious....

.....The National Cancer Institute performed the first scientific research in 1976. The results showed that Graviola's "leaves and stems were found effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells." Inexplicably, the results were published in an internal report and never released to the public...

...Since 1976, Graviola has proven to be an immensely potent cancer killer in 20 independent laboratory tests, yet no double-blind clinical trials--the typical benchmark mainstream doctors and journals use to judge a treatment's value--were ever initiated...

....A study published in the Journal of Natural Products, following a recent study conducted at Catholic University of South Korea stated that one chemical in Graviola was found to selectively kill colon cancer cells at "10,000 times the potency of (the commonly used chemotherapy drug) Adriamycin..."

....The most significant part of the Catholic University of South Korea report is that Graviola was shown to selectively target the cancer cells, leaving healthy cells untouched. Unlike chemotherapy, which indiscriminately targets all actively reproducing cells (such as stomach and hair cells), causing the often devastating side effects of nausea and hair loss in cancer patients.

...A study at Purdue University recently found that leaves from the Graviola tree killed cancer cells among six human cell lines and were especially effective against prostate, pancreatic and lung cancers.... Seven years of silence broken--it's finally here!

A limited supply of Graviola extract, grown and harvested by indigenous people in Brazil , is finally available in America .

The full Graviola Story--including where you can get it and how to use it--is included in Beyond Chemotherapy: New Cancer Killers, Safe as Mother's Milk, a Health Sciences Institute FREE special bonus report on natural substances that will effectively revolutionize the fight against cancer.
> This crucial report (along with five more FREE reports) is yours ABSOLUTELY FREE with a new membership to the Health Sciences Institute. It's just one example of how absolutely vital each report from the Institute can be to your life and those of your loved ones.

From breakthrough cancer and heart research and revolutionary Amazon Rainforest herbology to world-leading anti-aging research and nutritional medicine, every monthly Health Sciences Institute Member's Alert puts in your hands today cures the rest of America --including your own doctor(!)--is likely to find out only ten years from now.

Just read this one. Thanks for sharing this info.

[uzzybabe]

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[Linguine]

200,000 CAR children to receive health care
By DEXTER A. SEE
November 9, 2010, 9:34pm

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Cordillera office of the Department of Health (DoH) announced recently that it will be expanding the child health program next year with P2 billion allocation whereby an estimated 200,000 children in the different parts of the region stand to benefit from it.

The Garantisadong Pambata or GP program, a package of health services that has traditionally been given to children below six years, will now be also offered even for school aged children and will also include additional and appropriate services.

Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, DOH-CAR Health Operations Division head, said the 2011 P2-B budget allocated is a welcome development as it stands to help more than 200,000 children in Cordillera.

The 2011 GP budget is about five fold increase compared to the P325 million budget this year. For this year, the GP targets in Cordillera are about 23,000 6-11 months and 183,000 12 to 59 months old children,’ Pangilinan stressed.

The health department is now giving more focus on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals thus child health is one of our priorities,’ Pangilinan said. She explained that the expanded GP program will be big help in child health promotion and for providing enough essential vaccines, micro-nutrient supplements and de-worming tablets.

‘The GP program does not only provide essential vaccines, vitamin A supplements and deforming, it also includes promotion of other health behavior such as maternal health, oral health of children, proper hand washing, proper toilet use and other promotions of essential child health care,’ Pangilinan added.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/286750...ve-health-care

[RonnieR]

Aquino hikes DOH budget by 13.6%
By Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News
Posted at 11/19/2010 3:03 PM | Updated as of 11/19/2010 3:03 PM

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Friday vowed to improve health and social services and insure 4.6 million poor families under Philihealth in three years. To do this, the government has increased the budget for the Department of Health in 2011 by 13.6%

“At present, there is a lack of surgeons in many areas of the country. Public health clinics in rural areas lack not only medical professionals but also adequate health facilities. Worse, some rural folk refuse to seek treatment due to its high cost. This worrisome evidence of poverty – in both body and spirit – is something we are completely committed to reducing through better access to your services,” Aquino said in the 37th World Congress and 61st Annual Convention of the International College of Surgeons at the Diamond Hotel.

