No. His symptoms began three days after his return to Taiwan, China.

There is no evidence to link the current cases with any Chinese products. WHO advises against any restrictions to trade at this time.

Health care workers often come into contact with patients with infectious diseases. Therefore, WHO recommends that appropriate infection prevention and control measures be consistently applied in health care settings, and that the health status of health care workers be closely monitored. Together with standard precautions, health care workers caring for those suspected or confirmed to have avian influenza A(H7N9) infection should use additional precautions.

An animal influenza virus that develops the ability to infect people could theoretically carry a risk of causing a pandemic. However, whether the avian influenza A(H7N9) virus could actually cause a pandemic is unknown. Other animal influenza viruses that have been found to infect people occasionally have not gone on to cause a pandemic.

When influenza antiviral drugs known as neuraminidase inhibitors are given early in the course of illness, they are effective against seasonal influenza virus and influenza A(H5N1) virus infection. At this time, there is little experience with the use of these drugs for the treatment of H7N9 infection. Further, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs.

Although both the source of infection and the mode of transmission are uncertain, it is prudent to follow basic hygienic practices to prevent infection. They include hand and respiratory hygiene and food safety measures.

Hand hygiene:

• Wash your hands before, during, and after you prepare food; before you eat; after you use the toilet; after handling animals or animal waste; when your hands are dirty; and when providing care when someone in your home is sick. Hand hygiene will also prevent the transmission of infections to yourself (from touching contaminated surfaces) and in hospitals to patients, health care workers and others. 

• Wash your hands with soap and running water when hands are visibly dirty; if hands are not visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser. 

Respiratory hygiene:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a medical mask, tissue, or a sleeve or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing

·   Throw the used tissue into a closed bin immediately after use

·   Perform hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions.

• Always keep raw meat separate from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination.
• Do not use the same chopping board or the same knife for raw meat and other foods.
• Do not handle both raw and cooked foods without washing your hands in between and do not place cooked meat back on the same plate or surface it was on before cooking.
• Do not use raw or soft-boiled eggs in food preparations that will not be heat treated or cooked.
• After handling raw meat, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Wash and disinfect all surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with raw meat.

New cases that are reported are now being compiled and posted daily. The most current information on cases can be found in Disease Outbreak News

Influenza viruses are not transmitted through consuming well-cooked food. Because influenza viruses are inactivated by normal temperatures used for cooking (so that food reaches 70°C in all parts -"piping" hot - no "pink" parts), it is safe to eat properly prepared and cooked meat, including from poultry and game birds. 

Diseased animals and animals that have died of diseases should not be eaten. 

In areas experiencing outbreaks, meat products can be safely consumed provided that these items are properly cooked and properly handled during food preparation. The consumption of raw meat and uncooked blood-based dishes is a high-risk practice and should be discouraged.

The number of cases identified in China is low. WHO does not advise the application of any travel measures with respect to visitors to China nor to persons leaving China.

Travellers to China are advised to take some common sense precautions, like not touching birds or other animals and washing hands often. Poultry and poultry products should be fully cooked.

When visiting live markets:

• Avoid direct contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals.

If you live on a farm and raise animals for food, such as pigs and poultry:

• Be sure to keep children away from sick and dead animals.
• Keep animal species separated as much as possible.
• Report immediately to local authorities any cases of sick and dead animals. Sick or dead animals should not be butchered and prepared for food.

Although some evidence points to live poultry as a source of infection, it cannot yet be confirmed that live poultry is the primary or the only source of infection. Neither is there enough evidence to exclude other possible animal or environmental sources of infection.

Most patients with this infection have had severe pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, information is still limited about the full spectrum of illness that infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus might cause.

• Monitoring of fever for all incoming airline passengers especially those coming from China, Taiwan and other Asian countries.
• Coordinating closely with Department of Agricultures for poultry epidemics.
• Hospitals are alerted for unusual lung infections.
• Research Institute for Tropical Medicines (RITM) has capacity and ready to examine or confine suspected patients.
• Public is advised to report unusual influenza-like infections.

WHO does not recommend any travel restrictions with respect to this event. WHO will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.

Local and national health authorities are taking the following measures, among others: 

• Enhanced surveillance for pneumonia cases of unknown origin to ensure early detection and laboratory confirmation of new cases; 
• Epidemiological investigation, including assessment of suspected cases and contacts of known cases;
• Close collaboration with animal health authorities to determine the source of the infection.

From 1996 to 2012, human infections with H7 influenza viruses (H7N2, H7N3, and H7N7) were reported in Canada, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Most of these infections occurred in association with poultry outbreaks. The infections mainly resulted in conjunctivitis and mild upper respiratory symptoms, with the exception of one death, which occurred in the Netherlands. Until this event, no human infections with H7 influenza viruses have been reported in China.

Avian influenza A H7 viruses are a group of influenza viruses that normally circulate among birds. The avian influenza A(H7N9) virus is one subgroup among the larger group of H7 viruses. Although some H7 viruses (H7N2, H7N3 and H7N7) have occasionally been found to infect humans, no human infections with H7N9 viruses have been reported until recent reports from China.

We do not know the answer to this question yet, because we do not know the source of exposure for these human infections. However, analysis of the genes of these viruses suggests that although the viruses have evolved in birds, they may infect mammals more easily than other avian viruses.

No vaccine for the prevention of avian influenza A(H7N9) infections in humans is currently available. However, viruses have already been isolated and characterized from the initial cases. The first step in development of a vaccine is the selection of candidate viruses that could go into a vaccine. WHO, in collaboration with partners, will continue to characterize available avian influenza A(H7N9) viruses to identify the best candidate viruses. These candidate vaccine viruses can then be used for the manufacture of vaccine if this step becomes necessary.

This is possible, but not very common. If your partner's mouth is infected with an STI, then he or she may be able to pass that infection to your mouth during a kiss. Fever blisters and cold sores can be passed through a kiss if your partner is infected. Blood-borne infections like HIV or Hepatitis B or C can only be passed through kissing if there is an exchange of infected blood. If your partner has an infection in his or her genital area, then kissing on the mouth will not transmit the infection. However kissing the infected area may lead to transmission of the infection.

Yes. During oral sex, there is skin-to-skin contact and there can be bodily fluid exchange. Therefore, it is important to use barrier protection, like un-lubricated condoms or latex dental dams to protect yourself during oral sex.

Yes. Many STIs can take weeks, months or years before symptoms show. Some people never develop symptoms for some STIs. STIs can still be passed to someone else even when a person is not experiencing symptoms.

This is not very likely. Most STIs are only transmitted during sexual contact, either by skin-to-skin contact or through bodily fluids exchanged between partners. Garapata, or pubic lice, may be transmitted through sexual contact, sleeping in infected bedding, sharing infected clothing and possibly through sitting on an infested toilet seat. However, lice cannot survive away from the human body for longer than 24 hours. So contracting pubic lice from a toilet seat is possible, but it's unlikely.

Name of Office: JRRMMC

One can practice any of the following = Abstinence is the best formula but if not possible, be faithful to HIV free/equally faithful sex  partner, or use condom protection for male to male for homesexual practice or female condom for heterosexual activity, or practice non-penetrative sex.

There are many different tests for each of the different STIs. There is not one test that will screen for all STIs. Some STIs are hard to test for if you do not have any symptoms. Some STIs can be tested through simple blood work or a urine test; some can only be tested for through culturing body fluid from the penis, vagina or open sore on the body. When you go in for testing, it is important to ask your health care provider which tests will be done and which will not. Sometimes, weeks or months need to pass to give your body enough time to develop antibodies that will show up in a test, indicating you have a particular STI.

The simple answer is that you may not know your partner is infected unless he or she tells you. Remember, because some STIs don't show any symptoms, your partner may not even know if he or she is infected.

The virus is passed on to another person through infected blood like blood stained needles/medical instrumentations, sexual contacts between casual acquaintances or with strangers/multiple partners, or partners of infected OFW, sharing of needles among drug users or accidental needle pricking or trauma among health professionals. HIV infected individuals can infect unsuspecting contacts because of their normal looking physique. Spread of the disease happens before identification of the disease is the most treacherous of all possibilities.

Name of Office: JRRMMC

The latest world data that we have is in 2008 at 33.4 million, but only God knows of our present status. In the Philippines, our case detection of HIV positives  were 2-3x for 2010 compared to 2008 figures. Detections are increasing among men having sex with men, blood samples and spouses of OFWs. Total reported cases in the PH from 1984-2010 is 5,625 and AIDS among these is 852.

Name of Office: 

JRRMMC

Appearance of AIDS varies among individual patients and may range theoretically between 5-10 years to as long as 15 years or more. Patients on antiretroviral therapy may or even arrest the progression of the disease to frank AIDS.   

Wrong. One out of every four teenagers and young adults will get an STI, even though many think they know how to protect themselves. There are other STIs out there besides HIV, and they are on the rise among young people. They include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), which cause genital warts and abnormal Pap smears.

Name of Office: JRRMMC

There is none at the moment but researches are on-going towards finding a cure. ARTs makes infected individuals (HIV patients) productive and AIDs free because the viral progression in the body is slowed to near halt.

STIs can cause physical symptoms like bumps or sores on the skin, itchy discharge, pain or burning during urination, fever, or symptoms like the flu. But all of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses that are not sexually transmitted. Some STIs do not cause any symptoms at all. So, you can see how difficult it would be to diagnose a STI just based on symptoms you may be experiencing.

If you have symptoms as described above you should immediately seek medical help. Your health care provider is the best choice as he or she knows you best. If you do not have a health care provider, the school physician or nurse can advise you on whether the symptoms are something to worry about or not, and where you can get help. The local community clinics would also be able to help you.

t’s a viral infection that attacks and slowly destroys the immune system of the infected person that leads to “immune deficiency”. It is progressive and can lead to lack of body defense to all kinds of infection including those that don’t normally infect man  and can also lead to cancer susceptibility.

If you choose to have sex, latex condoms give you good protection because they are barriers - something that keeps you away from your partner's sexual fluids. Other birth control methods only protect you from unwanted pregnancy. Using a condom is NOT 100% protection against pregnancy or STIs--only abstinence is--but a condom offers the best protection from STIs and pretty good protection from pregnancy if you do have sex. The best protection is to use birth control pills or other reliable form of birth control to prevent pregnancy AND a new latex condom with each sexual encounter to protect against STIs.

Name of Office: JRRMMC

Tuberculosis - it becomes aggressive among HIV/AIDS patients because of poor immune response of these patients. Since TB is very common in the Philippines  and majority of Filipinos have/ have had  primary or secondary TB, treated, with scar or re-exposed, this infection is the most life threatening for it can infect practically all organs of the body, the skin and brain included.

Name of Office: JRRMMC

There should be medical counseling/recounselling on how to protect  themselves from contracting the disease. There should also be psychosocial support  for the patient to continue on as being productive/ responsible citizen, to ART adherence to prevent progression of the disease and thus prevent stigma. Inculcate that there is still life after HIV infection.     

All medical care that you receive should be confidential. This means that the information you discuss with your health care providers must stay in your files at the clinic and not be released to anyone without your permission. All testing and results are handled as confidential matters.

Anonymous testing is when your name is not associated with the test or the results in any way. You may be given a number or code word to identify yourself during testing and when receiving results. Speak to you health care provider about the testing process used.

Your local health department, community clinic, private doctor or family planning clinics are all good resources to check into for STI testing.

The Department of Health (DOH) through its Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Medicines Access Program (MAP) will provide target ALL patients’ ready access to anti- cancer medicines as well as promote early screening and ALL awareness to Filipinos emphasizing that detecting, treating, and managing cancer in the early stages improves the overall prognosis and survival rates of patients.

List of Hospitals to access medicines for this program:

- Philippine Children Medical Center

- Batangas Regional Hospital

- Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center

- Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center

- Davao Regional Hospital

- East Avenue Medical Center

- Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center

- Ilocos Training Regional Medical Center

- National Children’s Hospital

- Northern Mindanao Medical Center

- Southern Philippines Medical Center

- Western Visayas Medical Center

- Zamboanga City Medical Center

- Philippine General Hospital

Extension Sites:

- Ospital ng Makati

- University of Sto Tomas Hospital

- Silliman University Medical Center

- St. Elizabeth Hospital

- Tarlac Public Hospital

DOH Poison Control Centers

Trauma Centers

NCR Referral Centers

DOH Regional Referral Centers

Yes, Republic Act No. 7183

1. Itaguyod at makilahok sa Community Fireworks Display.

2. Magdiwang ng ligtas kasama ang pamilya.

3. Lumikha ng ingay gamit ang ibang bagay tulad ng torotot, busina, musika, lata, atbp.

4. Maki saya sa ibang paraan tulad ng street party, concert, piano, palaro, atbp.

5. Matuto sa mga aral ng nakaraan at magsimula nang maayos na buhay sa Bagong Taon.

• Blast or burns with amputation
• Blast or burns without amputation
• Eye injury that might lead to blindness
• Tetanus
• Poisoning (Ingestion)
• Death

Baby Rocket, Bawang, Small Triangulo, Pulling of strings, Paper Caps, El Diablo, Watusi, Judah's Belt, Sky Rocket, etc.

1.      Mapanganib ang paggamit ng paputok.

2.      Lahat ng paputok ay bawal sa bata.

3.      Lumayo sa mga taong nagpapaputok.

4.      Huwag mamulot ng di sumabog na paputok.

5.      Magpagamot agad kapag naputukan.

·  Cadmium may produce irritation of the lungs and influenza like symptoms. If cadmium is inhaled, ingested or enters the body, it can accumulate and eventually damage the liver and kidneys. Accumulation of cadmium in the bones may cause a disease called "Itai-Itai" that can make bones brittle leading to fractures. It is also a potential human carcinogen.

·  Lead may affect the hematological profile of a person including the central nervous system and inhibits brain function. Exposure may also lead to developmental delays, growth retardation, behavioral effects and learning delays.

·  Chromium may cause skin damage and hypersensitivity, nasal mucosa ulceration and nasal septum perforation. Long term exposures may lead to lung cancer.

·  Aluminum has been noted to cause impaired memory, dementia and convulsions.

·  Magnesium dust and fumes when inhaled may irritate mucous membranes or upper respiratory tract and cause mental fume fever and deterioration of the central nervous system.

·  Nitrates, Nitrite, Phosphates and Sulfates may cause dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness and convulsion. Small repeated doses may lead to weakness, general depression, headache and mental impairment. Phosphates may produce an acute effect on the liver and can cause severe eye damage and may eventually affect the central nervous system. Sulfates are skin and mucous membrane irritant and corrosive; it may cause edema of the lungs and can produce respiratory paralysis.

·  Carbon Monoxide (colorless, odorless gass) may cause euphoria, headache, eye irritation, narcosis, coma, may be rapidly fatal after formulation leads to anoxia of brain, nervous system and heart.

·  Copper dust fumes when inhaled may cause irritation in the respiratory tract.

·  Manganese dioxide fumes cause lung irritation, pneumonia, with possible Parkinsonian symptoms, rigidity, muscular pains and tremor.

·  Potassium irritation may lead to chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. It may cause severe irritation of upper respiratory tract with cough, burns and breathing difficulty.

·  Sodium may cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and respiratory tract.

·  Zinc oxide fumes on lungs may cause mental fume fever symptoms like influenza, chills, fever, sweating and muscular weakness.

·  Oxides of nitrogen and sulfur may reduce pulmonary function and mucosal irritation. Powerful irritants may cause respiratory damage.

Results of studies have shown that the levels of suspended particulate matters (SPM), CO, NOx, hydrocarbons, SO2, increase to an unprecedented levels in air during fireworks displays. Pregnant women, children and those having a chronic asthma are most vulnerable to these exposures.

The SPM levels can cause throat, nose, eye related problems. It can lead to headaches and reduced mental acuity. It has much more severe effects in people with heart, respiratory or nervous system disorders. It can aggravate problem for people suffering from cold allergies or coughs and can also cause congestion of throat and chest.

Unwanted second noise has harmful effects as well. Standard noise level set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the ambient environment is 60 dB during daytime and 50 decibels during night time. Fireworks can be loud and can exceed 140 decibels. Noise at 85 decibels above can damage hearing. Increase in the sound levels can lead to restlessness, temporary or permanent hearing loss, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbance.

Fireworks can also cause respiratory problems such as: chronic or allergic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia and laryngitis.

Sparklers, Luces, Fountain, Jumbo (regular and special), Mabuhay, Roman Candle, Trompillo, Airwolf, Whistle, Butterfly, all pailaw.

APIR stands for “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction” campaign.

• WHO estimates that nearly 140 million people worldwide suffer from alcohol dependence and 78% are not treated.
• Men are three times more likely than women to become alcoholics
• People aged 65 and older have the lowest rates of alcohol dependence.

• Strong and persistent desire to drink alcohol despite harmful consequences.
• Inability to control drinking.
• Higher priority given to alcohol than other obligations.
• Tolerance to alcohol and physical withdrawal reaction when alcohol is abruptly discontinued.

The best methods to treat alcohol dependency vary, depending upon an individual's medical and personal needs.

• Some heavy drinkers who recognize their problem appear to recover on their own.
• Others recover through participation in the programs of Alcoholics Anonymous or other self-help groups.
• Some alcoholics require long-term individual or group therapy, which may inlcude hospitalization.
• Treatment can also be done in community setting.
• Prognosis is good even if a person is pressured into treatment.
• Patients who come for voluntary treatment have the best prognosis.
• Voluntary mutual help organizations play a large role in the treatment.
• Effective alcohol control policies are also needed.

Medical science has yet to identify the the exact cause of alcohol dependence, but research suggest that genetic, psychological, and social factors influence its development.  Studies show that alcoholism runs in families - alcoholics are six times more likely than nonalcoholic to have blood relatives who are alcohol dependent.  Researchers have long pondered whether these familial patterns result from gentics or from a common home environment, which oftern includes alcoholic parents.  Conduct disorders and other childhood disorders increase risk of alcohol related disorders in adult.

Psychoanalytic theory points to people with harsh superego and self-punitive turn to alcohol to diminish unconsious stress.

It is a chronic mental disorder marked by a craving for alcohol. People who suffer from this illness are known as alcoholics. It sometimes become the underlying cause of serious harm, including medical disorders, marital difficulties, job loss, or automobile crashes.

• 11 million people suffer worldwide.
• About 5% of people reaching 65 are affected.
• 15-25% of people reaching 85 are affected.
• Late stage of disease requires one total dependence and inactivity representing an enormous burden on family and health care delivery.

• Age. Alzheimer's usually affects people older than 65, but can rarely, affect those younger than 40.  The average age at diagnosis is about 80.  Less than 5 percent of people between 65 and 74 have Alzheimer's.  For people 85 and older, that number jumps to nearly 50 percent.
• Heredity.  Your risk of developing Alzheimer's appears to be slightly higher if a first-degree relative -parent, sister or brother - has the disease.
• Sex.  Women are more likely than men are to develop the disease, in part because they leave longer.
• Lifestyle.  The same factors that put you at risk of heart diseases, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, may also increase the likelihood that you'll develop Alzheimer's disease.  And, keeping your body fit isn't your only concern - you've got to exercise your mind as well.
• Head injury.  The observation that some ex-boxers eventually develop dementia leads to the question of whether serious traumatic injury to the head (for example, with a prolonged loss of consciousness) may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's.

• Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, which is the loss of intellectual and social abilities severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Dementia occurs in people with Alzheimer's disease because healthy brain tissue degenerates, causing a steady decline in memory and mental abilities. Increasing and persistent forgetfulness, especially of recent events or simple directions, what begins as mild forgetfulness persists and worsens. People with Alzheimer's routinely misplace things, often putting them in illogical locations. They frequently forget names, and eventually, they may forget the names of family members and everyday objects.
• Difficulties with abstract thinking. People with Alzheimer's may initially have trouble balancing their checkbook, a problem that progresses to trouble recognizing and dealing with numbers.
• Difficulties finding the right word to express thoughts or even follow conversations. Eventually, reading and writing also are affected.
• Disorientation to time and dates. They may find themselves lost in familiar surroundings.
• Loss of judgment. Solving everyday problems, such as knowing what to do if food on the stove is burning, becomes increasingly difficult, eventually impossible.
• Difficulties performing familiar and routine tasks that require sequential steps, such as cooking, become a struggle as the disease progresses. Eventually, forget how to do even the most basic things.
• Personality changes. People with Alzheimer's may exhibit mood swings. They may express distrust in others, show increased stubbornness and withdraw socially.

• Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease.
• General treatment approach to patient is to provide supportive medical care, pharmacological treatment for specific symptoms, including disruptive behavior, and emotional support for patients and their families.

• There is destruction of brain cells disrupting the transmitters that carry the messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories.
• The cause of the destruction remains of the cells unknown.
• Studies show that genetic factors play part in the development of the disease.
• The neurotransmitters 'acetylcholine' and 'norepinephrine' are hypothesized to be hypoactive in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, which is the loss of intellectual and social abilities severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Dementia occurs in people with Alzheimer's disease because healthy brain tissue degenerates, causing a steady decline in memory and mental abilities.

Asthma attacks may start suddenly, or may take days to develop. Attacks range from mild, moderate to severe.

Mild-to-moderate attacks - are more common. There is a feeling of tightness in your chest and you may start coughing and spitting out mucus or phlegm. You may also feel restless or irritable and have difficulty sleeping. You oftentimes make a whistling or wheezing sound when you are breathing air in and out, which may be due to narrowed air tubes.

Several Attacks - during severe attacks you may become breathless and may have difficulty talking. Your neck muscles become tight as you breathe. Your lips and fingernails may have a grayish and bluish color. Your breathing becomes more forceful, usually accompanied by the upward movements of your chest.

• coughing a lot during exercise or even during rest after exercising
• shortness of breath
• wheezing when breathing
• tightening of the chest

• take only asthma medications prescribed by your doctor
• do not take cough medicines
• if your attack is caused by a bacterial infection, take the appropriate antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
• if your symptoms persist, or you are experiencing a  moderate attack or a severe one, get emergency help right away.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflamed, swollen and narrowed airways, making breathing difficult. Although no cure has been found for asthma, it can be controlled.

If you are asthmatic, you have sensitive airways that react to certain factors such as stress, infection (flu, common colds), dust, mites, feathers, cigarette smoke, and changes in the weather. THese can trigger the selling and the narrowing of your airways.

• take controllers (as prescribed by physician)
• know the signs and symptoms of an incoming acute asthma attack
• know what trigger your asthma attack
• avoid triggers

There are numerous causes that "trigger" your asthma attack. However, these can be divided into three major groups:

Allergens - the largest group includes common "triggers" like pollen, molds, mildew, cockroaches, feathers, and dust mites.

Irritants - this group are found in common household items such as acrosol sprays, cleaning products, and perfumes. Tobacco smoke, air pollution and industrial chemicals also belong to this group.

Physical Conditions - this group includes exercise, weather changes and emotional stress. It also includes viral infections like common cold and flu.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Clients may apply for product classification at FDA. Application documents with sample and complete product information and proof of payment may be submitted at the Policy, Planning, and Advocacy Division - Public Assistance and Compliance Division (PPAD-PAICS), Room 101.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

A local company in the Philippines must secure a License to Operate (LTO) from BFAD before applying for product registration. All issuances and guidelines, checklists of requirements, and forms pertaining to licensing of establishments and product registration may be downloaded from the BFAD Website: www.bfad.gov.ph.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Fees are listed in Administrative Order No. 50 s. 2001: Revised 2001 Schedule of Fees and Charges for the Corresponding Services Rendered by the Bureau of Food and Drugs.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Clients may access the BFAD Website for the list of recognized laboratories. The list contains the addresses, contact numbers, and types of analysis offered by the laboratories.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Establishments involved in the manufacture, packaging, re-packaging, importation, exportation, distribution, and retailing of processed foods, drugs, medical devices, in vitro diagnostic reagents, cosmetics, and household hazardous substance products must secure a License to Operate from BFAD.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

BFAD handles the registration of processed foods, drugs, medical devices, in vitro diagnostic reagents, cosmetics, and household hazardous substance products. 

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Guidelines may be downloaded from the BFAD Website thru the Laws and Regulations link:
http://www.bfad.gov.ph/left_laws_regulations.htm.

New guidelines may also be downloaded thru the New Issuances link:
http://www.bfad.gov.ph/new_issuances.htm

List of Accredited Drug Testing Laboratory (Confirmatory)

List of Accredited Drug Testing Laboratory

List of Accredited Health Maintenance Organization

List of Accredited Kidney Transplant Unit

List of Accredited Laboratory for Drinking Water Analysis

List of Accredited Newborn Screening Centers

List of Accredited OFW Medical Clinics/Hospital

List of Ambulatory Surgical Clinic

List of DOH Licensed Blood Service Facilities

List of DOH Licensed Dialysis Clinic

List of  Accredited Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers in the Philippines

List of DOH Licensed Government and Private Hospitals

It is well to advise him/her to undergo Drug Dependency Examination (DDE) to be conducted by a physician preferably accredited by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) or Department of Health (DOH) to diagnose and manage drug dependents.  If diagnosed to be a drug dependent, he/she deserves to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.  For the purpose of treatment and rehabilitation under BOluntary Submission Program, the law requires that DDE be don by a DOH-accredited physician (pursuant to Sec. 54, Art. VIII of R.A. 9165 otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002") or by DDB-accredited physician (pursuant to Sec. 20 of DDB Board Regulation No. 4, series of 2003, titled "Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing Accreditation of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers and Accreditation of Center Personnel").It is to be noted that under existing rules and regulations, an applicant for driver's license who tested positive (in screening and confirmatory tests) for any dangerous drug can legitimately undergo another drug test after a period of six (6) months for the purpose of securing a driver's license, etc.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

In recognition of their services, all accredited BHWs who are actively and regularly performing their duties shall be entitled to the following incentives and benefits:

• Hazard Allowance– for BHWs exposed to situations, conditions or factors in the work environment or place where foreseeable or unavoidable danger or risks exist which adversely endanger his health or life and/or increase the risk of producing adverse effect on his person in the exercise of his duties, to be validated by the proper authorities in an amount to be determined by the Local Health Board and the local peace and order council of the LGU concerned 

• Subsistence allowance – for BHWs whom render service within the premises of isolated barangay health stations (BHS)in order to make their services available at any and all times  equivalent to the meals they take in the course of their duty computed in accordance with the prevailing circumstances as determined by the LGU concerned

• Training and education and career enrichment programs (TECEPS)-the DOH in accordance with the Departmentof Education, and other concerned agencies and non-government organizations shall provide opportunities  for  the following:
  • educational programs which shall recognize years of primary health care service as credits to higher education in institutions with stepladder curricula that will entitle BHWs to upgrade their skills and knowledge for community work or to pursue further training as midwives, pharmacists, nurse or doctors
  •  continuing education, study and exposure tours, training, grants, field immersion, scholarships
  • scholarship benefits in the form of tuition fees instate colleges to be granted to one child of every BHW who will not be able to avail of the above programs; and
  •  special training programs such as those on traditional medicine, disaster preparedness and other programs that address emergent community health problems and issues.

• Civil service eligibility– a second grade eligibility shall be granted to BHWs who have rendered (5) years continuous service as such, provided that should the BHW become a regular employee of the government, the total number of years served as BHW shall be credited to his/her service in computing retirement benefits

• Free legal services – legal representation and consultation services shall be immediately provided by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in cases of coercion, interference, and in other civil and criminal cases filed by or against BHWs arising out of or in connection with the performance of their duties as such.

• Preferential access to loan – The agencies providing loan services will set aside one per cent (1%) of their loanable funds for organized BHW groups that have community-based income generating projects in support of health programs or activities.                                      

A person who has undergone training programs under any accredited government and non government organization and who voluntarily renders primary health care services in the community after having been accredited to function as such by the local health board in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the DOH.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

R.A.7883 is The Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995 which is an Act granting benefits and incentives to accredited BHWs for voluntary health services rendered to the community.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Active accredited BHWs as of  2009 :  196,562

No. After ligation you can resume regular activities as soon as you are free from post-procedure discomfort. The procedure will not make you sick; neither will it affect your ability to work. Usually, doctors advise the woman to take 2 to 3 days rest and avoid lifting of heavy objects for a week.

Name of Office: NCDPC

After ligation women face less risk of having an ectopic pregnancy than women who have not had ligation.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. There is no evidence that ligation causes women to gain weight.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Many studies show that there is no difference in strength, gynecological condition, or psychological makeup between ligated and nonligated women.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Yes. If you are a member or a dependent, the procedure is covered by PhilHealth, subject to the provisions of its benefit package.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Ligation will not hasten menopause. After the procedure, you will continue to ovulate and menstruate normally (although you will no longer get pregnant) until you reach menopause.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Ligation has been practiced for several generations, and there is no medical evidence that ligation shortens the life of a woman.

Name of Office: NCDPC

While BTL is a permanent method of family planning, a surgical procedure can reconnect the tubes.  However, the chances of getting pregnant again are slim.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. New techniques have been developed, using local anesthesia, which make ligation possible without a hospital stay. Discomfort felt after the procedure can almost always be relieved with basic medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and mefenamic acid.

• 50-70% cheaper compared to leading brands.

•   BnB Notarized Petition Form
•   Notarized Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) (Annex B)
•   SEC / CDA Registration or Barangay  Resolution
•   Photocopy of valid PRC ID of Pharmacist
•   Certificate of Attendance/Participation to a training of the BnB Operator
•   Location/Vicinity Map of the BnB outlet (direction going to the BnB Outlet; indicate land marks and   contact number)

Note:  Application shall be coordinated with the CHD where the BnB will be established.

Refers to a drug outlet managed by a legitimate community organization (CO)/non- government organization (NGO) and/or the Local Government Unit (LGU), with a  trained operator and a supervising pharmacist.      

Refers to a drug outlet wherein primary, non-prescription generic drugs listed in the  Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF) and selected prescription    drugs  (Cotrimoxazole, Amoxicillin, Metoprolol, Captopril, Metformin, Glibenclamide and Salbutamol) are sold/made  available.

The BnBs serves a total population of approximately  90,457,200.

Help improve the cure and survival rates of cancer patients and alleviate their financial hardships in paying for costly cancer treatment, DOH will target the most cost-effective and commonly used adjuvant chemotherapy for Stage I-IIIb breast cancer in women. The free medicines access program for cancer is not only meant to provide ready access to cancer medicines but to promote early-screening and cancer awareness among Filipinos emphasizing that detecting, treating and managing cancer in the early stages improves the overall prognosis and survival rates for patients.

Pilot access sites:

- East Avenue Medical Center

- Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center

- Rizal Medical Center

- Philippine General Hospital

Expansion Sites:

- Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center

- Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital

A fully eligible cancer patient shall be referred by his / her surgeon / oncologist to the Patient Navigator Program managed by the Philippine Cancer Society as the duly recognized private non-government organization with the expertise on cancer treatment and management. The candidate patient and his /her attending physician must accomplish and submit the following documents list to receive the continuous free supply of anti-cancer medicines.

Normally, phlegm or mucus is watery. Mucus is expelled out of the lungs through the sweeping action of cilia, billions of microscopic “finger-like” projections on the lining cells of the air tubes. Cilia trap and eliminate pollutants and push mucus out of the lungs by moving it upward in one direction to the windpipe, the throat and mouth. The mucus is then swallowed and sterilized by the acid in the stomach, or coughed-out through the mouth.

When the bronchi is irritated by exposure to too much pollutants, viruses or bacteria, in the air, the bronchi swells and increases its secretion of mucus. Eventually, the mucus becomes thicker and stickier. Ciliary functions are impaired and the air passages become clogged by debris that cause even more irritation. Secondary bacterial infection sets in. An excessive amount of thick sticky mucus develops, which the person tries to expel. This causes the characteristic cough of bronchitis.

1. Antipyretics (e.g., Paracetamol) to lower fever.
2. Antibiotics, if bacterial infection is present.
3. Bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol) to open up the bronchial passages in the lungs.
4. Mucolytics, useful in chronic bronchitis to help thin out and expel thick and sticky mucus from the respiratory tract.
5. Oxygen may be needed for very chronic cases.
6. Bed rest and increased fluid intake.

• antipyretics to lower fever.
• antibiotics, if bacterial infection is present.
• Bronchodilators to open up the bronchial passages in the lungs.
• mucolytics, useful in chronic bronchitis to help thin out and expel thick and sticky mucus from the respiratory tract.
• oxygen may be needed for very chronic cases.
• bed rest and increased fluid intake.

• Acute Bronchitis - occurs after a bout of flue or colds; aggravated by smoking; can lead to asthmatic bronchitis in some individuals.
• Chronic Bronchitis - cough that produces thick mucus for at least three months; prolonged cough that is not caused by other conditons such as tuberculosis; shortness of breath and weezing may be present; main cause is heavy long-term cigarette smoking; which damages the bronchial tubes and causes them to produce excess mucus; frequent in 50% of patients with a history of smoking 40 to 60 packs per year; other major causes include occupational exposure to dust, gas, paints, or fumes.

• cough lasting for 3 months or more with increased mucus production.
• shortness of breath woven when at rest.
• shortness of breath upon exertion in early stages.
• shortness of breath at rest in later stages.

The presence of cough lasting for more than 2 weeks necessitates consultation with a physician. Self-treatment is not recommended especially for heavy smokers suffering from chronic bronchitis, very young children, and the elderly.

• smokers.
• non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
• people living in heavily industrialized areas and exposed to air pollution.
• workers exposed to metallic dust or fibers.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

1. Red Color (FAIR) - It implies relative weakness and the need for improvement.
2. Yellow Color (GOOD) - It implies comparatively good performance that must be maintained and optimized to reach 2010 goals.
3. Green Color (EXCELLENT) - It merits sustenance & incentives for additional  work it can do to the health  system.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

             The Center for Health Development (CHD) Scorecard is an instrument of Health Sector Reform Agenda implementations that monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and equity (ME3) of the health system. The CHD Scorecard is used by the department to measure the performance of all CHDs in terms of institution capacity building (structures, processes and personnel) and in providing assistance to the LGUs (public, private health providers and agencies), the province-wide and the regional health system.

            Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 2009-0007, otherwise known as “Implementing Guidelines for the CHD Scorecard”, all CHDs shall conduct a self assessment of their performance annually and submit the individual scorecard result to the Field Implementation Management Office. The 2008 CHD scorecard report has been disseminated in December 2009 during the ME3 conference. However, validation of the CHD self-assessment result was requested by the CHD Directors.

            This year, another consultative meeting among the CHD technical staff has been conducted. During the consultative meeting it has been agreed that the indicator on “consumer arbitration” (300 points) shall be omitted, hence leaving the 2008 national average to a total score of 916 points whereas the 2010 target will be 1,308 points.

            Subsequently, Department Memorandum No. 2010-0125 has been issued to respond to the need for validation of the CHD self-assessment results. The memorandum also includes the Means of Verification (MOV) used in the validation of the 2009 CHD Scorecard Assessment Results. Ten (10) indicators were randomly selected out of the seventeen (17) indicators of the CHD Scorecard Assessment Tool. 

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

1. To assess performance of CHD as extension offices of the DOH.
2. To assess effectiveness of CHD in supporting implementation of LGU-led health system reform implementation.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

1. Institution and Capacity Building
   • Building up institutional CHD structures, processes & personnel.
   • Database, HRD, Advocacy, M& E, Licensing, Arbitration.
2. Effective Technical Assistance
   1. Providing Technical Assistance to PWHS.
   2. Technical Assistance, Leveraging Performance & Management Systems.

1. Institution and capacity building
   • Database
     • This section reviews if the CHD has an efficient database on the performance of province-wide health systems (PWHS) in the region that helps the CHD provide effective assistance on SERVICE DELIVERY to PWHS.
   • Personnel Training
     • This section reviews the adequacy of CHD personnel training.
   • Policy Dissemination and Advocacy
     • This section reviews if the CHD effectively advocates F1 policies to all relevant stakeholders. This will check if the CHDs have policies/standards and protocols for policy dissemination and advocacy within the region. Further, this will determine whether the policy dissemination and advocacy has been done for F1 and specific F1 policies of PPAs.
   • Monitoring and Evaluation
     • Reviews if the CHD has an effective and systematic monitoring and evaluation system that helps the CHDs (and local health systems) detect operational problems that the CHD needs to address.
2. Technical Assistance to LGUs and Regional Health System
   • Technical Assistance
     • Reviews the performance of the CHDs in providing technical assistance to local health systems.
   • Leveraging Performance
     • Reviews the effectivity of CHD systems in improving performance of local health systems with augmentation logistics, grants and other resources for the poor and other populations in the region.
   • Management Systems
     • Reviews structures set up by the CHD to build institutional capacity for technical assistance to PWHS.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

It is a part of the Monitoring and Evaluation for Equity and Effectiveness System (ME3). It is a tool that will assess the performance of the Centers for Health Development on the execution of the DOH steering and leading function to support an LGU-led health system reform implementation.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

1. Scoring and assessment of performance will be based on external and internal performance benchmarks

• External Performance Benchmarksshall compare the CHD performance to the 2010 national target, and to the 2008 national average. The maximum score to be accumulated by the respective CHDs is 1,308 points (refer to Table 1 for the details of the score).
• Internal Performance Benchmarksshall compare CHD performance with its own past performance.

      2. Scorecards will utilize color coding scheme to show different levels of performance that is easily understood by      clients:

• Color (FAIR)– The color will be used to tag CHD performance that is lower than the 2008 national average level for a specific indicator. The color implies relative weakness in performance and the need for substantial efforts at improvement;
• Yellow Color(GOOD)– The color will be used to tag CHD performance that is equal to or higher than the 2008 national average but lower than the 2010 national target for a specific indicator. The color implies comparatively good performance that must be maintained and optimized to reach 2010 goals.
• Green Color (EXCELLENT)– The color will be used to tag CHD performance that is equal to or higher than the 2010 national target for a specific indicator. The color implies comparatively excellent performance that merits sustenance, or incentives for additional work it can do for the health system. 

The Law and its IRR intend to make medicines more accessible & affordable to Filipinos by enforcing provisions that improve market competition, availability, contain costs, improve healthcare provider and consumers behaviour, and when instances so require, even regulate prices. 

a. Interventions to Improve Competition:

        i.     Parallel Importation of patented Medicines

       ii.     Required Production of Generic Drugs

       iii.    Promotion of quality generic drugs

       iv.    Enforcement of the Early working Provision for patented medicines.

b.  Interventions to Improve Availability:

        i.   Compulsory Licensing for patented Medicines
       ii.   Special Compulsory Licensing for patented Medicines

       iii.  Government Use of Patented Medicines

       iv.  Mandatory Carry for patented parallel imports

       v.   Non-traditional outlets like Convenience Stores and supermarkets allowed to sell Over-the-Counter drugs

c. Cost containment Measures:

        i. PhilHealth Reimbursements

        ii. Government Pooled Procurement

       iii. Consignment

d. Interventions to improve Professional behavior to serve the needs of the poor and vulnerable:

          i. Generics only prescribing in government facilities and by government health workers

          ii. Required use of generic terminology in all transactions including precribing for health workers and reimbursing for PHIC

e. Interventions to regulate prices    

           i. Imposition of Maximum Retail Prices

          ii. Drug Price Monitoring by the Government

There are administrative sanctions that may be imposed by the Secretary of Health to violators.  This is separate from any criminal or civil liability that may be incurred upon filing of appropriate charges in the courts of Law.