Aquino thanked delegates for choosing Manila as the venue of the Congress, inviting them to visit tourist spots and historical sites of the city.

He acknowledged the surgeons for doing charity work and encouraged the surgeons to devote more time service the poor.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11...doh-budget-136

[Linguine]

Medical City starts construction of hospital complex in Clark

CLARK FREE PORT -- President Benigno S. C. Aquino III yesterday led the groundbreaking ceremony signaling the start of the construction of a new tertiary hospital complex owned by The Medical City (TMC).

The hospital will be built at the Global Gateway Logistic City (GGLC), a mixed-use logistics and business center inside the free port zone.

Mr. Aquino said the establishment of a second hospital here in Clark will allow people in Pampanga and other parts of Central Luzon easier access to the services of The Medical City, whose flagship hospital is in Pasig.

“It is my dream that someday hospitals all over the country can provide the level of quality care that you do on a regular basis,” Mr. Aquino said.

He added that access to adequate health care is one of the key elements in reducing poverty.

The hospital is expected to be fully operational by 2013 addressing TMC’s strategy to expand its presence by developing a national health care network.

Former Health secretary Alfredo R. A. Bengzon, president of The Medical City, said TMC-Clark will serve as the network’s “flagship center” for Central and Northern Luzon.

“Clark, which is situated next to an international airport, provides an excellent platform for building [an] international customer base,” Mr. Bengzon said during the groundbreaking ceremonies.

The ceremony was attended by Dennis Wright, president and chief operating officer of Peregrine Development International, Kuwaiti Sheikh Dauod Salman Al Sabah, KGL Chairman Saeed Dashti, Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) President Victor Jose Luciano, and several Cabinet secretaries and top Clark free port officials.

Under the terms of agreement, GGLC will construct the hospital building according to TMC’s specifications. TMC will then lease, equip and operate the facility.

The hospital will be run by a 1,500-strong medical staff complemented by 2,700-member work force.

Mr. Bengzon, who presented an overview of the hospital project yesterday, said The Medical City, through its philosophy “Where Patients Are Partners,” has dedicated itself to “service excellence” as demonstrated by accreditation and certification from the Joint Commission International, the world’s most prestigious and rigorous accrediting body for health care providers.

The Medical City is a tertiary health care organization with over 40 years of experience in hospital operation and administration, serving 40,000 inpatients and 400,000 outpatients annually.

The GGLC project, meanwhile, is a 177-hectare parcel of land designed for aviation-oriented logistics activities and a business park.

GGLC was conceived and developed by an American company, Peregrine Development International, and is being financed by Kuwaiti investment group KGL.

The “logistic city” project is adjacent to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway or SCTEx and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport administered by the state-owned CIAC. -- Rey Garcia


http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=22523

[Linguine]

DoH sets professionalization of 'hilots' as part of RH plan
By JENNY F. MANONGDO
December 10, 2010, 5:29pm

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Department of Health (DoH) has included in its strategies in achieving the Reproductive Health (RH) policy by 2015 the training of traditional birth attendants or the “hilot” to become part of the professional medical teams assigned in the rural areas.

The training for the professionalization of the hilots will begin next year, said Dr. Honorata Catibog, head of the family health office of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC).

Under the Reproductive Health policy of the DoH, all relevant Reproductive Health (RH) services should be available in all DoH-retained hospitals and LGU health facilities by 2015.

The training of the hilots will also enable the DoH to regulate their practice.

According to Catibog, families in many rural areas prefer the care of the hilots versus the midwives in the health centers because of the hilot’s excellent interpersonal skills and caring nature.

“They help deliver the baby but they also help in other things like taking care of the mother. Sometimes, they help bathe the mother, bathe the baby and they even cook,” Catibog told the media in a seminar held here to discuss the milestones in the RH policy of the government and its future plans.

The DoH official acknowledged the lack of midwives in the far-flung areas and revealed that there are only 10,000 to 14,000 midwives in 44,000 barangays in the whole country.