Parallel importation (Sec. 7), as applied to the local setting, is when a patented drug is brought into the country by Government or any private third party even without the consent of the patent holder as long as any of the 2 condition is met:

a.  It has been introduced in the Philippines by the patent holder, or

b.  It has been introduced anywhere in the world by the patent owner.

It allows for an importer to “shop around” for a good price for a patented product, bring this into the country and sell it to a more competitive and affordable price than the prevailing price of the same patented product sourced locally from the innovator company.

Example:  a drug sold here at 45 pesos per tablet and sold at 8 pesos in another country, an importer may now bring the quality cheaper medicine in the country and sell it cheaper for our countrymen.

The Law intends to achieve better health outcomes for the Filipino people by assuring that quality medicines are accessible and affordable to as many Filipinos especially the poor.    

There are a number of factors to be considered and a variety of issues and concerns to address when facing the problem of access to medicines.  Among the major and critical issues include those of rational drug use, public perception on generics, health professional behaviour on prescribing and dispensing medicines, information asymmetry and exercising informed choice, pricing, supply and distribution, and procurement systems’ transparency, respect for patent rights vis-à-vis access by the poor, quality assurance, and many others.  This is the reason why the Law too has many different interventions ready to address these critical and major issues.

This allows development, testing, and experimental work for the registration of a generic medicine to take place during the patent period of the innovator product.  Such development, testing, and experimental work may last from 6 months to 2 years. Thus, this allows generic counterparts to be readily available and marketed the day after the patent expires instead of 2 years after.  In contrast, without Bolar provision, a company may only apply for registration after the patent expires, in which case, the effective life of the patent is extended subject to the time it takes to complete said registration processes (usually 6 months to two years).  By exerting the early workings provision for patented medicines, generic competition is facilitated and cheaper yet quality counterparts for expensive innovators become available earlier in the market.

• The Secretary of Health has special powers to be able to make informed decisions and ensure the full implementation of the Law.  Such influence extends even to the Local Government Units where the DOH shall actively engage in meaningful partnerships to ensure the Law is followed.
• The DOH is the main implementing and monitoring agency for Cheaper Medicines Act but this is not a sole responsibility of the Department.  DTI, IPO, FDA, PhilHealth, PITC, PITC Pharma Inc. are all collectively working together to get the intent of the Law done.  Moreover, the Secretary can deputize any other government agency for any purpose related to the implementation and apt enforcement of the Law and its IRR.
• Private Sector participation, partnerships, and advice are encouraged and sought in terms of monitoring implementation, building capacity, and reporting violations of the Law and its IRR.

The Law recognizes competition as the primary instrument to attain the best price and best quality for drugs and medicines through generics promotion.  Competition also encourages innovation so we can have newer and better drugs.  However, in instances that effective competition is not attained, the Law and its IRR provides for regulations of prices as well as of all the other factors that contribute to high and inaccessible costs of drugs and medicines.  Thus, a balance between these two may be best for our countrymen to reap the full benefits of quality affordable medicines without compromising innovation for research for newer drugs.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Yes, there are treatment/ medications for chemical poisoning, you need to consult with chemical toxicologists in the poison centers.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Exposure to chemicals maybe through the environment (air, water, soil, food) and/or occupational.

Name of Office: NCDPC

There are various effects of chemicals depending on the dose, duration of exposure and vulnerability of the individuals. It may effect the different organ systems such as the central nervous system, neurological, effects on the liver and the kidneys, reproductive system among others.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Most common chemicals are those used in households, personal care and consumer products; those used in agriculture and industry.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Signs and symptoms for acute chemical poisoning of chemicals may be non-specific and may manifest as headaches, nauseas, vomiting, dizziness, irritation of the skins, eyes, mucous membrane.

Designation of air sheds

   The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), upon recommendation of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), will divide the country into different air sheds. Air sheds are to be designated based on climate, weather, meteorology and topology, which affect the mixture and diffusion of pollutants in the air, share common interests or face similar development problems. DENR Administrative Order No. 2002-05 and Memorandum Circular No. 2002-1 dated January 23, 2002 provided initial designation of the Metro Manila air shed (NCR, Region III, and Region IV-A) and the creation of its interim governing board.

Management of air sheds

   Air sheds are to be managed by multi-sectoral Governing Boards chaired by the Secretary of the DENR with representatives from the local government’s concerned (province/city/municipality), the private sector, people’s organizations, NGOs and concerned government agencies.

Functions of Governing Boards

   Each Governing Board shall:

• Formulate policies and standards subject to national laws;
• Prepare a common action plan;
• Coordinate its members;
• Submit and publish an annual Air Quality Status Report for their airshed.

Support Groups

   To carry out the day-to-day work of the board, a nine-member Executive Committee is to be elected at large by the members of the Governing Board. Technical Working Groups are also to be formed to ensure broader participation of all stakeholders. The EMB will serve as the technical secretariat of each Governing Board.

Air Quality Management Fund

   An Air Quality Management Fund (AQMF), to be administered by the DENR, through the Bureau, as a special account in the National Treasury, shall be established to finance containment, removal and cleanup operations of the government in air pollution cases, guarantee restoration of ecosystems and rehabilitate areas affected by violations to the Act, support research, enforcement and monitoring activities of the relevant agencies. Such fund may likewise be allocated per air shed for the undertakings herein stated.

   Sources for the AQMF shall include: air emission charges from industries and motor vehicles; fines and penalties for non-compliance with air pollution standards; grants from both private sector and donor organizations; and a limited percentage (5 to 10%) of the proceeds of the Program Loan for the Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector Development Program.  

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

The National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values, in order to protect health, safety, and the general welfare, have been set in law. These are to be routinely reviewed by the DENR, through the EMB, in coordination with other concerned agencies and sectors. 

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

Clean fuels are needed to achieve clean air. The CAA thus provides for:

• The complete phase out of leaded gasoline before the end of the year 2000;
• The lowering of the sulfur content of industrial and automotive diesel, respectively, from 0.5% to 0.3% and from 0.2% to 0.05%.
• The lowering of aromatics in unleaded gasoline from 45% maximum to 35% maximum; and the lowering of benzene in unleaded gasoline from 4% maximum to 2% maximum.

   Further improvement on the fuel quality, excluding cleaner alternative fuels, will be spearheaded by the Department of Energy.

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

Smoking is banned beginning May 25, 2001, in any of the following locations:

• Inside a public building;
• Enclosed public places including public vehicles and other means of transport;
• In any enclosed area outside of one’s private residence, private place of work; or
• Any duly designated area which will be enclosed.

    The local government units are mandated to implement this provision of the law.

   Penalty to violation of this provision is six months and one day to one year imprisonment, or a fine of ten thousand pesos (P10,000). 

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

All potential sources of air pollution (mobile, point and area sources) must comply with the provisions of the law. All emissions must be within the air quality standards.

   Mobile sources refer to vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles, and vans.

   Point sources refer to stationary sources such as industrial firms and the smokestacks of power plants, hotels, and other establishments.

   Area sources refer to sources of emissions other than the above. These include smoking, burning of garbage, and dust from construction, unpaved grounds, etc. 

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

All stationary sources must comply with the National Emission Standards for Source Specific Air Pollutants (NESSAP) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and must secure their permit to operate, prior to operation.

   For new or modified sources, the permit to operate shall be converted to authority to Construct.

   The Act also provides for the maintenance of attainment and non-attainment areas, in respective specifications as would be described shortly. Attainment areas are such where the existing ambient air quality complies with the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values.

   For existing sources or those established prior to the effectivity date (November 25, 2000) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), in attainment areas, the following must be observed:

• Must comply with the NESSAP and the NAAQS, or submission of compliance program in case of non-compliance;
• May use emission trading and/or averaging as part of compliance plan;
• Must comply within 18 months if found non-compliant;
• Must pay mass emission fees.

   For new modified sources of air pollution, in attainment areas, the following must be observed:

•  Must comply with the NESSAP and NAAQS;
•  Must have an “Authority to Construct,” which is converted to Permit to Operate;
• Must apply “Best Available Control Technology,” or such approaches, techniques or equipment which when used, result in lower air emissions, but in a cost-effective manner;
• Emissions averaging is not allowed, but may generate emission credits for selling;
• Must pay mass emission fees;
• Must install continuous monitoring system (CEMS) for sources with potential to emit greater than or equal to 100 tons per year.

   For existing stationary sources in non-attainment areas, the following must be observed:

• Must comply with the NESSAP and NAAQS;
• In case of non-compliance, compliance plan to meet the standards within 12 months is required;
• Must pay a higher fee for the mass rate of emissions (50% surcharge);
• Must pay a 100% surcharge (i.e., 200% of base) for any penalties and fines relating to a violation of the non-attainment provisions.

   For new or modified sources in non-attainment areas, the following must be observed:

• Must comply with the NESSAP and NAAQS;
• Must install Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) control technology, or such technology or combination of technologies and process controls that result in the lowest possible emissions of a given air pollutant. The technical feasibility, rather than the cost, is the consideration, in determining the applicable LAER for a given source;
• Must not use emissions averaging and trading for compliance;
• Must install CEMS;
• Must pay 50% surcharge on mass emission fees;
• Must pay a 100% surcharge (i.e., 200% of base) for any penalties and fines relating to a violation of the non-attainment provisions.

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

 Exhaust emission standards for various mobile sources that are either in-use, new, rebuilt, and imported second-hand have been set.

   All new motor vehicles classified under the Philippine National Standards 1891 of the Bureau of Product Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry, whether locally assembled/manufactured or imported are to be covered by a Certificate of Conformity (COC). The COC is to be issued by the DENR to the motor vehicle manufacturer, assembler or importer.

   In-use motor vehicles will only be allowed renewal of their registration upon proof of compliance with emission standards through actual testing by the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) of the DOTC/LTO, and authorized private emission testing centers.

   On the other hand, rebuild motor vehicles or imported second-hand completely built-up or pre-regulated vehicles retrofitted with secondhand engines will only be allowed registration or renewal of registration upon submission of a valid Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standards (CCES) issued by the DOTC. The CCES will only be issued if the exhaust emission standard for that specific motor vehicle is met, as verified by actual testing through the MVIS. 

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

The CAA provides that the State shall:

• Protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature;
• Promote and protect the global environment while recognizing the primary responsibility of local government units to deal with environmental problems;
• Recognize that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is primarily area-based;
• Recognize that "polluters must pay";
• Recognize that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and should therefore be the concern of all. 

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

For vehicle owners/motorist:

• Maintain your vehicle by changing oil regularly (every 5,000 kilometers).
• Keep the engine well-tuned following the owner’s manual.
• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Plan trips and observe proper driving habits.
• Remove unnecessary things from the trunk. Don’t overload and travel only at speed required by traffic regulations and road conditions.

For commuters:

• Try talking to the jeep/bus/tricycle driver about the high health risks of poor vehicle maintenance and improper driving practices.
• Patronize mass railway transit (i.e., MRT, LRT)

For office workers:

• Reduce use of air conditioning and ensure that rooms are sealed.
• Make sure that lights are energy-efficient.
• Use company vehicles wisely and make sure that they are well-maintained.
• Use natural lighting by opening window curtains at daytime.

At home:

• Use low watt bulbs or energy-saving lights.
• Limit the use of air conditioning units and keep the temperature a few degrees higher.
• Don’t burn garbage.
• Avoid using aerosols.
• Properly dispose of refrigerant, refrigeration equipment, and used coolant.

For everyone:

• Talk to people on what they can do about air pollution.
• Report smoke-belchers to LTO, MMDA, and/or the appropriate local government units.
• Walk or ride your bike to places.
• Take the bus or mass rail transit whenever you can.
• Work with residential associations to stop burning of garbage.
• Plant trees.
• Spread the word about the ban on smoking in public places.

_________________________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act, is a comprehensive air quality management policy and program which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos. 

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

A fine of not more than P100,000 for every day of violation shall be charged against the owner of a stationary source, until such time that standards have been met.

   For gross violation, the penalty is imprisonment of not less than six years but not more than 10 years upon the discretion of the court. At the same time, the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) could close the firm through the issuance of a Cease and Desist Order.

  There is gross violation of the law or its rules when any of the following occurs:

1.       Three or more specific offenses within a period of one year.

2.       Three or more offenses within three consecutive years.

3.       Blatant disregard of the orders of the PAB, such as, but not limited to the breaking of seals, padlocks and other similar devices, or operating despite the existence of an order for closure, discontinuance or cessation of operation.

4.       Irreparable or grave damage to the environment as a consequence of any violation or omission of the provisions of the Act or its IRR.

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

 Smoke belching vehicles on the road shall be subjected to emission testing by properly equipped enforcement teams from the DOTC/LTO or its duly deputized agents. Violators will be subject to the following fines/penalties:

                1^st offense          P1,000

                2^nd offense         P3,000

                3^rd offense          P5,000 plus a seminar on pollution management

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

The implementation of the Act is a multi-sectoral undertaking to be spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The institutions involved in the implementation of the various components of the Act are as follows:

A. Mitigation of air pollution from mobile sources

  Motor Vehicle Inspection System:

• Land Transportation Office (LTO)
• Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
• private sector groups

  Private Emission Testing Centers:

• DOTC-LTO
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• DENR
• private sector groups

B. Reduction of emissions from vehicular use

  Introduction of emission control technologies:

• DENR
• DOTC
• DTI
• Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
• Automotive industry

  Regulation in the importation of second-hand vehicles:

• Bureau of Customs-DOF
• Bureau of Import Services-DTI
• DOTC-LTFRB-LTO

C.Mitigation of air pollution from stationary sources

  Stack monitoring and related permitting:

• EMB and its regional offices
• authorized/recognized private sector groups

  Adjudication of air pollution cases:

•  - Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB)

  Funds for the Installation of Air Pollution control Facility:

• Land Bank of the Philippines
• Development Bank of the Philippines

D. Strengthening of ambient air monitoring, reporting ad management

• EMB in cooperation with concerned government agencies
• EMB Regional Offices

E. Improvement of fuel quality

  Change in composition of fuel quality:

• Department of energy (DOE)
• DENR
• DTI-Bureau of Product Standards
• DOST
• Chamber of automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc.
• Oil companies
• NGOs

  Examination of potential for alternative fuels:

• DOE
• DOST
• private sector groups

F. Reduction in traffic congestion and improvement in traffic flow

  Road rehabilitation Program:

• Department of Public Works and Highways

  Traffic engineering and Management:

• DOTC
• MMDA
• LGUs
• concerned government agencies

  Transport Policy Studies:

• MMDA
• DOTC-Light Railway Transport Authority
• Philippine National Railway
• LGUs

G.Increasing public awareness

• DENR Public Affairs Office and the Environmental Education and Information Division-EMB, with Partnership for Clean Air
• relevant government agencies
• Private sector
• Civil society

_______________

Lifted from:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2003, August). Primer on the Clean Air Act. Diliman: DENR-Public Affairs Office. 

No. Studies have clearly shown that the pill does not cause infertility. Also, the pill does not reduce your chances of becoming pregnant once you stop taking it.

No. The pill is taken to prevent conception not to cause an abortion. The pill prevents ovulation (maturing and release of an egg) so that fertilization cannot occur. Therefore, if there is no fertilization, there can be no pregnancy. Abortion cannot occur without pregnancy.

No. The pill has been used safely by millions of women for over 30 years and has been tested more than any other drug. Studies show that the pill can protect women from some forms of cancer, such as cancers of the ovary and uterus. More clinical studies are currently being conducted to determine if there is any association of pill use with other forms of cancer.

No. A woman must take her pills every day in order not to become pregnant even when she does not have sexual contact.

There is no known correlation between pill use and multiple births.

• An individual needs to take the licensure examination for massage therapist
•  The CEMT is conducting the licensure examination twice a year (June and December). The Examination consists of two (2) parts; written and oral/practical. The examinee has to pass the written examination to qualify for the oral/practical examination. Once the examinee passes the oral/practical examination, he/she will be issued the Certificate of Registration (COR) and the ID as licensed massage therapist
• Renewal of ID is every three (3) years on the massage therapists birth month and done in any of the DOH Center for Health Development (CHD) Offices.

• Traditional medicine throughout the world recognizes the significance of therapeutic massage in managing stress, illnesses or chronic ailments
• Massage therapy is one of the oldest healing arts. Chinese records 3,000 years back documented it; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments. Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems

• Massage therapy is considered the oldest method of healing that applies various techniques liked fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands and other areas of the body such as the forearms, elbows or feet to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body.

• Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching, as an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, proven to be beneficial on many chronic conditions.

·  DOH created the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT) in the DOH Central Office to regulate the practice of massage therapy in accordance to the provisions of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines or Presidential Decree 856 (PD 856) and Executive Order 102 (EO 102) s. 1999 Reorganization and Streamlining of the DOH

·  It provides the CEMT the function to ensure that only qualified individuals enter the regulated profession and that the care and services which massage therapists provide are within the standards of practice.

Dr. Josephine Hipolito / Mr. Ryan B. Dordas

Health Human Resource Development and Planning Bureau (HHRDB)

Bldg. 12-A 2^nd Floor DOH Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila

Contact No.: 651-7800 local 4203, 4204, 4227

The CEMT, in coordination with the stakeholders, is currently busy on the following with the ultimate goal of professionalizing the massage therapy practice

           a. Administrative Order No. 2010-0034 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing Massage Clinics and Sauna Establishments amending Chapter XIII of PD 856

           b. Memorandum dated 6 August 2010 to CHDs from HHRDB re: Updated on the CEMT Program

           c. CEMT Resolution No. 2010-001 “Directing the Adoption of the Code of Ethics for Massage Therapy Profession in the Philippines”

          d. Department Personnel Order No. 2011-0445 “Composition of DOH Continuing Massage Therapy Education Council (CMTEC) for the Year 2011-2014”

          e. Department Circular No. 2009-0018 “Reiteration on the strict implementation of CEMT resolutions regarding Massage Therapy Program”

          f. CEMT Resolution No. 2009-001 “Creation of a Committee for Continuing Massage Therapy Education Council (CMTEC)”

          g. Administrative Order No. 2008-0031 re: “Policies and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Training Institutions, Training Programs and Training Providers for Massage Therapists in the Philippines”

          h. CEMT Resolution No. 2008-002 “Accredited Training Institutions and Training Providers for Massage Therapists for Year 2009-2012”

          i. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0009 “Designation of Human Resource Development Units (HRDUs) of Centers for Health Development (CHDs) as Coordinators for CEUE and CEMT”

          j. CEMT Resolution No. 2007-001 “Moratorium on the Renewal of License of Massage Therapists for the Past Five (5) Years and Over”

         k. Developed/Formulated the following:

                  -         Competency Standards for Massage Therapists

                  -         Training Regulations

                  -         Curriculum for the Licensure Examination

                  -         Manual for the Licensure Examination

                  -         DOH Licensure Performance Protocols

•         Conducted the following:

               -         Training of Trainers for Examiners and Assessors – July 12-14, 2010

               -         Training on Test Construction for Accredited Training Providers – July 15-16, 2010

               -         Conducting a Research on the Standardization of Professional Competencies and Licensure Examination for Embalmers and Massage Therapists” – 2010-2011, University of the Philippines Manila National Teacher Training Center for Health Professions (UPMNTTCHP).