Catibog said the hilots will be taught to craft a birth plan that includes formulating a master list of all the families in her assigned area. She will be responsible in keeping a record of all the pregnant women in the area and in making sure they avail themselves of the government services for pregnant women.

“She will also be taught to do nutrition counseling, family planning counseling, and to give simple messages about health,” Catibog said.

“She will tell the family how to save money even at the first month of pregnancy in order for them to have ample savings when the time for the baby’s birth comes.”

She will no longer be the one who will assist the mother in delivering the baby, Catibog noted. During the counseling, the hilot will help the mother decide which health facility to deliver the baby.

Over the years, the DoH is cutting down on the number of home deliveries to shave the number of maternal deaths and infant mortalities.

Maternal deaths stand at 62 per 100,000 live births while the figure for infant deaths is 25 for every 1,000 live births.

Catibog said the scholarship for the hilots is transferrable to a kin who is deemed most capable of learning the skills of a medical team if the hilot herself is too old to learn or is unavailable for the training.



http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/292082...s-part-rh-plan

[boypad]

PhilHealth requirements tightened

Malaya Philippines
December 13, 2010

STARTING July next year, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. is set to require its members to have more premium contributions within a one-year period prior to the availment of healthcare benefits

"PhilHealth needs to implement stern policies for the protection of the members. Through this new policy, we can safeguard the funds from possible abuse," said PhilHealth president Rey Aquino.

Based on Circular No. 25, PhilHealth will require nine months of premium contributions within the 12-month period immediately prior to the availment of the benefits.

Under the current policy, a payment of only at least three monthly premiums within the immediate six months prior to confinement is required.

"This is being unfair to those who are paying their premiums religiously. If this practice continues, the national health insurance fund will be threatened," said Aquino.

As an example, he said that under the new policy, if a member needs to use his PhilHealth benefits on July 15, 2011, he/she will be required to present proof of at least nine monthly payments between July 2010 and June 2011.

Aquino clarified that the new policy will not affect PhilHealth members under the Overseas Workers and Sponsored Programs, whose coverage is within the validity period as stated in their Member Data Record or ID cards, as well as Lifetime Members, who are already covered for life without the need to pay any additional premium. – Gerard Naval

[Ephesus29]

Originally Posted by Linguine

Obesity in Young Filipinos Rising

By GABRIEL S. MABUTAS
September 23, 2010, 6:58pm




Obesity is now on the rise among Filipino adults ages 20 and up, and threatens to increase the number of people having degenerative diseases, a DoST study showed.

MANILA, Philippines — Obesity is now on the rise among Filipino adults ages 20 and up, and threatens to increase the number of people having degenerative diseases like heart disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, as study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) showed.

The increase was discovered in 2008 when it registered a trend in the study conducted by the DoST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

Based on the study, there were about 20 out of 100 adults of both sexes who were overweight 1998. The figure then increased to 24 and 27 out of 100 in 2003 and 2008, respectively.

In the 2008 survey, 2.7% Filipino adults aged 20 years and over are suffering from impaired fasting glucose, while hyperglycemia or high fasting blood sugar (FBS) level is 4.8%.

The prevalence of hypertension among adults is 25%, increasing with age starting from age 40-49 years.

Overweight, when left unattended, may result in many chronic degenerative diseases like heart diseases, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes is a disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to deficiency or absence of insulin which is needed to utilize blood sugar to turn it into energy.

It causes sugar levels in the blood to increase. Individuals having fasting blood sugar level equal to or greater than 100-125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) are considered having impaired glucose level, while those with blood sugar level equal to or greater than 125 mg/dl are classified as diabetics.

The signs and symptoms of diabetes are numerous including frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, sudden weight loss, weakness and fatigue, recurring or hard to heal wound or gum infection, drowsiness, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, itching of skin and genitals, sudden vision changes, and blurred vision.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/278649...lipinos-rising

It is sad, that there is an increase of cases of obesity/diabetes among adults 20 years old and above in the Philippines.