Application requirements:

a. Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate

(at least 18 years old at the time of examination)

b. Certificate of Good Moral Character from barangay captain of the community where the applicant resides

c. Certification or Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or provincial fiscal that he/she is not convicted by the court of any case involving moral turpitude.

d. Medical Certificate from a government physician

e. Certified true copy of Diploma or Transcript of Records (at least high school graduate)

f. Submit Marriage Contract for female married applicant

g. Certification from any DOH accredited training institution/provider that he/she has received basic instructions in five (5) subject areas based on Program Curriculum

h. Certification from any DOH accredited training institution/provider that he/she has skillfully embalmed at least 10 cadavers within one year period under his/her supervision

i. Filled up application form (1 copy)

j. 1 ½ X 1 ½ size photograph taken within the last 6 months (3 copies)

·  Massage therapy is a system of assessment, evaluation and manual application techniques used in a scientific manner taking into account the muscle locations, stress points and other anatomical considerations of the human body.

·  It includes adjunctive external application of water, heat and cold, stretching, passive and active joint movement within the normal physiologic range of motion as a means of promoting pain relief, injury rehabilitation or health improvement in a safe, non-sexual environment that respects the client’s self-determined outcome for the session.

·  This refers to a trained person who passed the licensure examination for massage therapists

·  She/he is a holder of a valid Certificate of Registration (COR) and license for massage therapists issued by the Department of Health (DOH) Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT).

·  An individual needs to take the licensure examination for embalmers.

·  The CEUE is conducting the licensure examination for embalmers twice a year (March and September). The examination consists of two (2) parts, written and oral/practical. The examinee has to pass the written examination to qualify for the oral/practical examination. Once the examinee passes the oral/practical examination, he/she will be issued the Certificate of Registration (COR) and the ID as a licensed embalmer and he/she can practice the profession in the country.

·  Renewal of ID is every three (3) years on the embalmer’s birth month and done in any DOH center for Health Development (CHD) offices.

·  Since the days of ancient Egypt, embalming has been part of the funeral process. The Egyptians embalmed for various reasons, believing it necessary in entering the “afterlife” because once in the afterlife, the deceased/decedent would need a body.

·  During the American Civil War, embalming was done to preserve the bodies of troops so that they could be shipped back to their families for burial.

·  Embalming began in America during the Civil War, embalming his first body in 1861, Dr. Thomas Holmes, is credited as being the Father of Modern Embalming.

·  Over the past decades, embalming has been undergoing profound transformational events, not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Today, embalming is also considered an art.

·  The procedure is significant for preservation of evidences such as in medico-legal cases.

·  Embalmers should be looked up to because of the significant manifold tasks they are rendering including the assistance they are providing the bereaved parties.

DOH created the Committee of Examiners for Undertakers and Embalmers (CEUE) in the DOH Central Office to regulate the practice of embalming in accordance to the provisions of the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines or Presidential Decree 856 (PD 856) and Executive Order 102 (EO 102) s. 1999 Reorganization and Streamlining of the DOH.

It provides the CEUE the function to ensure that only qualified individuals enter the regulated profession and that the care the services which the embalmers provide are within the standards of practice.

Dr. Josephine Hipolito / Mr. Ryan B. Dordas

Health Human Resource Development and Planning Bureau (HHRDB)

Bldg. 12-A 2^nd Floor DOH Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila

Contact No.: 651-7800 local 4203, 4204, 4227

• 1669 reads

a. Administrative Order No. 2010-0033 Revised IRR on Chapter XXI of PD 856

b. Department Circular # 2007-0135  “Reiteration on the observance of precautionary measures in the disposal of dead persons”

c. CEUE Resolution No. 2007-001 “Moratorium on the Renewal of License of Embalmers for the Past Five (5) Years and Over”

d. CEUE Resolution No. 2008-002 “Accredited Training Institutions and Training Providers for Embalmers for Year 2008-2011

e. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0009 “Designation of Human Resource Development Units (HRDUs) of Centers for Health Development (CHDs) as Coordinators for CEUE and CEMT”

f. Administrative Order No. 2007-0021 “Policies and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Training Institutions, Training Programs and Training Providers for Embalmers and Undertakers in the Philippines.

g. Department Circular No. 2009-0018 – “Reiteration on the strict implementation of CEUE Resolutions regarding Embalming Program”

h. CEUE Resolution No. 2009-001 “Creation of Committee for Continuing Embalmers Education Council (CEEC)”

i. Department Personnel Order No. 2011-0148 “Composition of DOH Continuing Embalmers Education (CEE) Council for the Year 2011-2012”

j. Memorandum dated 6 August 2010 to CHDs from HHRDB re: Updated on the CEUE Program”

k. CEUE Resolution No. 2010-001 “Directing the Adoption of the Code of Ethics for Embalmers Profession in the Philippines”

l. Developed/formulated the following:

-          Competency Standards for embalmers

-          Training regulations

-          Curriculum for the Licensure Examination

-          Manual for the Licensure Examination

-          DOH licensure Performance Protocols

m. Conducted the following:

-          Training of Trainers for Examiners and Assessors – July 12-14, 2010

-          Training on Test Construction for Accredited Training Providers – July 15-16, 2010

n. Conducting a Research on the Standardization of Professional Competencies and Licensure Examination for Embalmers and Massage Therapists” – 2010-2011, University of the Philippines Manila National Teacher Training Center for Health Professions (UPMNTTCHP).

Application requirements:

a. Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate

(at least 18 years old at the time of examination)

b. Certificate of Good Moral Character from barangay captain of the community where the applicant resides

c. Certification or Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or provincial fiscal that he/she is not convicted by the court of any case involving moral turpitude.

d. Medical Certificate from a government physician

e. Certified true copy of Diploma or Transcript of Records (at least high school graduate)

f. Submit Marriage Contract for female married applicant

g. Certification from any DOH accredited training institution/provider that he/she has received basic instructions in five (5) subject areas based on Program Curriculum

h. Certification from any DOH accredited training institution/provider that he/she has skillfully embalmed at least 10 cadavers within one year period under his/her supervision

i. Filled up application form (1 copy)

j. 1 ½ X 1 ½ size photograph taken within the last 6 months (3 copies)

·  Embalming is the funeral custom of cleaning and disinfecting bodies after death.

·  This may also refer to the procedure of preparing, disinfecting and preserving a cadaver to an acceptable physical condition.

·  It has been part of the funeral parlors so with our lives. It is done to preserve the deceased / decedent from natural decomposition and for restoration for a more pleasing appearance.

This refers to a duly licensed person by the Department of Health Committee of Examiners  for Undertakers and Embalmers (DOH-CEUE), who applies, injects or introduces any chemical substance drug or herb internally or externally to a cadaver/corpse for the purpose of disinfecting, preserving before and during the burial or prior to cremation.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Condoms are regularly and safely used by millions of couples to prevent pregnancies.  In Japan, male condoms are the most popular contraceptive method among married couples.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Those who choose the condom as a family planning method should learn how to use it properly to minimize the possibility that it will break or slip off during sexual intercourse.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Sexual intercourse may be painful for women who do not lubricate enough during lovemaking.  Lubricated condoms are available for women who experience vaginal dryness during intercourse.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Condoms do not bother many couples or reduce sexual pleasure.  There are many types of condoms and a couple can choose a brand that would suit them best and give them the most pleasure.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Ms. Cathrina V. Laurio

Bureau of Local Health Development

Building #3, 2nd Floor, DOH, Manila

Telephone Number: 711-62-85/711-61-40

e-mail: cvlaurio@yahoo.com

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

As of the baseline assessment year of CP strategies in 2009, there are more than 50% of public health facilities and offices in the country implementing strategies 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The nationwide summary and regional status of CP strategies are attached.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

CP is assessed every 2-3 years allowing for observable changes to take place, but annual evaluation may be conducted, as appropriate.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

The strategies and indicators for consumer participation are:

1       consumer-centered feedback mechanism

-       complaints desk/ suggestion box, feedback survey

-       feedback on the status of complaints/suggestions

-       protection of health staff involved in complaints

2.     purchasing power of the poor

-       Philhealth Sponsored & Informal Sector enrolment

-       User fee policy of the local government

3       health information

-       Facility-based & outreach/media

4.     Supporting consumers to co-produce/co-finance health services

-       Individual donations

-       Group donations, mobilizations, wellness support

5.     Involving consumers in policy/decision-making and management

-       Individual information dissemination, outreach

            -      Group membership in local health board, planning

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

The process of involving consumers in decision-making about:

• their health care
• health service planning
• policy development
• setting priorities
• addressing quality issues in delivery of health services

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

LGUs are the primary implementers of CP. CP strategies are implemented in public health facilities, such as BHSs, RHUs, public hospitals, as well as health offices at the municipal, ILHZ and provincial levels.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Because it is:

• A democratic right
• Improves service quality
• Improves health outcomes
• Make services more responsive to the needs of consumers/ community.

Consumer participation aims to improve health status, financial risk protection & responsiveness of health systems.

Name of Office: BLHD

Policy Formulation/Dissemination; Technical Assistance which includes health program/project management, health program/project implementation, monitoring and evaluation and reporting; and Social Marketing which includes advocacy, health education and promotion and collaboration and networking.

Name of Office: BLHD

A DOH Rep ensures that the roles and functions of the CHD are being implemented in his/her assigned municipality/city, as follows:

1. planner
2. advocate
3. technical assistance provider
   • hospital development
   • formation of functional units on surveillance, outbreak, emergency and disaster response
   • regulatory issues
      
4. resource mobilizer
5. evaluation
6. inter-agency and inter-sectoral collaborator

Name of Office: BLHD

Qualifications, appointment and designation of the DOH Representative shall at all times conform to the pertinent provisions as set forth in Chapter 12 of the DOH Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code.

Name of Office: BLHD

A DOH Rep is personnel designated and delegated to perform DOH functions with the LGUs at the provincial, city and municipal levels.

A DOH Rep serves on a full-time basis as a member of the DOH Team in the Province and not as a regular health center staff.

After proper identification of said personnel, please coordinate registration with the web unit of KMITS.

Please contact the web team of the Knowledge Management Division - KMITS for proper coordination/approval (see contact details at the back).

The new interactive website of the Department of Health enables an individual or a community of users to easily publish, manage and organize a wide variety of their own content. It also allows for a real-time uploading of content and a dynamic hosting of databases. Its collaborative authoring environ provides for file/attachment uploads and downloads, online forums, peer-to-peer networking, newsletters, podcasting, pictures galleries, and other modules easily installed and enabled. Further, its variety of features may be enabled to cater to interactions among health personnel and/or wit the public. This, above all, will foster a close tie with the public through accessible and updated health information, the contents/data being easily published and public documents posted and made readily available. Public interaction may also be possible through web-based forums, comments, and other modes of online interaction. Useful and important Features: Content publishing - allows for authorship/ownership of content with file uploads and downloads features. Content syndication (RSS) and News Aggregator - built-in news aggregator for subscribing, reading and blogging news, feeds and articles from other sites from the comfort of one's desktop. Statistics, tracking and Analysis - generation of browser-based reports with information about site visits, referrals, content popularity and how visitors navigate your site. Logging and Reporting - all important activities and system events are captured in an event log to be reviewed by an administrator at a later time. Friendly web based data administration - administrators and users per office/program may be assigned to ensure content collection, uploading and availability, security using the web browser, making it possible to be accessed and managed anywhere with an internet connection requiring no additional software to be installed on your computer. Discussion forums - may be enabled to allow for interactive, threaded discussions of important topics/issues, among DOH personnel and/or with the public. Threaded comments - comments on particular articles or stories may be posted and viewable to the author for feedback; or may be enabled to the public to allow discussion on published issues; comments are hierarchical as in a newsgroup or forum.

Pending due order and proper notifications, certain personnel of DOH offices and programs will be designated as operators and content managers that will be responsible for uploading duly-approved contents. Identification, registration and approval of these managers and users by both IMS and requesting office/program will be required to ensure proper permissions and security of information.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Yes. The effectiveness of the different methods varies a lot depending on how the method is used by the couple or the individual.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Most family planning methods are reasonably-priced and available at drugstores. There are companies that provide family planning supplies to their employees. PhilHealth covers the costs of FP counseling, IUD and its insertion, bilateral tubal ligation, vasectomy, injectable, and the initial cycle of progestin-only-pills (POP), subject to the provisions of its benefit package for members and their dependents.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. All family planning methods are safe, and effective if properly used. Couples can choose the method that is best suited (“hiyang”) for them depending on their needs and health condition. Couples can decide on the desired number and spacing of their children.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Family planning is not abortion. Abortion is ending of pregnancy, while FP prevents pregnancy through the use of contraceptives. FP prevents induced abortion by helping couples avoid unplanned pregnancies.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Sexual desire varies from person to person. In general, use of contraceptives does not affect an individual’s sexual desire. In fact, the use of contraceptives frees the couple from the fear of unplanned pregnancies. This enhances the couple’s sexual relationship.

Chronic diseases appear under different names in different contexts.  Sometimes the term "non-communicable diseases" is used to make a distinction from infectious or "communicable diseases".  Yet several chronic diseases have an infectious component to their cause (source: WHO Preventing Chronic Diseases: A Vital Investment)In the Philippines, "non-communicable" or "degenerative disease" is  commonly used depending on the perspective.

These are diseases that can cause premature disability, mortality and morbidity (henc, the word degenerative). These diseases include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The leading causes of death are diseases of the heart, diseases of the vascular system, pneumonias, malignant neoplasms/cancers, all forms of tuberculosis, accidents, COPD and allied conditions, diabetes mellitus, nephritis/nephritic syndrome and other diseases of respiratory system.  Among these diseases, six are non-communicable and four are the major NCDs such as CVD, cancers, COPD and diabetes mellitus.

The risk factors that are linked with lifestyle-related disease are smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and stress.

"Lifestyle-related disease" is a term used to emphasize the contribution of behavior to the development of chronic diseases.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

There are no ill effects arising from the cessation of menstruation as a result of injectable.

Name of Office: NCDPC

 Injectable prevent ovulation. If there is no ovulation, no egg is released, and no fertilization takes place.  If there is no fertilization, there can be no pregnancy.  And abortion cannot occur without pregnancy.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Studies show that injectable does not increase the risk of ovarian and cervical cancers. In fact, injectable are associated with less chance of cancer of the lining of the uterus. International clinical studies find that there is a very small increased risk of breast cancer just after a woman begins using injectable, but there is no overall risk with long-term use.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Studies show that, on the average, women get pregnant 9 to 10 months after their last injection of DMPA, or 1 to 2 months after their last injection of the CIC.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Injectable can sometimes slightly reduce woman’s libido.  On the other hand, the sense of security against the risk of pregnancy may remove her fears and inhibitions and therefore enhances relationships.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Pregnancy during injectable use is very rare. In the rare event that a woman becomes pregnant while using injectable, there is no harm to the baby because the hormones in injectable are the same that women produce during pregnancy.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Menstrual blood is not stored inside the uterus while using injectable. Though it is common for women using DMPA to stop having their periods for a long time, this is not harmful.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The injectable is a modern, temporary and highly effective method of family planning. A woman can get pregnant again once the effects of the injectable wear off. It is injected into the upper arm or buttocks of the woman to prevent pregnancy.

The injectable prevents the meeting of the egg of the woman and the sperm of the man. It works by preventing the release of a mature egg from the ovary. It also thickens the cervical mucus in the neck (top) of the uterus, making it difficult for the sperm to pass through. So sperm and egg cannot unite and no pregnancy occurs. Using injectable facilitates early diagnosis and treatment of health problems because the woman regularly goes to a health provider for her injections and checkup.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. It is uncommon for a woman who is using injectable to experience nausea or vomiting.

• Each year in the United States, depressive disorders affect an estimated 17 million people or about 14% of adult person; 10% in Germany; 7% in Brazil; 4.2% in Turkey; 5.3% in the Philippines (Perlas, 1994).
• One in four women is likely to experience an episode of severe depression in her lifetime, with 10-20% lifetime prevalence, compared to 5-10% for men.
• The average age a first depressive episode occurs is in the mid-20s, although the disorder strikes all age groups indiscriminately, from children to the elderly.
• Common among those without close relationship, separated and divorced.

Depressive disorders (unipolar depression) are mental illnesses characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or despair and/or a loss of interest in things that once were pleasurable. Disturbance in sleep, appetite, and mental processes are a common accompaniment.

Two Main Categories

1. Major depressive disorder is a moderate to severe episode of depression lasting two or more weeks. Children experiencing a major depressive episode may appear or fell irritable rather than depressed. In addition, five or more of the following symptoms will occur on an almost daily basis for a period of at least two weeks:

• Significant change in weight.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleep).
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
• Fatigue or loss of energy.
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
• Diminished ability to think or to concentrate. or indecisiveness.
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide and/or suicide attempts.

2. Dysthymic Disorder is an ongoing, chronic depression that lasts two or more years (one or more years in children) and has an average duration of 16 years. The mild to moderated depression of dysthymic disorder may rise and fall in intensity, and those afflicted with the disorder may experience some periods of normal, non-depressed mood of up to two months in length. Along with an underlying feeling of depression, people with dysthymic disorder experience two or more of the following symptoms:

• Under or overeating
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Low energy or fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Poor concentration or trouble making decisions
• Feeling of hopelessness

• Antidepressants - Major depressive and dysthymic disorders are treated with antidepressant medication to provide an immediate relief for the symptoms of the disorder.
• Psychosocial therapy - focuses on the personal and interpersonal issues behind depression.
• Electroconvulsant therapy - usually is employed after all therapy and pharmaceutical treatment options have been explored. However, it is sometimes used early in treatment when severe depression is present and the patient refuses oral medication, or when the patient is becoming dehydrated, extremely suicidal, or psychotic.
• Alternative treatment - St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is used throughout Europe to reat depressive symptoms.  Unlike traditional prescription antidepressants, this herbal antidepressant has few reported side effects.
• Homeopathic treatment also can be therapeutic in treating depression. Good nutrition, proper sleep, exercise, and full engagement in life are very important to a healthy mental state.

• Biologic- an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters- the chemicals in the brain that transmit messages between nerves cells-is believed to be key to depression.
• Heredity - Individuals with major depression in their immediate family are up to three times more likely to have the disorder themselves.
• External stressors and significant life changes - such as chronic medical problems, death of a loved one, divorce or estrangement, miscarriage, or loss of a job, also can result in a form of depression know as adjustment disorder.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not adequately produce insulin.  It also happens when the body cannot properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone necessary for the proper utilization of sugar by muscles. Fat and liver.

1. If you urinate frequently.

2. If experience excessive thirst.

3. If you have unexplained weight loss.

4. If your blood sugar level is higher than 200mg/dl.

5. If you have fasting plasma glucose level of more than 126mg/dl.

• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Wounds that would not heal
• Impotence

• Type I- insulin dependent diabetes
• Type II - Non-insulin dependent diabetes

1. Diet Therapy* Avoid simple sugars like cakes and chocolates. Instead have complex carbohydrate like rice, pasta, cereals and fresh fruits.* Do not skip or delay meals. It causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels.* Eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables.* Cut down on salt.* Avoid alcohol. Dietary guidelines recommend no more than two drinks for men and no more than one drink per day for women.

2. Exercise Regular exercise is an important part of diabetes control. Daily exercise . . .* Improves cardiovascular fitness* Helps insulin to work better and lower blood sugar* Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels* Reduces body fat and controls body weight Exercise at least 3 time a week for ate least 30 minutes each session. Always carry quick sugar sources like candy or soft drink to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) during and after exercise.