The writing is in the wall. Influx of the western fast foods in the Philippines, like Mc Donalds. A lot of families here in Canada, are now being informed about the effect of fast foods in our health. The Canadian government through its agency (FDA) Food and Drugs Administration, has been monitoring all the foods being sold and served in eateries and restaurant, those products in the market, and being sold in the groceries, about their contents, ie; salt, sugar, saturated fat, and other additives that the agency deem unhealthy. Inability to fallow any guidelines or rules handed down by the agency are penalize by either fines or in extreme cases, cancellation of permits and liscences to do business.

The Ministry of Health in the Philippines should also have the same authority to ensure that every products in market or foods served in restaurants are healthy and nutritious. However, knowing how government operates in the Philippines, they probably complascent for the time being and act when everything is compromise

However, if we are aware that fast food of any kind, causes this affliction, and we still indulged in it, we are all being naive, and excellent in making excuses. Prevention, through Education and proper information about what we should take in to our body should be, everyone's responsibility.

All of us should be responsible for all the foods we eat. "Healthy and Nutritious" Foods.

[boypad]

To those who missed out this latest circular news from PhilHealth

It's 9-over-12 Beginning July 2011-PhilHealth

From: PhilHealth Website
December 8, 2010
http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/media/n...0/9over_12.htm

EFFECTIVE July 1, 2011, members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) must have nine (9) months' premium contributions within the 12-month period immediately prior to the month of availment to be able to avail themselves of medical care benefits in accredited facilities nationwide.

Through Circular No. 25, series of 2010, PhilHealth will now require employed and Individually Paying Members (IPMs) to comply with this eligibility requirement to avail of their PhilHealth benefits. This new policy applies to availments through hospital confinements, surgical and pregnancy-related procedures, and when availing themselves of outpatient coverage for day surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, among others.

"This policy is in accordance with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act of 1995. We first implemented this for surgical and pregnancy-related procedures in 2003 for IPMs," according to Dr. Rey B. Aquino, PhilHealth President and CEO. However, he added, "...PhilHealth needs to implement stern policies for the protection of the members" and that "...through this new policy, we can safeguard the funds from possible abuse."

The Circular calls for members to satisfy the "nine months within the immediate 12-month period" contribution requirement before they can avail themselves of PhilHealth benefits. If the month prior to a member's availment is unpaid and it is needed to complete the nine month-requirement, the premium must be paid before the availment.

"For example, a member needs to use his PhilHealth benefits on July 15, 2011. He will be required to present proof of at least nine (9) monthly payments between July 2010 and June 2011, being the immediate 12-month period prior to availment date," Aquino said.

If the member has not yet paid his contribution for June 2011, payment should be done prior to July 15, 2011. "If he pays his premium on or after his availment day, the said payment shall no longer be considered for the said availment but for future ones," explained Aquino.

The new policy will not affect PhilHealth members under the Overseas Workers and Sponsored Programs as their coverage is within the validity period as stated in their Member Data Record or ID cards. "Lifetime Members, on the other hand, are already covered for life without the need to pay any additional premium," the PhilHealth Chief said.

According to the Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 7875 as amended, sufficient regularity of premium payment is the payment of contribution of at least nine months within the 12-month period immediately prior to the month of availment. "We are preventing the earlier practice of some members contributing only to the program when they need to avail of the benefits. This is being unfair to those who are paying their premiums religiously. If this practice continues, the national health insurance fund will be threatened," Aquino said.

The Circular also reiterated that in addition to the premium requirement, all PhilHealth members may enjoy their benefits provided that no legal actions are filed against them as defined in RA 7875, as amended.

PhilHealth provides substantial subsidies for hospital room and board allowances, drugs and medicines, X-ray and other laboratory exams, operating room fees, and professional fees for qualified availments at any of the 1,366 PhilHealth-accredited hospitals nationwide. (END)

[Ephesus29]

Originally Posted by boypad

To those who missed out this latest circular news from PhilHealth

It's 9-over-12 Beginning July 2011-PhilHealth

From: PhilHealth Website
December 8, 2010
http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/media/n...0/9over_12.htm

EFFECTIVE July 1, 2011, members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) must have nine (9) months' premium contributions within the 12-month period immediately prior to the month of availment to be able to avail themselves of medical care benefits in accredited facilities nationwide.

Through Circular No. 25, series of 2010, PhilHealth will now require employed and Individually Paying Members (IPMs) to comply with this eligibility requirement to avail of their PhilHealth benefits. This new policy applies to availments through hospital confinements, surgical and pregnancy-related procedures, and when availing themselves of outpatient coverage for day surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, among others.

"This policy is in accordance with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Act of 1995. We first implemented this for surgical and pregnancy-related procedures in 2003 for IPMs," according to Dr. Rey B. Aquino, PhilHealth President and CEO. However, he added, "...PhilHealth needs to implement stern policies for the protection of the members" and that "...through this new policy, we can safeguard the funds from possible abuse."

The Circular calls for members to satisfy the "nine months within the immediate 12-month period" contribution requirement before they can avail themselves of PhilHealth benefits. If the month prior to a member's availment is unpaid and it is needed to complete the nine month-requirement, the premium must be paid before the availment.

"For example, a member needs to use his PhilHealth benefits on July 15, 2011. He will be required to present proof of at least nine (9) monthly payments between July 2010 and June 2011, being the immediate 12-month period prior to availment date," Aquino said.

If the member has not yet paid his contribution for June 2011, payment should be done prior to July 15, 2011. "If he pays his premium on or after his availment day, the said payment shall no longer be considered for the said availment but for future ones," explained Aquino.

The new policy will not affect PhilHealth members under the Overseas Workers and Sponsored Programs as their coverage is within the validity period as stated in their Member Data Record or ID cards. "Lifetime Members, on the other hand, are already covered for life without the need to pay any additional premium," the PhilHealth Chief said.

According to the Implementing Rules and Regulation of RA 7875 as amended, sufficient regularity of premium payment is the payment of contribution of at least nine months within the 12-month period immediately prior to the month of availment. "We are preventing the earlier practice of some members contributing only to the program when they need to avail of the benefits. This is being unfair to those who are paying their premiums religiously. If this practice continues, the national health insurance fund will be threatened," Aquino said.

The Circular also reiterated that in addition to the premium requirement, all PhilHealth members may enjoy their benefits provided that no legal actions are filed against them as defined in RA 7875, as amended.

PhilHealth provides substantial subsidies for hospital room and board allowances, drugs and medicines, X-ray and other laboratory exams, operating room fees, and professional fees for qualified availments at any of the 1,366 PhilHealth-accredited hospitals nationwide. (END)

I am static about the creation of the "Health Insurance" in the Philippines. Great news indeed. Sufficient funding in the health care system is not enough without any guidelines for preventions of diseases, and without government watchdog to monitor what are being sold in groceries (product contents) and what are being serve in eateries and restos. Considering the ever risisng cases of obesity, the system would dried up faster, as soon as the system even start dispensing cost of medicare.

[boypad]

Senate to probe ‘exploitation’ of nurses

Malaya Online
January 11, 2011

THE Senate committee on health and demography chaired by Sen. Pia Cayetano will hold a joint hearing with the committees on finance, labor, employment and human resources development today on the reported exploitation of nurses in on-the-job training.

The joint panels will take up Cayetano’s Senate Resolution 166 which seeks to investigate reports of registered nurses and nursing graduates who are taken in by certain hospitals for OJT, made to work without even an allowance, and asked to pay these hospitals from P5,000 to P7,000 so they can get the training, work experience and certification required for overseas employment.

"These reported money-making schemes contribute to the problem of local unemployment and underemployment among our nurses and, if found true, is very demeaning to the nursing profession. We also need to see how these questionable practices are dealt with under the existing regulations of the Department of Health which is tasked to oversee the operations of hospitals in the country," she said.

Resource persons invited to today’s hearing include Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, and officials of public and private hospitals, nurses’ associations, and nursing schools.