3. Control your weight If you are overweight or obese, start weight reduction by diet and exercise. This improves your cardiovascular risk profile.* It lowers your blood sugar* It improves your lipid profile* It improves your blood pressure control

4. Quit smoking. Smoking is harmful to your health.

5. Maintain a normal blood pressure. Since having hypertension puts a person at high risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if it is associated with diabetes, reliable BP monitoring and control is recommended. See your doctor for advice and management. If there is no improvement in blood sugar what advice can I expect my doctor to give? There are drug therapies using oral hypoglycemic agents. Your doctor can prescribe one or two agents, depending on which is appropriate for you.

1. Sulfonylurea – Glibenclamide, Gliclazide, Glipizide, Glimepiride, Repaglinide

2. Iguanid – Metformin

3. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors – Acarbose4. Thiazolidindione – Troglitazone, Rosiglitazone, Proglitazone.

Remember If you have the classic symptoms of diabetes:* See your doctor for blood sugar testing* Start dieting eat plenty of vegetables avoid sweets such as chocolates and cakes cut down on fatty foods* Exercise regularly* If you are obese, try to lose some weight* Avoid alcohol drinking and stop smoking* If you are hypertensive, consult your doctor for advice and management.

Medical science has yet to identify the exact cause of alcohol dependence, but research suggests that genetic, psychological, and social factors.

Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels associated with long term damage and failure or organ functions, especially the eyes, the kidneys, the nerves, the heart and blood vessels.

• children of diabetics
• obese people
• people with hypertension
• people with high cholesterol levels
• people with sedentary lifestyles

The Center for Health Development (CHDs), through the Human Resource Development Unit (HRDU) shall submit to the HHRDB a list of areas qualified to be recipients of a DTTB. This shall be supported with the written request in the form of a resolution passed by the Local Health Board and the Sanguniang Bayan approved by the Local Chief Executive.

a. For Medical Specialist II, it is renewable yearly for a maximum of three (3) years. The renewal shall be based on satisfactory performance. Within the period of three (3) years the recipient hospitals shall device measures on how to provide a regular hospital item for possible absorption of the medical specialist after its termination.

b. For Medical Officer III that is being used for replacing LGU physicians it is renewable yearly corresponding to the length of the residency training program of the doctor being replaced. For specialty training, it is renewable yearly corresponding to the specified training program requirements where the trainee is undergoing training.

The following areas will be given priority:

a. Depressed, unserved/underserved, hard to reach and critical 5th and 6th class municipalities without doctors for at least two(2) years.

b. Depressed, unserved/underserved, hard to reach and critical 5th and 6th class municipalities with MHO/RHP on study leave.

c. 3rd and 4th class municipalities needing additional doctors to achieve the doctor to population. (1:20,00)

The DTTB shall receive the following:

a. Receive a salary equivalent of salary grade 24 (P24,000.00+++)

b. Representation Allowance

c. Magna Carta for Health Workers

d. Continuing Medical Education

e. Opportunity to travel

f. Opportunity to Postgraduate studies

The minimum requirements for applicants to the program shall be the following:

a. Licensed Doctor of Medicine.

b. Bonafide Filipino citizen.

Physically and mentally fit.

Certified to be of good moral character.

Willing to work in depressed and hard to reach areas for two (2) years.

Interested in community health. Not more than 50 years old.

a. On geographical location: far-flung or hard to reach areas in the catchment of the DOH hospitals as determined by the CHDs and approved by the Undersecretary of Health.

b. On Hospital Development Plan: Hospital Development Plan of the health facility concerned in consonance with the National Hospital Development Plan.

a. To ensure quality health care service to depressed, marginalized and underserved areas through the deployment of competent and community-oriented doctors.

b. To effect changes in the approach to health care delivery by the stakeholders in

The general objective is to provide the country with competent Medical Human Resource who will render quality medical care to patients. The specific objectives are:

a. To provide Medical Officer III replacements for provincial and district hospitals who are sending their service residents for training.

b. To augment the Medical Specialist human resource needed in government/public hospitals.

c. To provide items for residency training to identified physicians who have rendered government service.

The program is for all government hospitals, national or local, which are requesting for augmentation of their Medical Specialist II cadre and replacement of their Medical Officer III items undergoing training.

a. For the Medical Officer III items, Local Government Hospitals who are sending their permanent medical staff for training, other government physicians who have rendered substantial services for the country and those government representatives endorsed by public officials for meritorious accomplishments.

b. For Medical Specialist that will augment the medical specialty needs of a government hospitals, they must be Filipino Citizen, Fellow/Diplomat of the relevant accredited specialty society or board eligible as endorsed by the accredited specialty society.

It is well to advise him/her to undergo Drug Dependency Examination (DDE) to be conducted by a physician preferably accredited by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) or Department of Health (DOH) to diagnose and manage drug dependents.  If diagnosed to be a drug dependent, he/she deserves to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.  For the purpose of treatment and rehabilitation under Voluntary Submission Program, the law requires that DDE be don by a DOH-accredited physician (pursuant to Sec. 54, Art. VIII of R.A. 9165 otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002") or by DDB-accredited physician (pursuant to Sec. 20 of DDB Board Regulation No. 4, series of 2003, titled "Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing Accreditation of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers and Accreditation of Center Personnel").It is to be noted that under existing rules and regulations, an applicant for driver's license who tested positive (in screening and confirmatory tests) for any dangerous drug can legitimately undergo another drug test after a period of six (6) months for the purpose of securing a driver's license, etc.

The e-EDPMS refers to Electronic Essential Drug Price Monitoring System which was created by the DOH to support the establishment of an efficient and effective system and procedures for collecting price and inventories of essential drugs and other drugs stated in RA 9502.

The intent is for the DOH and DTI to monitor essential drug prices as well as stocks of medicines in the local market and detect practices such as overpricing and non-compliance to efforts of the DOH to regulate excessive price of drugs such as the GMAP & the MDRP. It also aims to educate consumers on prevailing market prices of essential drugs to enable them to make informed choices.

http://umis.doh.gov.ph/eedpms

• Drug establishment

• Drug outlets

• Government procuring entities

Name of Office: NCDPC

The ENC Protocol was developed the Newborn Care Technical Working Group (TWG) that conducted a systematic search and critical appraisal of foreign and local medical and allied health literature on practices in the immediate newborn period. An evidence-based draft was then developed and reviewed by the Department of Health (DOH), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS), the Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine (PSNbM, a subspecialty society of the Philippine Pediatric Society, PPS), other health professional organizations/associations, Save the Children, the academe and other stakeholders.

Name of Office: NCDPC

At the heart of the protocol are four (4) time-bound interventions:

1) immediate and thorough drying,

2) early skin-to-skin contact followed by,

3) properly-timed clamping and cutting of the cord after 1 to 3 minutes, and

4) non-separation of the newborn from the mother for early breastfeeding initiation and rooming-in.

Name of Office: NCDPC

1. Immediate and thorough drying of the newborn prevents hypothermia which is extremely important to newborn survival

2. Keeping the mother and baby in uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact prevents hypothermia, hypoglycemia and sepsis, increases colonization with protective bacterial flora and improved breastfeeding initiation and exclusivity

3. Properly timed cord clamping and cutting until the umbilical cord pulsation stops decreases anemia in one out of every seven term babies and one out of every three preterm babies. It also prevents brain (intraventricular) hemorrhage in one of two preterm babies.

4. Breastfeeding initiation within the first hour of life prevents an estimated 19.1% of all neonatal deaths.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The signing of the Administrative Order 2009-0025 last Dec. 1, 2009 institutionalizes policies and guidelines for government and private health facilities to adopt the essential newborn care protocol. Advocacy and dissemination for a have been done since its launch. Scale-up implementation in all health facilities and social marketing are both in the pipeline to ensure that the policy is implemented all over the country.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) Strategy is in line with the DOH Administrative Order 2008-0029 that seeks to rapidly reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Foremost to this is the provision of Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC and CEmONC) capability of health facilities to meet the UN MDGs 4 and 5. Newborn care has been incorporated in the provision of these service capabilities. The Administrative Order 2009-0025 formalized the adoption of policies and guidelines on essential newborn care.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The ENC Protocol seeks to provide a firm foundation for an environment that complies with the “Ten (10) Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” of the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI), breastfeeding initiation crucial to the IYCF WHO global strategy and in the implementation of the R.A. 10028.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The following practices should never be done anymore to the newborn:

• Manipulation such as routine suctioning of secretions if the baby is crying and breathing normally. Doing so may cause trauma or introduce infection.
• Putting the newborn on a cold or wet surface.
• Wiping or removal of vernix caseosa if present
• Foot printing
• Bathing earlier than 6 hours of life
• Unnecessary separation of the newborn primarily for weighing, anthropometric measurements, intramuscular administration of vitamin K, Hepatitis B vaccine and BCG vaccine
• Transferring of the newborn to the nursery or neonatal intensive care unit without any indication

Name of Office: NCDPC

Healthcare professionals, either in government or in private facilities, involved in maternal and newborn care not limited to obstetrician-gynecologists, pediatricians/neonatologists, nurses, midwives, but also the hospital administration officials, anesthesiologists, hospital infection control officers, hospital PhilHealth/Quality officers, clinical nutritionists, clinical pharmacists, nursing attendants, health promotion and information officers.

At the community level, the local government up to the barangay officials, together with their health workers, nutrition scholars, community health teams and volunteers, mothers’ groups are likewise enjoined to ensure proper information is disseminated to pregnant women and women of the reproductive age group.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The wide variations in newborn care practices in health facilities, both government and private, and also the proper sequence or order of newborn care services need to be standardized based on current evidences that show reduction in neonatal mortality and morbidity. This is to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 4 of Reducing Under 5 Child Mortality (through reduction of neonatal deaths).

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Clients may apply for product classification at BFAD. Application documents with sample and complete product information and proof of payment may be submitted at the Policy, Planning, and Advocacy Division - Public Assistance and Compliance Division (PPAD-PAICS), Room 101.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

A local company in the Philippines must secure a License to Operate (LTO) from BFAD before applying for product registration. All issuances and guidelines, checklists of requirements, and forms pertaining to licensing of establishments and product registration may be downloaded from the BFAD Website: www.bfad.gov.ph.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Fees are listed in Administrative Order No. 50 s. 2001: Revised 2001 Schedule of Fees and Charges for the Corresponding Services Rendered by the Bureau of Food and Drugs.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Clients may access the BFAD Website for the list of recognized laboratories. The list contains the addresses, contact numbers, and types of analysis offered by the laboratories.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Establishments involved in the manufacture, packaging, re-packaging, importation, exportation, distribution, and retailing of processed foods, drugs, medical devices, in vitro diagnostic reagents, cosmetics, and household hazardous substance products must secure a License to Operate from BFAD.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

BFAD handles the registration of processed foods, drugs, medical devices, in vitro diagnostic reagents, cosmetics, and household hazardous substance products. 

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

Guidelines may be downloaded from the BFAD Website thru the Laws and Regulations link:
http://www.bfad.gov.ph/left_laws_regulations.htm.

New guidelines may also be downloaded thru the New Issuances link:
http://www.bfad.gov.ph/new_issuances.htm

Name of Office: NCDPC

Modern natural family planning methods can be effective if practiced correctly and consistently.  In a study of the cervical mucus method, only 3 percent of women who used the method became pregnant in 1 year.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Studies show that most women, regardless of cycle regularity, can use modern natural family planning methods as long as they can correctly identify their fertile periods.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Studies show that couples worldwide, whatever their economic or educational status, can use modern natural family planning methods successfully if they are properly trained and highly motivated.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Withdrawal or coitus interrupts is not a modern method of family planning. Withdrawal is not that effective and may make sexual union less satisfactory for the couple.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The rhythm/calendar method is considered a traditional method of family planning.  It is not a modern method and is therefore not being recommended for couples to use.  The rhythm method involves counting the days before and after menstruation to predict a woman’s fertile period.

•   Generic Drugs is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.

•   Generic Drugs is a copy of original/innovator.  Has the same active ingredient and quality but costs less

•   More generic drugs in the market brings down the costs of drugs due to more competition ex. Norvasc (Php 44) to Php 8 for Bezam, Php 11 for Pharex, Php 17 for Unilab.

•  Generic Drugs  are available once the patent protections afforded to the original developer have expired. 

•  Drug that is put out by the company that spends billions of dollars on research to discover a molecule of a substance.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Raul R. Alamis

Bureau of Local Health Development

Building #3, 2nd Floor, DOH, Manila

Telelphone Number: 711-62-85/711-61-40

e-mail: pacholo148@yahoo.com

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

The Bureau of Local Health Development is currently consolidating and analyzing the list of GIDA areas submitted by the Center for Health Development (CHDs)

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

The objectives of GIDA are the following:

1. To empower communities, local government units (LGUs) and key stakeholders toward good governance for health.

2. To generate LGU and community commitment to manage and sustain health care.

3. To strengthen multi-sectoral linkages through convergence and efficient use of resources.

4. To improve access and provision of health services.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

The program components of GIDA are:

1. Community development

• Community organization and mobilization
• Community needs analysis
• Participative community planning
• Generation and allocation of resources (resource mobilization)
• Alliance building and multi-sectoral partnership

2. Provision of technical and financial assistance

• Upgrading of health facilities
• Capacity and capability building

3. Monitoring and Evaluation

•  Documentation of best practices
•  GIDA Indicators

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Refer to communities with marginalized population physically and socio-economically separated from the mainstream society and characterized by:

1. Physical Factors - isolated due to distance, weather conditions and transportation difficulties (island, upland, lowland, landlocked, hard to reach and unserved/underserved communities).

2. Socio-economic Factors (high poverty incidence, presence of vulnerable sector, communities in or recovering from situation of crisis or armed conflict).

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

  To establish and institutionalize a system for managing local health development in GIDA communities to ensure provision of quality health care services.

Name of Office: NCDPC

DENR - Healthcare facilities shall be registered as waste generators and shall be issued waste generator's ID. Appoint or designate Pollution Control Office (PCO).

DOH - As licensing requirements form BHFS, healthcare facilities are require submitting Healthcare Waste Management Plan, having an established Healthcare Waste Management Committee, and appoint/designate Waste management Office (WMO).

Name of Office: NCDPC

Government and Private hospitals, clinics, infirmaries and other healthcare facilities being licensed by the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) are included in this program. The program coverage starts from waste generation, segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and up to final disposal.

Name of Office: NCDPC

There are limited numbers of HCW treatment facilities in the country and mostly they are located in NCR and Region 4A. To cite some of them: Chevalier Enviro Services Inc. in Parañaque City, MM; Integrated Waste Management Inc. in Mandaluyong City and Cavite; Cleanway Corporation in Cavite, Safewaste Inc. in Pampanga; Pollution Abatement Specialist, Inc. (PASI) one in Cebu City; and one in Mindanao.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The DENR and DOH are the responsible agencies in monitoring compliance of healthcare facilities to the mandated policies in HCWM. The DOH is responsible for on-site activities while the DENR is responsible for off-site activities related to HCWM. The DOH can be represented by a composite team that include representative/s from BHFS, NCHFD, NCDPC, BHDT & NRL, and CHDs.

Name of Office: NCDPC

The National Center for Health Facilities Development (NCHFD) having the mandate over hospital operations is the office in-charge of the Healthcare Waste Management Program in the DOH. The National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC) provide the best possible technical assistance upon request by NCHFD.

The following are the existing programs and their brief descriptions.

a) Medical Pool Placement and Utilization Program (MP-PUP) – Physicians and/or medical specialists are assigned in DOH hospitals and/or Provincial Hospitals based on needs and program criteria.

b) Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) – Physicians are assigned, for two years primarily in 4th to 6th class municipalities that has not have a doctor for at least 2 years.

c) Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN HEALS) – Deployed nurses are assigned for 6 months in the community (Rural Health Units) and then another 6 months for hospital service.

d) Rural Health Midwives Program – Midwives are assigned in Barangay Health Stations and Rural Health Units for improved maternal and child care. These facilities can then provide Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) or Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC)

e) Rural Health Team Placement Program (RHTPP) – Dentists, medical technologists, and nutritionist-dietitians are assigned in field health facilities to complement existing RHU personnel.

Deployment programs are geared towards providing HRH to areas of needs – unserved and underserved for more effective and efficient health service delivery. The deployed HRH complement the existing HRH in the facilities.

YES but limited to vacancies in the DOH offices and hospitals only.  The names and some basic information about the applicant can be sent through this facility.  The applicant still has to accomplish the Personal Data Sheet (downloadable) and submit this together with other required documents to the DOH office and/or hospital where the vacancy is.

If the vacancy is in private facility or in Local Government Unit, the applicant has to get in touch with the Contact Person of the agency/office. No data can be submitted online.

On the Left Navigation of the DOH Website (www.doh.gov.ph), click on E-JOBS. This will lead you Ejobs for Health or to the web address of http://ejobs.doh.gov.ph/ejobs/.

It is an online posting for vacancies in health and health related facilities including offices within the DOH Central Office. Click on the Applicant button and the available jobs appear. Information that are provided in the list of vacancies include the name of agency and its address, position title, monthly salary, required documents  and the person to be contacted for more details regarding the job.

The National Database of Selected Human Resources for Health (NDHRHIS) can be accessed at http://www.hhrdb.doh.gov.ph/ndhrhis. Click on the STATISTICAL REPORT for the available data generated by the system.

The National Database of Selected Human Resources for Health (NDHRHIS) can be used by researchers and HR planners as it has information on a) geographical distribution of HRH, b) distribution based on age, sex, by type of facilities, and other data.

NDHRHIS stands for National Database of Selected Human Resources for Health. It contains list of basic aggregated demographic information about selected HR professionals – doctor, nurse, midwife, dentist, pharmacist, nutritionist-dietitian, medical technologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Yes. When a mother is sick, antibodies are produced to fight infection. Antibodies are secreted in the breast milk and are transferred to the baby during breastfeeding. Although there are instances when sick mother should temporarily stopped breastfeeding like; when mother is undergoing chemotherapy or when exposed to radiation, she should be cleared first before returning to breastfeeding.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Yes. Mothers with breast or nipple problem should ask help from breastfeeding/IYCF or lactation counselor in the Hospital, Health Center, or even in the Barangay with support group.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

It is a misconception. The mother needs practical help to lessen feeling of tiredness. Mother can drink water to refresh her, sit or lie down comfortably, clean herself so that she can be worry free when feeding her baby.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Foods given to babies after six months to complement breast milk. Breastfeeding should continue when complementary foods are introduced for up to two years of age or beyond.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Exclusive breastfeeding means giving a baby only breast milk, and no other liquids or solids, not even water.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

There is a substance in the breast milk which can reduce or inhibit milk production. If a lot of milk is left in the breast because the baby did not feed well or did not feed at all, the inhibitor will protect the breast from harmful effect of being too full by not producing anymore milk. It is important that mother gives only breast milk in the first 6 months of life and allow the baby to stop on his/her own in order to empty the breast and be ready for the next production of breast milk. Breastfeeding should continue after 6 months while complementary foods are given until 2 years and beyond.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

All women are cable of producing milk. It is a misconception that a newly delivered woman has no milk. The frequent suckling of the baby to her mother’s breast stimulates oxytocin (love hormone) for milk ejection. Some factors will hinder oxytocin reflex like; stress, worry, pain and doubt, but are just temporary. It is important that breastfeeding mother is relax and confident that she can feed her baby optimally. Effective “Suckling” will help produce breast milk.