[boypad]

Collection of ‘training’ fees from nurses illegal

The Daily Tribune
By Angie M. Rosales
01/12/2011

Some hospitals indeed charge fees for training programs for new nurses but this practice is allowed by both the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Senate probers were told yesterday.

Philippine Hospitals Association vice president Dr. Hermogenes Jarin admitted before the Senate committee on health and demography that it was the first time he had heard of the practice of “volunteerism-for-a-fee.”

In the said hearing headed by Sen. Pia Cayetano, nursing organizations told lawmakers that newly registered nurses and nursing graduates are forced to resort to “volunteerism-for-a-fee,” just so they could earn needed work experience required for future employment here or abroad.

Instead of being employed by certain hospitals as regular staff or as “on-the job trainees” (OJTs), they are made to pay for their training, work experience and certification.

Philippine nursing association president Dr. Teresita Barcelo, said some hospitals have taken to calling the practice as “training programs.”

“These hospitals have found a way of going around this volunteerism-for-a-fee because it is really unethical,” she said.

But problem is no one wants to file a formal complaint or testify against unscrupulous hospitals or health care facilities since the volunteer nurse also benefits by way of getting an employment certificate, she said.

“We keep telling our nurses to stop doing this because it’s illegal,” said Alvin Dakis of the Association of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International.

Jarin agreed though that it should not be condoned.

Yet, he confirmed that some of PHA members indeed charge fees for training programs for new nurses, a practice allowed by both the Commission on Higher Education and the Professional Regulation Commission.

“I’m not denying that some members are making money (on the training programs) but not all are rotten apples. Nobody is twisting anybody’s arm to participate in these programs.”

Upon the suggestion of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who was attending his first legislative hearing since being released from detention, Jarin promised to call on PHA members to discontinue the practice of collecting fees from new nurses in exchange for short-term work.

Health committee chairman Sen. Pia Cayetano said Ched and the Department of Health (DoH) should also work closely on the guidelines for these training programs.

Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the problem of nurses’ exploitation boils down to oversupply.

“Many are willing victims. They know they are being exploited but they don’t have other options that’s why this is happening. We should really look very hard on the proposal for a moratorium on (producing) more nurses,” Marcos said.

Health care sector stakeholders said an additional 40,000 new nurses are expected this year, in addition to the more than 100,000 nurses who are “running around without a job.”

[Animo]

At the turn of 2011 Spain introduced yet the toughest anti-smoking law in Europe, practically banning smoking in all enclosed public places, including certain open spaces like parks and school grounds.

Spain, once the Philippines’ master for more than three centuries, broke its carefree attitude toward smoking. Its well-crafted move has been praised by its neighbors in the European Union.

For non-smokers, the new Spanish law is a Christmas gift. For cigarette manufacturers, the law is a scourge to their cash machine. This is precisely the reason why the Philippine Government has been treating soft on cigarette ban. It seems that our government is more concerned with losing revenues derived from tobacco-related taxes rather than promoting public health, so we think.

So far our toughest law is Republic Act 9211, otherwise known as “An Act Regulating the Packaging, Use, Sale, Distribution and Advertisements of Tobacco Products and For Other Purposes.” Basically, RA 9211 is the reason why we are seeing a government warning that cigarette smoking is dangerous to one’s health. It does not, however, impose ban on smoking in public places.

The initiative to altogether ban smoking in public places in the Philippines has to come from the heart of local government officials.

The Local Government Code empowers a local government unit to enact an ordinance to prohibit an act which exactly what the City Government of Davao had done in 2002 when it passed an ordinance that strongly bans smoking in all public places in the city.

Since the serious anti-smoking ban in Davao City, more than 9,000 offenders have been slapped with a fine of no less than 10,000 pesos for the first offense.

The Davao City ban had earned international accolades, one of which was last year’s Global Smoke Free Partnership (GSFP) Award for Governmental Body With Exemplary Leadership in Implementing Smoke Free Policies bestowed by GSFP.

Before Spain banned smoking in public places, Davao City had done the same eight years ago. Isn’t that noteworthy?