1. Amang Rodriguez Medical Center

2. Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center

3. Quirino Memorial Medical Center

4. Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Regional Training & Teaching Hospital

5. Veterans Regional Hospital

6. Davao Regional Hospital

7. Bicol Medical Center

8. Bicol Regional Traning & Teaching Hospital

9. Las Pinas General Hospital

10. National Center For Mental Health

11. Cagayan Valley Medical Center

12. Batangas Regional Hospital

13. Tondo Medical Center

14. National Kidney & Transplant Institute

15. Eastern Visayas Medical Center

16. Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital

17. Region I Medical Center

18. Baguio General Hospital

19. Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

20. Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital

21. Lung Center Of The Phils.

22. Southern Philippines Medical Center

Unified Cost and Selling Prices of Insulin Products to DOH-Retained Hospitals

The DOH Insulin Access Program is a program under the Medicine Access Program (MAP) of the Department of Health (DOH) through the National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management (NCPAM) provides access to medicines for diabetic patients and is in line with Millennium Development Goal No. 8 aims to develop global partnership for development, where partner pharmaceutical companies participate by providing access to affordable Insulin products through the consignment system., implementation of which was started in 2009.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

• Reduce death and frequency and severity of illness and disability
• Contribute to improved growth and development

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

• All sick children aged up to 5 years are examined for general danger signs and all sick young infants are examined for very severe disease. These signs indicate immediate referral or admission to hospital
• The children and infants are then assessed for main symptoms. For older children, the main symptoms include: cough or difficulty breathing, diarrhea, fever and ear infection. For young children, local bacterial infection, diarrhea and jaundice. All sick children are routinely assessed for nutritional and immunization and deworming status and other problems
• Only a limited number of clinical signs are used
• A combination of individual signs leads to a child’s classification within one or more symptom groups rather than a diagnosis.
• IMCI management procedures use limited number of essential drugs and encourage active participation of  caretakers in the treatment of children
• Counseling of caretakers on home care, correct feeding and giving of fluids, and when to return to clinic is an essential component of IMCI

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

1. Addresses major child health problems because it systematically address the most important causes of children illness and death.
2. Responds to demands.
3. Promotes prevention as well as cure because IMCI emphasizes important preventive interventions such as immunization and breastfeeding.
4. Is cost-effective- most cost-effective interventions in low and middle income countries (World Bank).
5. Promotes cost-saving.
6. Improves equity – IMCI improves inequity in global health care.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

• Improving case management skills of health workers
• Improving over-all health systems
• Improving family and community health practices

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

1. ASSESS THE CHILDS ILLNESS
2. CLASSIFY THE ILLNESS BASED ON SIGNS
3. IDENTIFY TREATMENT
4. TREAT THE CHILD
5. COUNSEL THE CARETAKER
6. FOLLOW-UP

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

IMCI is an integrated approach to child health that focuses on the well-being of the whole child. IMCI aims to reduce death, illness and disability and to promote improved growth and development among children under five years of age. IMCI include curative and preventive elements that are implemented by families and communities and by health facilities.

The strategy was developed by World Health Organization and UNICEF and is used by most countries in the world.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

IMCI is implemented in 70% of all health facilities nationwide.  IMCI is also integrated in the Nursing, Midwifery and Medical Pre- Service Education. The attached lists/addresses of DOH Centers for Development (CHDs) in 17 regions can provide technical assistance in IMCI training. The list also includes the Nursing and Midwifery Schools designated as Training Institution for IMCI Pre-Service.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Ten million children die each year and majority of these deaths are caused by 5 preventable and treatable conditions namely: pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, measles and malnutrition. Three (3) out of four (4) episodes of childhood illness are caused by these five conditions

Most children have more than one illness at one time. This overlap means that a single diagnosis may not be possible or appropriate.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

There are 3 domains of benefits in a functional ILHZ:

Domain I: coordination for maximum improvement of population health

• Every pregnancy in the ILHZ is planned, supported & adequately managed throughout its course
• Every delivery is facility based and managed by skilled birth attendants
• Every child has access to and utilizes the recommended package of child survival interventions
• Infectious disease is controlled and endemic diseases are controlled/eliminated in the ILHZ
• Infectious due to poor sanitation and unsafe water are prevented
• Community members in the ILHZ practice healthy lifestyle

Domain II: coordination for continuity of care to individual patients

• Access to an adequate primary medical care service through outlets linked to an organized quality assurance system, referral and technical support
• Access to secondary care linked with the primary level of care and to at least one source of tertiary care
• Access to essential drugs from outlets that meet the regulatory standards and promote rational drug use
• Mechanism that tracks and monitors all patients across service delivery points (SDPs) in the ILHZ

Domain III: coordination to manage and minimize total costs of full range of health provisions

• ILHZ planning helped member LGUs achieve their goals and targets and improve their performance
• Complete accurate and timely health information helped member LGUs achieve goals and targets and improved performance disseminated and utilized ILHZ-wide
• Epidemic is promptly detected and effectively managed within the ILHZ 
• Hazard, disaster or any emergency is effectively managed and contained in the ILHZ
• Functional management arrangements increase ILHZ-wide performance and reduce variability of performance among member LGUs

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Currently, a baseline assessment of ILHZs is being done in the F16 provinces.  A nation-wide assessment of ILHZ functionality will be conducted after finalization of the assessment tool in Q2, 2011. 

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Currently there is none, but an incentive scheme shall be developed for functional ILHZs based on achievement of pre-selected indicators from the domains of benefits. 

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

There are 4 levels of indicators to measure functionality of ILHZs:

Capacity indicators: what the ILHZ has

• For Domains I and II: available, adequate, right category and appropriately trained health personnel; health facility infrastructure and functional equipment; adequate commodities and supplies; available protocols/ CPGs /systems guide and funds for services/activities
• For Domain III: Established systems/ guides for functions; structures and staff to support and run systems;  available funds to operate and sustain coordination mechanisms

Effort Indicators: what the ILHZ does with what it has

• For Domains I, II, and III: service delivery networking among service delivery points and other stakeholders; joint financing schemes; ILHZ-wide promotion and information dissemination ; joint outreach activities and services; ILHZ-wide supervision including M & E; adoption of regulatory measures across ILHZ

Coverage and Utilization Indicators: Who and to what extent the ILHZ is reaching and serving

• For Domain I: program performance indicators
• For Domain II: increasing caseload; increasing individual cases properly managed, treated and referred to appropriate health care facilities; network of service delivery points (SDPs) in ILHZ tracks and monitors clients across SDPs to ensure continuous treatment and follow-up care;increasing satisfaction of individual clients with availability, affordability and accessibility of essential drugs
• For Domain III: widening scope of concerns addressed; expands annual planning to coverage of  3-5 years; expanding duration and increasing sectoral participation (including private sector) in the various processes in the ILHZ. 

Outcome indicators: What health outcomes the ILHZ is delivering

• For Domain I and II:  reduced mortalities and morbidities in the ILHZ
• For Domain III: absence or minimal occurrence of epidemics/outbreaks in ILHZ; disasters/emergencies minimized/ contained with less number of death/disabilities; stakeholders using and benefitting from the information generated through coordinative systems widens ; increasing performance in the ILHZ as a whole, in individual member LGUs and in all SDPs within the ILHZ which will result in  reduced or no  disparity in performance of member LGUs.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

The initial definition of a functional ILHZ looked at inputs/process, namely: signed MOA; presence of Policy Board; Technical Management Committee; ILHZ Plan; documentation of meetings; enrollment of indigents/resource sharing.

The current/new definition of a functional ILHZ looks at results/outcomes/ benefits of inter-LGU coordination in health operations within the ILHZ:

• Improved population-wide health
• Improved care of individuals
• Improved management of health resources

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

An ILHZ is a clustering of contiguous local government units (municipalities, component cities of a province/s) with a core referral hospital (district or provincial hospital) wherein preventive primary public health care is integrated with hospital care.  It is a district health system in a devolved set-up in which the component local government units (LGUs) cooperate in health operations to better protect the collective health of the catchment community, assure access of individuals in the catchment community to a range of services necessary to meet their health care needs, and to manage more efficiently and equitably the cooperating LGUs’ resources for health.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

ARTICLE X SECTION 13 OF THE CONSTITUTION

            “Local Government Units may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts and resources for the purpose commonly beneficial to them in accordance to the law.”

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 1991 SECTION 33

            “This allows for Inter-LGU cooperation to occur through Memoranda of Agreement for mutually beneficial purposes, with agreed contributions of staff, financial and capital resources in whatever manner that suits the LGU concerned.” 

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Governor’s Executive Order to initiate the process and a Sanggunian Bayan /Sanggunian Panlalawigan Resolution authorizing the LGU to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the cooperating LGUs in the ILHZ. 

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

As of February, 2010 there are 312 ILHZs in the Philippines. Pls. see attached table for details.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

The ILHZ is composed of a policy board which is its policy-making and coordinating body and a technical management committee which executes the plans and activities of the ILHZ.

The Policy Board is made up of local officials of the component LGUs, representatives of non-government organizations (NGOs), national agencies (NGAs), the private sector, and community.

The Technical Management Committee may be composed of the Chief of the Core Referral Hospital, MHOs, Representative Public Health Nurse (PHN), Chief Nurse of Core Referral Hospital, Representative Rural Health Midwife (RHM), Supervising Rural Sanitary Inspector (RSI), DOH Representative, Private Health Care Provider.    

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

The ILHZ is the basic functional structure for health service management and gate-keeping (instead of the RHUs/health centers) and as such the ILHZ contributes to the attainment of Province-wide Investment Plan for Health /Annual Operational Plan (PIPH/AOP) objectives, reduces disparity in performance of member LGUs and contributes to the improved performance of the PWHS.

For technical assistance relative to ICD-10 coding, you may email your queries to:

tdtimbang@yahoo.com

fsinson2001@yahoo.com

florindatuvillo@yahoo.com

Department Circular No.2013-0121 s. 2013

DOH Administrative Order No. 47 s. 2000

Department Circular No. 33, s. 2004

Department Circular No. 2009-0089

Department Circular No. 2009-0089-A

Department Circular No. 2009-0167

Department Circular No. 2011-0342

Department Circular No. 2012-0231

Department Circular No. 2012-0247

a. ICD-10 Training of Trainers (TOT) – a 2-week course for the potential trainers in the Department of Health and its Centers for Health Development (CHDs)   and other agencies implementing ICD-10 coding (ex. NSO, PHIC, Hospitals).  To date we have trained 59 local trainers (see list below). 

b. ICD-10 Training Course for Coders - a 5-day introductory  course for those directly involved in coding  (ex. medical records staff, billing staff, statistician, local civil registrars, government regulatory officers,  etc.). The course covers the introduction, conventions, basic coding guidelines, morbidity and mortality rules and guidelines and all the chapters in ICD-10 including the policies of DOH and PHIC on coding. Lectures, discussions and group exercises are used as methodology.  Active participation of the participants is encouraged through the different innovations used during the discussion of the coding exercises for each chapter wherein practical examples are supplemented.   We do not only try to develop coding skills in the training, we also help the participants build their confidence in coding.  Pretest and posttest are administered during the first and last days of the training, respectively. Certificate of Completion is issued to participants who successfully pass the posttest and comply with the other requirements of the course. Completion of this training is one of the vital requirements for the renewal and initial issuance of license to operate of hospitals as mandated in the DOH Administrative Order No. 47 series 2000.

c. ICD-10 Training for Non-Coders -  a 3-day course specifically designed for Physicians in hospitals and other health units such as the  Rural Health Units (RHUs)    who are responsible for the documentation (filling up the hospital charts and/or  death   certificates). Rules and guidelines both on morbidity and mortality coding are emphasized in the course to make the physicians aware of the importance in coding of the proper documentation.  Everything starts from what the      Physicians will write as diagnoses or causes of death. As we always say to them,   ‘garbage in, garbage out”.   They    cannot just blame the coders for the errors in coding. They also have a critical role in the effective implementation of ICD-10 coding. The basic coding   guidelines as well as selected chapters are also part of the module for them to understand how the coders translate their diagnoses into ICD-10 codes.

    Most of the non-coders training are hospital based (sponsored by the hospitals), we conduct the training in the facility with     the resident physicians/consultants as participants.  Recently however, even Physicians opt   to attend the 5-day ICD-10 training course for coders.

d. Advanced ICD-10 Training On Mortality Coding  Using The Medical  Mortality Data System (MMDS) ACME Decision Tables– a 5-day follow up course on mortality coding using the MMDS ACME decision tables developed by the National Center for Health Statistics(NCHS)in the USA. Although originally designed for use with the automated coding software available, the NCHS MMDS ACME decision tables are also useful for assisting coders with decisions about   acceptable and non- acceptable sequences.  The decision tables are a collection of lists which provide guidance and direction in the application of the selection and modification rules published in Volume 2 of ICD-10. These tables are used to assist with the allocation of   the correct underlying cause of death and assignment of valid multiple cause codes. The training course includes the review of the ICD-10 basic concepts  and  conventions  but the emphasis is on mortality coding guidelines and the use of the MMDS  ACME decision tables  to facilitate  the  selection  and  assignment of the correct  underlying cause  code. Completion of the ICD-10 Training Course for Coders is a prerequisite to the course. A pilot training was completed this year with twenty eight participants from selected hospitals and National Statistics Office (NSO). 

ICD-10:  The Philippine Experience

Background:

A consultant from World Health Organization (WHO), Ms. Jennifer Anne Nicole visited the Philippines in 1997 with the following main objectives:

• To introduce the use of  ICD-10
• To train trainers on  ICD-10
• To advise on the strategic implementation of ICD-10  in hospitals nationwide 

In 1998, the Department of Health resolved to adopt the ICD-10 in hospitals and registries to improve existing health statistics

• A National ICD-10 Technical Working Group was created in 1999 to formulate policies and guidelines for the effective adoption and implementation of the ICD-10 coding in the country. The TWG is composed of representatives from various agencies involved in the generation of health statistics such as DOH, National Statistics Office (NSO), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC), Association of Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines (AMHOP) and selected hospitals.
• Organizational changes in DOH  necessitated the reconstitution of the TWG in 2003 and 2007

In 2000, DOH Administrative Order No. 47 s. 2000 was issued mandating all hospitals to implement ICD-10 coding beginning January 01, 2001. Implementation requirements include:

• Completion of ICD-10 Training for Coders
• ICD-10 Books
• ICD-10 Coding

Three offices in the DOH are involved in ICD-10 implementation, namely: National Epidemiology Center (NEC), National Center for Health Facility Development (NCHFD), and Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS).  The Centers for Health Development (CHDs) which are the DOH regional offices and PHIC which is an attached agency of the DOH are also key players in the implementation of ICD-10 coding.

Some of the  trainings are sponsored  by DOH including its CHDs. However, due to the limited resources, the DOH has  collaborated with  non-governmental organizations (ex. Philippine Medical Records Association, Health Research and Project Development, Inc, etc) for the conduct of the trainings. Technical support  is provided to all recognized  partner organizations by DOH in terms of lecturers and standard training materials. Minimal registration fees are charged by the organizers to cover expenses for the food and other training materials.

For training schedule inquiries, please check the DOH you may call:

National Epidemiology Center:

Telephone Nos: 7436076  / 6517800 loc 2928

ICD-10 Training Course for Coders

When: May 6-10, 2013

Where: UP Manila College of Public Health

Organizer: Department of Health Policy and Administration – UP Manila College of Public Health

Trainers/Facilitators: ICD-10 National Trainers from Department of Health

  For details , please call:   

  Ms. Aileen or  Ms. Matchelle, Tel. nos.  5232997 or 3024203

  ICD-10 Training Course for Coders

When: June 10-14, 2013

Where: Eurotel Hotel, Pedro Gil, Ermita, Manila

Organizer: Philippine Medical Records Association (PMRA)

Trainers/Facilitators: ICD-10 National Trainers from Department of Health

  For details , please call:     

 Ms. Lilian Garcia : Telephone Nos.:  9849933, 2850138 or 09178074097

To guarantee the quality and accuracy of the knowledge and skills that will be conveyed to the participants relative to ICD-10 coding, the DOH had issued Department Circular  on the List of DOH recognized trainers and partner organizations to conduct ICD-10 trainings. Below is the list of recognized ICD-10 trainers and partner  organizations:

UPDATED LIST  OF RECOGNIZED/AUTHORIZED ICD-10 TRAINERS

  * CHD - Center for Health Development (DOH Regional Office)

UPDATED LIST  OF RECOGNIZED/AUTHORIZED PARTNER  ORGANIZATIONS FOR ICD-10 TRAININGS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Department of Health through the National ICD-10 Technical Working Group headed by the National Epidemiology Center, in its aim to assist health care providers in the implementation of ICD-10 diagnostic classification, initiated the development  of  the  “Philippine ICD-10 Modifications, 1^st Edition”.

The Philippine ICD-10 Modifications handbook is not intended to replace the principal ICD-10 international standards of WHO but complement them through additional information for their local adoption and usage.  Modifications to some categories, especially for several problematic diseases, were also introduced to facilitate the assignment of codes guided  by the basic principles of the original ICD-10 document.

ICD-10 stands for International Statistical  Classification  of  Diseases and  Related Health Problems revision 10.

It is an international classification designed to enable consistency of coding throughout the world. It has been evolving for more than 100 years as a  SYSTEMATIC CODING SYSTEM.

History:

The first international classification edition, known as the International List of Causes of Death, was adopted by the International Statistical Institute in 1893.

The ICD has been revised and published in a series of editions to reflect advances in health and medical science over time.

WHO was entrusted with the ICD at its creation in 1948 and published the 6th version, ICD-6, that incorporated morbidity for the first time. The WHO Nomenclature Regulations, adopted in 1967, stipulated that Member States use the most current ICD revision for mortality and morbidity statistics.

ICD-10 was endorsed in May 1990 by the Forty-third World Health Assembly. It is cited in more than 20,000 scientific articles and used by more than 100 countries around the world.

ICD purpose and uses:

The ICD is the foundation for the identification of health trends and statistics globally. It is the international standard for defining and reporting diseases and health conditions. It allows the world to compare and share health information using a common language.

The ICD defines the universe of diseases, disorders, injuries and other related health conditions. These entities are listed in a comprehensive way so that everything is covered. It organizes information into standard groupings of diseases, which allows for:

ICD allows the counting of deaths as well as diseases, injuries, symptoms, reasons for encounter, factors that influence health status, and external causes of disease. 

• easy storage, retrieval and analysis of health information for evidenced-based decision-making; 
• sharing and comparing health information between hospitals, regions, settings and countries; and
• data comparisons in the same location across different time periods.

ICD allows the counting of deaths as well as diseases, injuries, symptoms, reasons for encounter, factors that influence health status, and external causes of disease. 

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Studies have shown that the IUD does not cause cancer of the uterus.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. The IUD is made of inert material which does not rot in the uterus even with prolonged use.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Yes. Almost all women who use an IUD will be able to bear children once it is removed.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Even a young woman who has never had a child may use an IUD, as long as she is not exposed to sexually transmitted diseases.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Yes. If you are a member or a dependent, the IUD and its insertion are covered, subject to the provisions of PhilHealth’s benefit package.

Name of Office: Bureau of Local Health Development

Jose C. Basas

Bureau of Local Health Development

Building #3, 2nd Floor, DOH, Manila

Telephone Number:711-6140/6285

e-mail: joecbasas@yahoo.com

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT

The achievements are benchmarked against external and internal targets. PWHS External Benchmark results (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009) – comparing results with 2006 baseline and 2010 targets. This will help the LGUs and stakeholders benchmark their performance with the average performance of all provinces in the Philippines in 2006 and with the international and national standards External benchmarks determine how close a provincial health system is to the national targets as well as how it compares to the progress of other provinces based on 2006 baseline values. Internal benchmark on the other hand, determines whether or not a province’s performance is improving. Both benchmarks make recommendations on where a province needs to take action. The LGU Scorecards assigns corresponding colors to the level of performance of a participating province. Green color means excellent and the PWHS performance is equal or higher than 2010 target. Yellow means good and the PWHS performance is equal to or higher than 2006 baseline values but lower than 2010 national targets. Red color means fair and the PWHS performance is lower than the 2006 baseline.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT

The LGU Scorecard is intended for tracking the performance of the LGUs in implementing and achieving results desired for health sector reforms. It currently covers 80 provinces nationwide and 17 cities/municipality in the National Capital Region.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT

The Local Government Unit (LGU) Scorecard is one of the scorecards in the Monitoring and Evaluation for Equity and Effectiveness (ME3). It is a performance assessment of the combined efforts of stakeholders within the province-wide health system (PWHS), which include the clients and public private providers within the municipalities, cities and provinces.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT

It is important because it measures and tracks the performance of the LGUs in implementing and achieving results desired for health sector reforms and it assesses progress in meeting national health targets.

f

Unfortunately, not all medications used for leptospirosis prophylaxis and its treatment are safe for all age groups. Doxycycline, which can be used as a prophylactic agentfor treatment of leptospirosis, cannot be given to children 8 years old and below.

No, leptospirosis is not spread from human to human.

No, doxycycline is contraindicated in pregnant and breast-feeding mothers.

Yes, leptospirosis can be prevented by several ways:

• Avoid contact with animal urine or body fluids, especially if there are cuts or abrasions of the skin.
• Wear protective clothing or footwear near soil or water that may be contaminated with animal urine
• Consume boiled water, especially during the rainy season.
• Avoid swimming or wading in muddy ponds and slowly moving streams especially those located near farms or stagnant water.
• Control rats and mice around the home on a regular basis

No, not all individuals suspected for leptospirosis need hospitalization.

Any suspected case of leptospirosis but have stable vital signs, good urine output. no jaundice or difficulty in breating and able to take oral medication may be managed on an out-patient setting.

These clinical decisions are made by the pysician handling the patient after thorough examination and confirmatory laboratory results are in.

Yes, medications are available to help prevent leptospirosis. However, it is still best to consult your physician to identify your risk and to be given proper instructions regarding medications, if needed.

The best way to prevent leptospirosis in children is to avoid wading in flood waters. It is also advisable to wear protective clothing and footwear near soild or water that may be contaminated with animal urine.

There are two common ways to get leptospirosis:

a) Exposure to urine or body fluids of infected animals.
b) Drinking of contact with water or soil that has been contaminated with urine or body fluids of infected animals.

The leptospirosis bacteria enter the human body through cuts and cracks on the skin, or through membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.

Once your doctor has confirmed that your symptoms are that of leptospirosis and by doing a test, you should be treated with antibiotics. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis can develop anytime between 2 days to 4 weeks after being exposed to bacteria causing leptospirosis.

it is an illness transmitted through mud or water contaminated by the urine of infected animals and is characterized by fever, headache, chills, muscle pains (myalgia), conjunctival suffusion (red eyes), and less frequently by meningitis, rash, jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes), or kidney failure.

Leptospirosis is common in tropical and subtropical areas with high rainfall, In certain area, cases of leptospirosis peak during the rainy season and the illness may spread where flood occurs.

You should recommend that you see a doctor immediately if you present with an acute febrile illness of at least 2 days

And either residing in a flooded area or has high-risk exposure (wading in flood waters, swimming in flood water or ingestion of contaminated water with or without cuts or wounds)

And presenting with at LEAST TWO of the following:

• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Calf tenderness
• Conjunctival suffusion (red eyes)
• Chills
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Jaundice (yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes)
• Oliguria (decreasing amount of urine)

Many animals can spread leptospirosis, including pets (e.g. dogs), farm animals, or wildlife. The animals that commonly develop or spread leptospirosis includes: rat or rodents, cattle, swine (pigs), dogs, horses, sheeps, and goats.

Yes. The HHRDB conducts continuous monitoring and evaluation of the performance of MSPP scholars through the CHDs and partner midwifery schools.

Issues and concerns that have not been resolved in school or CHD level shall be referred to DOH for appropriate action.

•          Must be 15-35 years of age;
•          Preferably be part of, or are child/children/grandchildren of:

-          Traditional Birth Attendant

-          Indigenous People

-          “Hilot”

-          Barangay Health Worker (BHW)

-          Government Healthcare Worker

•          With a combined gross family income of Php 50,000/month or 600,000/annum or lower
•          High school graduate with weighted average of 80% and above;
•          Minimum height of 5 feet or thumb-to-middle finger span or 6 inches or more;
•          Shall have no more than one year of college education

·           A qualified applicant may apply directly to the CHD.

·           CHDs endorse qualified applicants based on documentary requirements to partner midwifery schools for selection process.

·           Professional organizations may recommend applicants to CHDs.

Yes. The following conditions shall be grounds for the removal of scholar from the Program after a written report of the partner midwifery school and thorough investigation by the DOH-HHRDB and the CHD concerned:

a. Failure to comply with school standards and policies

b. Falsification of submitted documents, application or enrollment under false pretense.

c. Failure to meet academic requirements with the school’s prescribed period of time due to absence within notice, reasons of willful neglect or other causes within his/her control, and upon request of the grantee.

d. Failure to pass the Midwifery Licensure Examination within two (2) years after completion of academic and PRC requirements.

e. Behavioral misconduct in such a manner as to bring embarrassment or humiliation to DOH and partner midwifery school

f. Engagement in reprehensive, illegal or subversive activities as defined by existing Philippine laws.

Failure of the scholar to observe above stipulations means he/she shall refund to DOH the total amount of tuition and matriculation fees already provided to the said scholar including all other expenses incurred with ten percent (10%) markup per year.

·  Scholar

The DOH provides the scholar, a package that includes:

a. Monthly Living Subsidy

b. Monthly Lodging Subsidy

c. Monthly Transportation allowance

d. Semestral book and uniform allowance

e. Annual PhilHealth insurance (new)

·  Partner Midwifery Schools

The DOH provides partner midwifery school a package that includes payments for the scholars’:

a. Tuition and other matriculation fees

b. School uniforms

c. Duty kit

d. Affiliation and transportation fees

e. Board review and materials fees

f. PRC examination and registration fees

·           As MSPP Scholar

They are duty bound to follow the rules, regulations and standards set by the school and the DOH while in the Scholarship Program, at the same time, they must bear in mind that they are carrying the names of the school and the DOH, hence must not indulge in any action unbecoming of a scholar.

·           DOH – HHRDB

-          The DOH-Central Office through the HHRDB shall ensure the timely release of allowances and school fees

-          After the scholars have finished the academic requirements and passed the licensure examination by the PRC, the DOH prepares the scholars for deployment to areas previously chosen for community service as Rural Health Midwives.

•          The DOH-HHRDB has already accepted a total of 175 scholars in partner schools and has already deployed 40 scholars since the program started in 2008.
•          Currently there are 58 Level 2 and 50 Level 1 scholars enrolled in the DOH Partner Midwifery Schools.

•          Duly accomplished MSPP Application Form (MSPP Application Forms are available upon request in partner midwifery schools).
•          High School Report Card – Form 138 (photocopy only; original to be brought to entrance examination venue) or Transcript of Records.
•          High School Diploma (photocopy only; original to be brought to entrance examination venue).
•          Certificate of Good Moral Character (photocopy only; original to be brought to entrance examination venue).
•          Passport size color picture with name (3 copies).
•          Long brown envelope.

The Midwifery Licensure Examination shall be taken and passed within a period of two (2) years upon completion of academic and PRC requirements. Scholars who fail to pass the licensure exam within two (2) years shall still take chance, however, shall observe the following while in the process:

a. Continues with the licensure renew for free at the partner school in preparation for the next examination

b. Devote six (6) hours per week of community work to area of choice until he/she passes the licensure examination

c. Submit a weekly journal of the community work conducted.

The Department of Health created the Midwifery Scholarship Program of the Philippines (MSPP) in support to the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals to decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rate by producing and ensuring a constant supply of consistent competent midwives fit to serve the identified priority areas of the country.

The program provides a two-year midwifery scholarship grant to qualified applicants in partnership with midwifery schools.

MSPP will be producing graduate midwives to be deployed as Rural Health Midwives (RHMs) in a priority areas identified by the Department of Health (DOH) in the country.

A scholar, upon receiving his/her Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Midwives License, shall render service to the government on the ratio of two (2) years of service for every year of study or scholarship. Return service shall be in a form of an area assignment to the chosen identified priority areas in the country.

The Department of Health Executive Committee approved the DOH Resolution No. 112-232 series 2007 to implement/adopt both the Deployment Program and the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) Scholarship Program on February 11, 2008.

You may contact the MSPP secretariat at 743-1776 or visit the Department of Health- HHRDB,

2^nd Floor, Bldg 12-A, San Lazaro Compound

Sta. Cruz, Manila

Contact Persons:

Dr. Josephine H. Hipolito

Ms. Winselle Joy C. Manalo

•          Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital-School of Midwifery (DJFMHSM) Lope de Vega St., Sta. Cruz, Manila (NCR)
•          Naga College Foundation, Inc. Naga City (Luzon)
•          University of the Philippines Manila School of Health Sciences (UPMSHS) Palo, Leyte (Visayas Region)
•          Tecarro College Foundation, Inc. Davao City (Mindanao Region)

• Child/children/grandchildren of:

            - Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA)

           -  Indigenous People

           - "Hilot"

           - Barangay Health Workers (BHW)

           - Government Healthcare Worker

• A resident of an MDG priority/BEmONC/CCT area
• Any applicant willing to practice/work in an MDG priority/BeMONC/CCT Area/Municipalities

The timeline given for the processing of a certificate of product registration (CPR) is ninety (90) days. This is considering that all the documents submitted are in compliance with the requirements. In cases there are deficiencies issued to the company, the counting of the timeline stops and will resume only upon submission of the compliance documents.

The timeline given for the processing of the LTO is ninety (90) days. This is considering that all the documents submitted are in compliance with the requirements and that the company passed the inspection.

The BHDT is the technical arm of BFAD by virtue of Administrative Order 2007-0003. The regulated medical devices are based on BFAD’s Memorandum Circular No. 7 dated April 24, 1992. Also for mandatory registration are medical devices that are implantable, invasive and sterile.

Based on the regional and global definition of medical device, it is defined as:

Medical Device means any instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, appliance, implant, in vitro reagent or calibrator, software, material or other similar or related article:

a)    Intended by the manufacturer to be used, alone or in combination, for human beings for one or more of the specific purpose(s) of:

• diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of disease,
• diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, alleviation of or compensation for an injury
• investigation, replacement, modification or support of the anatomy or of a physiological process,
• supporting or sustaining life
• control of conception
• disinfection of medical devices
• providing information for medical or diagnostic purposes by means of in-vitro examination of specimens derived from the human body;
• and which does not achieve its primary intended action in or on the human body by pharmacological, immunological or metabolic means, but which may be assisted in its intended function by such means.

To explain further, medical devices are from a simple tongue depressor to a complicated MRI machine. Medical devices also included condoms, cottons, test tubes, etc. In-vitro diagnostic devices or self test tubes are also considered as medical devices.

Companies who are selling registrable medical devices should apply for LTO. The requirements for the application of LTO can be downloaded from the DOH website. http://gwhs-stg01.i.gov.ph/~dohgov/licensing

Only complete documents will be accepted during the application and will be scheduled for inspection.

If the company complies with the requirements and passed the inspection, a license to operate will be issued. The company is given sixty days to comply with all the deficiencies. Non-compliance will result to temporary stoppage of the selling of medical devices.

Companies with valid license to operate (LTO) as medical device distributor-importer/wholesaler can file for application for product registration. The requirements for the application for CPR can be downloaded from the DOH website. http://gwhs-stg01.i.gov.ph/~dohgov/licensing Only complete documents will be accepted during the application.

The application will be reviewed and evaluated if in accordance with the requirements. All complying applications will be issued a certificate of product registration. All non-complying applications will be issued a notice of deficiency. Each company is given a non-extendable ninety (90) days compliance period. All those who will not be able to comply will be disapproved but will be given a period of sixty (60) days to file for re-application and comply with all the deficiencies. In case after this period the application did not satisfactory comply all the requirements, the application will be disapproved and the company needs to file for initial application.

The BHDT is the recommending office for approval of the CPR. All CPRs are forwarded to FDA (BFAD) for approval.

Only two documents will be required from the company who will be importing medical devices, the LTO and the CPR. For medical device that is for registration, a special certification will be issued stating that the product to be imported will be issued as a sample only for registration.

For exempted medical devices, a certificate of listing will be issued prior to the importation of the device.

These new requirement will be coordinated with the Bureau of Customs prior to its implementation.

The projected date of implementation is third quarter of 2011 considering that the IRR of RA 9711 is approved in 2010. There will be seminars that will be conducted before the implementation of the new regulatory system once the administrative guidelines are approved to guide the medical device industry on the new system of medical device regulation.

Manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, exporters and retailers will be required to secure license to operate as medical device establishment. The new guidelines will be published once approved. Refurbishers will also be regulated but in a later time.

Micronutrient Powder (named "Sprinkles" at that time) was discovered by Professor Stanley Zlotkin in Canada in 1996. It has already been tested and even implemented as a part of emergency relief in many countries around the world.

It is not recommended to use Micronutrient Powder (MNP) without mixing it into food first because the child may not like the taste and will be difficult to swallow. It's better to mix it into food to ensure the child eats it.

Yes, it can be used by the Muslims. Neither alcohol nor pork products are used in the production of Micronutrient Powder (MNP). They have Halal Certification.

Micronutrient Powder (MNP) can be added to any regular home-based semi-solid complimentary food. Emergency rations are suitable for the addition of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) increasing the nutritive value of the provided food. Micronutrient supplement has been used in emergency relief aid in northern Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Haiti.

If Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is mixed into liquids, the micronutrients will float to the top of the liquids and tend to stick to the side of the cup or glass and therefore some will be lost in the process. It is therefore recommended not to add Micronutrient Powder (MNP) to liquids.

Micronutrient Powder (MNP) contains Vitamins and Minerals. Unlike tea/coffee and other substances, Vitamins and Minerals are not addictive.

There have been no reports of diarrhea from the micronutrient supplement in young children. Diarrhea occurs due to other factors such as unhygienic food or unhygienic environment or contaminated water.

Studies conducted in other countries concluded that micronutrient supplement has no side effects. But because of the iron content in Micronutrient Powder (MNP), a child's stool may be darker than normal. Unabsorbed iron makes the child's stool darker which is not of concern.

There is no risk of toxicity. The dose of Vitamin A in Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is formulated to help the child meet the daily Vitamin A requirement. When WHO initiated the high dose capsules, they did not stipulate that the child receiving the supplement should not eat food containing Vitamin A. Indeed they recommended an age appropriate diet which would contain all micronutrients, including Vitamin A.

Micronutrient Powder (MNP) does not need cooking. It can be sprinkled and mixed with cooked regular home based food on the basis of one sachet per child per day.

Several studies have shown the effectiveness of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) in improving micronutrient status and reducing the burden associated with micronutrient deficiencies like iron deficiency anemia.

No, Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is not a medicine but it is a powdered nutrient supplement or food supplement for children 6-59 months that contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals that promote optimum growth and development in children.

Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is a power blend of vitamins and minerals, and very safe and effective in reducing micronutrient malnutrition.

Yes, the amount of micronutrients in Micronutrient Powder (MNP) sachet is high enough to meet the needs of infants with micronutrient deficiencies (e.g. Iron Deficiency Anemia) but not too high for those who do not have deficiencies. Thus, it is safe to use Micronutrient Powder (MNP) even in infants without micronutrient deficiencies.

The potential for overdose is unlikely because numerous individual packages (approximately 20 sachets) would have to be opened and ingested to reach toxicity levels.

Zinc supplementation is given especially for diarrhea. Zinc present in Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is based on the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), so there is no chance of overdosing.

Micronutrient Powder (MNP) can be continued even if the child is sick. The child needs extra vitamins and minerals to recover from the illness, so it should be continued.

There is no need to stop other vitamins. The more vitamins consumed by a child, the better. Micronutrient Powder (MNP) is a nutrient supplement that contains many vitamins and minerals to support optimal growth and development in young children.

• Prevent micronutrient deficiencies specially anemia
• Improve the body's immune system
• Improve a child's appetite
• Improve a child's ability to learn and develop
• Makes a child clever, strong and active

Micronutrient Powder (MNP) contains a recommended daily allowance of 15 different vitamins and minerals: Vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, NIacin, Folate, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Selenium and Iodine.

60 sachets only for 6-11 months and 120 sachets only for 12-23 months.

One sachet of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) per child per day provides an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals for children.

It is recommended to give Micronutrient Powder (MNP) containing food to a child when the child eats most as per habit. It can be given any time during the day.

Infants and children aged 6-23 months should be given MNP per child per day.

Micronutrient deficiencies lead to various disorders like Iron Deficiency Anemia, Vitamin A Deficiency, and Iodine Deficiency Disorder; which lead to impaired motor development and growth, decreased immunity as well as adversely affect intellectual development and mental capacity. To prevent children from such disorders, it is very important to give MNP.

It was observed that the standard iron drops were not effective, as adherence to treatment remained poor. A simple, inexpensive and potentially viable new method to provide micronutrients was conceptualized. Responding to the challenge, micronutrient supplements (with different brand names) were developed. "Sprinkles" was the first brand developed by the "Sprinkles Global Health Initiative" at The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto.

Since Micronutrient Powder (MNP) contains essential Vitamins and Minerals important to improve a child's immunity, the child will be healthy. A healthy child will have a good and increased appetite for food. Continuous use of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) will improve a child's health and increase the appetite for food.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Family planning provides many benefits to mother, children, father, and the family.

Mother

• Enables her to regain her health after delivery.
• Gives enough time and opportunity to love and provide attention to her husband and children.
• Gives more time for her family and own personal advancement.
• When suffering from an illness, gives enough time for treatment and recovery.

Children

• Healthy mothers produce healthy children.
• Will get all the attention, security, love, and care they deserve.

Father

• Lightens the burden and responsibility in supporting his family.
• Enables him to give his children their basic needs (food, shelter, education, and better future).
• Gives him time for his family and own personal advancement.
• When suffering from an illness, gives enough time for treatment and recovery.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Family Planning (FP) is having the desired number of children and when you want to have them by using safe and effective modern methods. Proper birth spacing is having children 3 to 5 years apart, which is best for the health of the mother, her child, and the family.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Name of Office: NCDPC

Yes. Vasectomy has no effect on a man’s overall health and physical ability. After a rest period of 2 to 5, you can return to your regular activities.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. There is no evidence that vasectomy increases the risk of cardiovascular disease or immune system problems.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Clinical studies indicate that vasectomy does not cause prostate cancer or cancer of the testicles or any other long-term health problems.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Vasectomy and castration are not the same. Vasectomy is the cutting of the vas deferens while Castration is the surgical removal of the testes. Castration is done only on animals. When the testes are removed, it results in loss of masculinity because of the absence of male hormones (testosterone). Testosterone is produced in the testes. Vasectomy does not involve removal of the man’s testes.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. The body absorbs sperm that are not ejaculated. Sperm cannot accumulate in the scrotum nor cause the scrotum to burst or harm the body in any way.

Name of Office: NCDPC

Yes. If you are a member or a dependent, the procedure is covered by PhilHealth, subject to the provisions of its benefit package.