Unfortunately, many cities and towns in the Philippines have not taken a serious step in eliminating cigarette use in public areas.

If Davao City has been successful in enforcing an anti-smoking law, there is no reason that the rest of the local government units in the country could not successfully enforce the same prohibition.

The benefits of banning smoking in public places are all too obvious. Smoking harms more severely to second-hand smokers, the non-smokers who happen to be in the presence of a killer (smoker) and lung cancer promoter.

If we ban smoking in all public places in the Philippines we will save millions of lives and we will save millions or even billions of pesos that should rather be spent on good food and quality education, not on cancer treatment, expensive medicine, hospital, and all that.

http://www.theboholstandard.com/edit...s13=&s14=&s15=

[Linguine]

Hospital owners warn vs talks on ‘exploitation’ of new nurses
Monday, 17 January 2011 20:21 Recto Mercene / Reporter


Members of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (Phap) on Monday cautioned the group’s president against issuing statements not sanctioned by the board, particularly on the issue over the alleged exploitation by both private and government hospitals related to new nurses.

This came after Phap president Rustico Jimenez said in a recent radio interview that private hospitals should not be singled out as “exploiters” of nurses in the country.

During the same interview, Jimenez also challenged the Department of Health (DOH) to investigate government hospitals, claiming that he received information that these, too, hire new registered nurses as trainees and not as regular employees.

Jimenez, likewise, claimed that this practice has been going on for quite sometime, mostly in government hospitals, yet the private hospitals are being singled out.

Jess Contreras, Phap executive vice president and administrator of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, said the statements made by Jimenez on this issue are entirely his own and does not reflect that of the entire association.

“[The statements made by Jimenez] were not discussed by the board,” Contreras said in a statement. “This problem is complicated and does not only involve the issue of payments but many other concerns which should be taken up by the board before any stand could be made,” Contreras added.

He also downplayed the comments made by Jimenez that Phap is continuously investigating its member-hospitals over allegations that some of them are exploiting nurses, adding that the association will impose heavy sanctions on those found guilty.

Jimenez claimed the heaviest penalty against PHAP members found exploiting nurses would be revocation of their accreditation, meaning they can no longer accept patients.

However, according to Contreras, Phap still has to meet to discuss about any investigations and to address the problem in a holistic manner.

“There has to be a board meeting first before any investigation can be conducted,” Contreras pointed out. “It should not be based on just one pronouncement of one official since Phap is composed of hundreds of private hospitals all over the country.”

“The opinions of hospital members should be gathered and heard first.” 

Contreras said the oversupply of nurses “is a problem we all should look into.”

“This is a new phenomenon and may be caused by a lot of different factors,” he stressed.

Last week a Senate panel began its probe into the alleged exploitation of nurses undergoing OJT, who are not given proper compensation that regular employees enjoy.


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/hom...-of-new-nurses

[the glimpser]

What ingredients to use for healthier living
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquire...althier-living
By Tessa Salazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:41:00 01/23/2011

MANILA, Philippines—Molecular biologist Custer Deocaris intends to convince young Filipinos to eat more vegetables, fruits and grains to reduce the incidence of obesity and eventually raise students’ brain power.

How will he do it? By explaining his dishes’ ingredients, and making a nation so used to fast food aware of healthier, and possibly life-saving, alternatives.

Toward dawn last Friday at the just concluded Banchetto night bazaar in Ortigas Center, Deocaris found the time to explain the properties of his main ingredients more thoroughly.

His fat-burner meatless burger is made from yakon, mushroom and soybean and served on a country-style malunggay coco-flour bun.

Yakon is a low-calorie root crop known for its copious amounts of oligofructans that regulates fat metabolism via the L-carnitine pathway.

Mushrooms are excellent sources of protein, dietary fiber, potassium and vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin). Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a chemical that boosts the immune system and protects against various types of cancers.

Soybeans are rich in protein, dietary fiber, calcium and magnesium. “According to the American Heart Association, just 25 grams of soybeans per day is sufficient to significantly lower the risk for heart disease,” he said.

Deocaris described his lugaw made with Gaba brown rice as the first “functional” porridge in the country.

“It reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers blood pressure by inhibiting a protein called Angiotensin H. The pregermination of the brown rice increases the levels of Gaba and steryl glucosides that help prevent diabetes, enhance fat metabolism and even improve brain function,” he said.

For his desserts, Deocaris uses coco sap sugar.

He described it thus: “It’s healthy sugar from coconut inflorescence (flower cluster). It helps improve glycemic and weight control. It is also rich in amino acids, dietary fiber and minerals.”

[hakz2007]

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[Linguine]

Davao City’s dialysis is PHL’s cheapest, attracts kidney patients
Thursday, 10 February 2011 20:21 Manuel T. Cayon / Reporter 


DAVAO CITY—Hospitals and wellness centers here offer the country’s cheapest dialysis treatment to kidney patients, but a medical director of an upstart wellness center also warned of the increasing trend in the number of kidney patients, including the big number of diabetic patients, who could potentially inflate the number of kidney patients lining up for the ultimate kidney transplant.

 Hospitals and medical centers here charge P1,950 per treatment of two to three times a week to a kidney patient without the PhilHealth benefit.  With PhilHealth privileges, charges would dive to as low as the current rate of P800 per session. This discounted rate is the cheapest in the country, and doctors disclosed that many families from the Visayas have either rented houses for their patients or have moved here.

 Of the nine hospitals here, three now offer dialysis treatment with a combined 93 machines, said Dr. Michael Manalaysay, medical director of the recently opened La Vie Dialysis Center at the FTC Towers in downtown Davao. He said the cheap rate was started in the 1990’s by the late Dr. Gerardo Cunanan, chief of hospital of the Davao Medical Center, now renamed Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC).

 “Now all hospitals have to go down to that price to stay competitive,” Manalaysay said.

 The SPMC and the Davao Nephrology Center were the main dialysis treatment centers, with La Vie joining in with 38 machines or stations.

 The number of dialysis machines could be easily overworked, though, as the number of kidney patients at the end-stage renal disorder, or kidney failure, was also observed to be increasing gradually at the rate of 3.9 percent.  As of the third quarter last year, hospitals recorded 2,134 patients.

 “What is troubling us also is the number of young patients already suffering from diabetes. In five to 10 years, expect the number of kidney patients to increase,” he said, explaining that diabetes often leads to other ailments like heart and kidney diseases.

 If untreated, he warned, “two thirds of these diabetic patients would go for dialysis.” “That will make this number of dialysis machines in the city lacking to treat the potential big number of kidney patients,” he added. Many of the patients “are not residents of this city” but come from many other places, including the Visayas.


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/hom...idney-patients

[Ephesus29]

Food and Drug Administration in Canada and the US, claimed that the common additive (caramel) found in every pop drinks: pepsi, coke and other colas will increase the risk of getting lung, liver, and thyroid cancer. Although Pepsi and Cocacola denies, that their product pose any such risk.

[Askal82]

Originally Posted by Ephesus29

Food and Drug Administration in Canada and the US, claimed that the common additive (caramel) found in every pop drinks: pepsi, coke and other colas will increase the risk of getting lung, liver, and thyroid cancer. Although Pepsi and Cocacola denies, that their product pose any such risk.

Really, so melting sugar can cause cancer? Just wow.

[Ephesus29]

Originally Posted by Askal82

Really, so melting sugar can cause cancer? Just wow.

I have to apologized. Should have been "chemically enhanced caramel food colouring" used in widely consumed cola drinks could caused cancer. And not the pure caramel produced from melted sugar. Sorry!!!, According Reuters, (Vancouversun.com)Thursday Feb. 17, 2011, two other approved versions to colour food product include the chemical "amonia" and produce compounds shown to cause various cancers to animal studies, said in statement made by US Center for Science in Public Interest.
The chemical reaction between sugar and amonia can form carcinogens and "still may be causing thousands of cancers in the US population," the CSPI group said.