Name of Office: NCDPC

No. Vasectomy does not make a man less macho or make him effeminate. It does not interfere with any normal body function, nor cause other types of changes. After a vasectomy, a man will continue to produce male hormones.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Dental caries is treated by removing the decayed tissue and then placing a filling in the cavity to restore the tooth function.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

You can communicate with:

DR. MANUEL F. CALONGE

Chief Health Program Officer

National Oral Health Program Coordinator

National Center for Disease Prevention and Control

Department of Health

San Lazaro, Compound, Sta. Cruz

Manila, Philippines

Tel. Nos. 743-8301 loc 1726, 1728 or 732-9956(direct)

E-mail: mfcalonge@yahoo.com

Or you can communicate with the Centers for Health Development located in your Region.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

The combined ill effects of these two major diseases although not considered killer diseases (except oral cancer) weaken bodily defense and serve as portal of entry to other more serious, potentially dangerous and opportunistic infections overlapping other diseases present.  Serious conditions include arthritis, heart disease, endocarditis, gastro-intestinal diseases, and ocular-skin-renal diseases.

Aside from physical deformity, these two oral diseases may also cause disturbance of speech significant enough to affect work performance, nutrition, social interactions, income, and self-esteem.         

Poor oral health poses detrimental effects on school performance and mars success in later life. In fact, children who suffer from poor oral health are 12 times more likely to have restricted-activity days (USGAO 2000). In the Philippines, toothache is a common ailment among schoolchildren, and is the primary cause of absenteeism from school (Araojo 2003, 103-110). Indeed, dental and oral diseases create a silent epidemic, placing a heavy burden on Filipino schoolchildren.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

According to the 1998 National Monitoring and Epidemiological Dental Survey (NMEDS), about 92.4% of Filipinos have tooth decay (dental caries) and 78% have gum diseases (periodontal diseases). The dental caries experience of a 12 year old Filipinos in terms of the Average number of Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT is 4.48. This is high compared to the WHO standards of 3 DMFT and below for 212 year old individual.

The 2006 National Oral Health Survey (NOHS) revealed that 97.1% of six-year-old children suffer from tooth decay. More than four out of every five children of this subgroup manifested symptoms of dentinogenic infection. In addition, 78.4% of twelve-year-old children suffer from dental caries and 49.7% of the same age group manifested symptoms of dentinogenic infections. The severity of dental caries, expressed as the average number of decayed teeth indicated for filling/extraction or filled permanent teeth (DMFT) or temporary teeth (dmft), was 8.4 dmft for the six-year-old age group and 2.9 DMFT for the twelve-year-old age group (NOHS 2006).

Filipinos bear the burden of gum diseases early in their childhood. According to NOHS, 74% of twelve-year-old children suffer from gingivitis (NOHS 2006). If not treated early, these children become susceptible to irreversible periodontal disease as they enter adolescence and approach adulthood.

There are 30 drugs included in the P100 list with an additional special bonus package. The DOH is in process of expanding the list to cover common ailments and serve the Filipino people better.

90% Cheaper

Yes, it is the only drug package that is reimbursable by PHIC (PhilHealth Board Resolution No. 1214 s 2099 and 1831 s-2010) as take-home medicines for all PHIC members.

· A program headed by the Department of Health that aims to give Filipinos Drug Packages for 100 Pesos or less available in all DOH hospitals and select LGU Hospitals.

· The project allows sale of a list of prescription drugs that are packaged in complete treatment course for antibiotics, or for better compliance for maintenance drugs for diseases such as Hypertension, Diabetes and Asthma. Such secondary packaging was done based on existing clinical practice guidelines.

· The plan is to have the P100 as entry and initial outpatient benefit package for PHIC reimbursement.

Special Bonus packs are treatment packages  that exceed the one hundred pesos limit, but still are whom prices are still comparably cheaper by as much as 90% of the regular price of leading brands in the market.

P100 drug packages are sold in ALL DOH retained hospitals and selected LGU hospitals.

The previous process of identifying drugs and medicines to be included in the PNDF include a series of deliberation meetings and evaluations of the National Formulary Committee (NFC) which consists of member physicians and specialists from different fields of expertise with relevant years of experience and distinction in their respective fields.

Drugs not listed in the PNDF Volume I, needs a written request for exemption for procurement with corresponding justification addressed to the Head of the National Center for Pharmaceutical Access and Management (NCPAM) who may approve or disapprove the request.  (Refer to EO 49 “Directing the Mandatory Use of the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF) Volume I as the basis for Procurement of Drugs Products by the Government” and Administrative Order 163 s. 2002 “Implementing Guidelines and Procedures in the Procurement and Requisition of Drugs and Medicines by the Department of Health pursuant to Executive Order No. 49 dated January 21, 1993.

The Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF) is an integral component of the Philippine Medicines Policy which aims to make quality essential drugs available, accessible, efficacious, safe and affordable

The PNDF (Volume I) is the Essential Medicines List (EDL)for the Philippines prepared by the National Formulary Committee (NFC) in consultation with experts and specialists from organized professional medical societies, medical academe and the pharmaceutical industry.

List of essential medicines that are registered with Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The NFC committee has resigned on April 2009. 

An AO 2006-0018 Subject: Implementing Guidelines for the Philippine National Drug Formulary System (PNDFS) was created on May 08, 2006.  The DOH finds it necessary to revise the inputs, processes, and outputs of the PNDF, collectively referred to, thereafter, as the Philippine National Drug Formulary System (PNDFS)

There have been a Department Personnel Order (DPO) for the Creation of the Formulary Executive Council (FEC)for the Philippine National Drug Formulary System

As stated in the of the Republic Act No. 9502 or the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations Rule No. 36, “All government agencies, including local government units, shall procure drugs and medicines within the Philippine National Drug Formulary (PNDF) current edition in accordance with Republic Act 9184 and any other pertinent procurement reforms”.

Also, pursuant to Executive Order No. 49 of 1993 states that, “all government entities concerned are mandated to use the current PNDF (Volume I) as the basis for procurement of drug products”.tial medicines that are registered with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Name of Office: POPCOM

1. Pre-Marriage Counseling’s a half day orientation program for couples applying for marriage license.  It is designed to provide pre-marriage couples with a realistic view of what marriage is all about.

2. Presently, the centerpiece of the RP-FP Program is the Responsible Parenting Movement (RPM).  The Responsible Parenting Movement is a program to organize and activate a group of parents who would want to take on responsible parenting as a way of life.  This idea is brought down to where it really matters – the more than 42,000 barangays nationwide.  These groups of parents are organized through an 8-hour seminar (called “classes”) at the community level.  They are called as such because the participants who are parents will undergo an orientation on concepts and values of responsible parenting and how to achieve them.  These groups of parents are the critical mass that will evolve into a movement.

The RPM is now on its Phase II.  The aim of the Responsible Parenting Movement Phase II is to socially and economically empower the couple for them to carry out their plans and aspirations for their families.

The RPM Phase II is piloted in the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal in Region IV and in Marikina City in the National Capital Region (NCR).

3. On the Adolescent Health and Development component, the LEARNING PACKAGE FOR PARENT EDUCATION ON ADOLESCENT HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT (LPPED) was developed to equip parents with the necessary knowledge on adolescent sexual and reproductive health concerns as well as skills on how to communicate these concerns to their adolescent children.

The LPPED complements the training package for the youth and adolescent which is called “Sexually Healthy and Personally Effective Adolescent” or SHAPE.

4. On the Population and Development (POPDEV) Integration Program, the “Sourcebook on Designing and Implementing PHE Integrative Initiatives”   was developed to highlight the population, health, and environmental (PHE) concerns which are among the crucial development issues that have to be addressed as we are now beginning to feel the interlink of these three concerns and their impact on our lives.

5. On Gender and Development, the MAGNA CARTA OF WOMEN mandates all government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units to adopt GENDER MAINSTREAMING as a strategy for implementing the law and attaining its objectives.  In this area, the PPMP is adopting the Men’s Responsibility on Gender and Development or MR GAD, which emphasizes the participation of males in the Gender and Development issues.  This is necessary because the male is the other half of the couple and without the participation of both partners, GAD issues cannot be easily resolved.

Name of Office: POPCOM

The Responsible Parenthood Program is firmly anchored in the 1987 Constitution, especially in Article XV, Section 3.1 and Article II, Section 12.

Article XV, Section 3.1 says that “The State shall defend the right of the spouses to found a family in accordance with their religious convictions and the demands of responsible parenthood.”

Article II, Section 12 also says that “The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution.  It shall protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception.  The natural and primary duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.”

Name of Office: POPCOM

As its contribution to the social and economic growth of the country, the population program aims to lower the population growth rate (PGR) from the present 2.04 (2007 Census) to 1.48 by 2015 and the total fertility rate (TFR) from 3.3 (2008 NDHS) to 2.4 by 2015.  This TFR is based on the desired number of children as expressed by Filipino women based on the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey.

These objectives can be attained if the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) will increase from 50.7% in 2008 to 63% in 2015.

These targets, if achieved, will open a window of opportunity or a “breathing space,” which the country can exploit to recover and regain its balance to attain its development goals.

Name of Office: POPCOM

The objectives of the PPMP are:

• Help couples/parents exercise responsible parenting to achieve the desired number, timing, and spacing of children and to contribute in improving maternal, neonatal and child health, and nutrition (MNCHN) status;
• Help adolescents and youth avoid pre-marital sex, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, sexuality transmitted infections and other psycho-social concerns; and
• Contribute to policies, plans and programs that will assist government to attain population growth and distribution consistent with economic activities and sustainable development.

Name of Office: POPCOM

1. The central idea of the program is responsible parenthood.  It is oriented towards the overall improvement of family well-being; it is not concerned with just fertility reduction.  It views family welfare, including that of the individual welfare, as the central objective of the national development program.  Thus, the program promotes family development and responsible parenting. It believes that parenting and raising a family is a shared responsibility of the husband and the wife.

2. The program is non-coercive.  It respects the rights of couples to determine the size of their family and choose voluntarily the means to do so in accordance with their moral convictions and religious beliefs, and cultural mores and norms.  It believes in informed choice.

3. The program rejects abortion as a means to control fertility.  Abortion is illegal and the program will never consider it as a family planning method.

4. The program promotes self-reliance and multi-sectoral participation.  It gives priority to projects that are self-sustaining and with community participation.  It encourages coordinative and participative approaches through the participation of Local Government Units and Non-Government Organizations and other critical stakeholders.

5. The program adheres to gender equality and equity which is non-discriminatory in all political, social, and economic development concerns.

Name of Office: POPCOM

To attain its objectives, the following are the strategies of the Program:

• Work for universal access (accessibility, availability, and affordability) of all medically, ethically, and legally approved family planning methods and services to help couples/parents plan their families;
• Promotion of male participation/involvement in Responsible Parenting and Family Planning (RP-FP) within the context of gender equality and equity;
• Continue to utilize community organization and participatory strategies (Responsible Parenting Movement, community-based volunteers) to sustain/broaden acceptance of responsible parenting as a social norm;
• Provide age-appropriate and values-laden human sexuality education for the youth thru the formal and non-formal educational systems and equip/educate parents with appropriate skills and information on adolescent health and human sexuality concerns;
• Intensify/sustain communication, education, and advocacy campaign for population management and RP/FP programs by broadening alliances and strengthening networks with Program stakeholders; LGUs, NGOs, business community, academe, media and faith-based organizations, among others;
• Conduct scientific population and related researches/studies and strengthen data & information management for policy, plan, and program development; and • Advocate for increased investment on the population management program by the national government and LGUs through legislative agenda and budgetary support.

Name of Office: POPCOM

POPCOM defines Family Planning as a program that enables parents to deliberately and responsibly decide the number and spacing of their children, by avoiding for the time being, or even for an indefinite period, a birth.  It is not a prognosis imposed on the parents but an expression of responsible parenting based on informed choices and decisions of couples to achieve their desired family size based on their social and economic capacity.

Name of Office: POPCOM

Responsible Parenthood, as defined in the Directional Plan of POPCOM, is the will and ability of parents to respond to the needs and aspirations of the family and children.  It is a shared responsibility of the husband and the wife to determine and achieve the desired number, spacing, and timing of their children according to their own family life aspirations, taking into account psychological preparedness, health status, socio-cultural, and economic concerns.

Name of Office: POPCOM

The legal basis of the Philippine Population Program is Republic Act 6365, otherwise known as the “Population Act of 1971.”  It created the Commission on Population (POPCOM).  It was amended in 1972 by Presidential Decree No. 79.

As mentioned in PD 79, the tandem of Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning is the basic program of the Philippine Population Program (PPP).  The PPP was later renamed the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP).

Name of Office: POPCOM

Population must be recognized as a principal element in long-range planning, it the government is to achieve its economic goals and fulfill the aspirations of its people.

Name of Office: COBAC

Yes. The SSRS Certificate issued by the COBAC so long as it is valid, should be accepted as submission in lieu of the eligibility documents. This was provided for in Administrative Order No. 138 s. 2004.

Name of Office: COBAC

The bidder has the option to submit his NFCC, a credit line certificate, or a cash deposit certificate as part of his eligibility documents. But if he opts to present his NFCC and his NFCC is found to be incomplete during the eligibility check, he cannot subsequently substitue the same with a credit line certificate or cash deposit certificate to qualify.

Name of Office: COBAC

The amount of bid security shall be based on the ABC and not on the bid price. In case when a certain package contains numerous items and ABC for specific lot(s)/item(s) is determined, the bid security shall be computed based on the ABC of the lot(s)/item(s) they are bidding for.

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

The plan (PIPH & AOP) developed by the province & recommended by LICT must be appraised by the CHD and must be reviewed by DOH Joint Appraisal Committee (JAC). JAC will recommend the appraised  plan for finalization and approval by the Provincial Governor & the DOH (Secretary/CHD Director).

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

Annual Operational Plan is the yearly implementation of the PIPH which contains all the PPAs to be implemented within the year, annual targets, time frame, resource requirements and sources of funding.

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

PIPH is a medium term development plan that serves as the key instrument in building the DOH-LGU partnership, in collaboration with international development partners and other local stakeholders, to attain the health sector reform goals. PIPH translates national health goals (NOH, MTPDP & MDGs) into specific concrete actions (PPAs) at the local levels.

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

All eighty (80) provinces nationwide have an approved JAC recommended PIPH.

The PIPH of F16 provinces will end in December of this year (2010).  2010 AOP is the 3^rd AOP of F15 provinces; 2^nd AOP of ARMM and F44 provinces.

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

The legal basis of LGU & DOH to implement a PIPH is the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) entered by the LGU represented by the Provincial Governor and the DOH represented by the Secretary of Health. It is guided by DOH Administrative Order No. 2007-0034 that sets the policy and operational framework for PIPH development. 

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

The legal basis of LGU to implement an AOP is the Service Level Agreement (SLA) signed by the Provincial Governor representing the LGU and the CHD Director representing the DOH.

SLA states the roles and responsibilities of both parties, the agreed funds support from DOH & ODA partners in the form of tranches (Fixed & Variable), the cash transfers & commodities from DOH and the counterparts of the LGU (the province & its component municipalities).

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

Serves as vehicle for implementing and consolidating support for health reforms to achieve health sector goals of better health outcomes, more responsive health system, and equitable health care financing through DOH-LGU partnership representing all interests, activities, investments of stakeholders for health in a Province-Wide Health System (PWHS).

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

FOURmula One for health is the reform strategy in PIPH; it utilizes four reform pillars namely; Service Delivery, Health Care Financing, Health Regulation and Governance.

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

The timeframe for PIPH implementation is five years; 2006 to 2010 for the 16 pilot convergence provinces (F16); followed by 15 roll-out provinces (F15) and ARMM provinces (2008 to 2012) and finally the 44 rollout provinces (F44) from 2009 to 2013.

The timelines for the attainment of NOH & MTPDP goals is 2010 and for the attainment of MDGs is 2015.

Name of Office: BLHD, DOH

DOH use LGU scorecard to monitor the implementation of PIPH. Performance in the agreed indicators in the SLA is Green or Excellent for LGU who met their 2010 targets, yellow or good rating if performance is below 2010 target but equal or higher than 2006 baseline average, and red or poor performance if below the 2006 baseline.

DOH encourages the provinces to go for Green or excellent performance by providing performance base grants (variable tranche) for performing provinces.

Name of Office: BLHD

PHTL serves as the supervisor to the DOH Representatives in the province.  He ensures that the roles and functions of the CHD in his/her capacity as team leader, are being implemented in his/er assigned provinces, as follows:

1. planner
2. advocate
3. technical assistance provider
   • hospital development
   • formation of functional units on surveillance, outbreak, emergency and disaster response
4. resource mobilizer
5. evaluation
6. inter-agency and inter-sectoral collaborator

Name of Office: BLHD

PHTL is the Provincial DOH Representative or the DOH Team Leader in the province who serves as the supervisor to the DOH Representatives in the province.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

A: Typical fraudulent health claims will use the following promotional techniques to fool their customers:

• The product is advertised as a quick and effective cure-all for a wide range of illness.
• Certain key words like "scientific breakthrough, miracle cure, all natural without side-effects or ancient remedy" are used.
• The promote claims that medical professionals and scientists have conspired to suppress the product.
• Adverts contain undocumented, anecdotal cases, but with amazing results. No science involved.
• These products sell falls hope for extreme physical attractiveness and shortcuts to weight loss. They will never emphasize the value of healthy lifestyles, like avoiding smoking, excess drinking of alcohol, eating appropriately, adequate rest and sleep, and regular exercise.
• Remember that legitimate health supplement products will never carry claims for quick cures; claims such as cancer prevention, good for arthritis, good for diabetes or good for hypertension, should be high suspect.
• The product is advertised as available from only one source.
• There is a money-back guarantee promise.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

A: Some dietary supplements have documented benefits; the advantages of others are unproven and claims about those products may be false or misleading.

• For example, claims that you can eat all you want to lose weight effortlessly just by taking their products are not true.
• One other example is those body building products that can tone you up effortlessly or build muscle mass without exercise.
• Other questionable claims involve those products advertised as effective in curing insomnia, reversing hair loss, relieving stress, curing impotency, improving memory or eye sight, and slowing the aging process.
• In addition to lacking documented effectiveness, some dietary supplements may be harmful under some conditions of use.
• A label of "Natural" is no guarantee of a product's safety or effectiveness.
• Consumers must read product labels and consult health professionals before taking dietary supplements (especially for children, adolescents, the elderly or chronically ill persons, and pregnant or breast-feeding women) Oftentimes, these products are imported without the necessary papers and there are claims that they are US FDA approved or Japan FDA approved. The US FDA does not regulate health supplements like these. Endorsements frequently come from foreign-authoritatively looking individuals.

Name of Office: Food & Drug Administration

A: Requirements to avail of the 20% discount in the purchase of medicines for personal use are:

• Present the national identification (ID) card and your purchase slip booklet duly approved by the OSCA chairman.
• Doctor's prescription pad should have the following information:

1. Patient name, age, address, and date
2. Generic name of the medicine prescribed
3. Name and address of the doctor; his PTR number and S2 license (if prohibited and regulated drug)

• Those who cannot afford the consultation fee of a private doctor can consult at their nearest health center or government hospital and get a prescription free of charge.
• Any single dispensing should not be more than one week's supply. However, when drugs are for chronic conditions requiring continuous use for more than a month, such as hypertension, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, TB, cancer, psychosis, a maximum of one month's supply may be dispensed at a time.
• The following should be recorded in a special record Book for Senior Citizens Discount provided under RA 7432:

1. Name
2. Address
3. National ID number of Senior Citizen
4. Generic Name of the drug/medicine
5. Number of units dispensed

To provide access to free Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) infusion initially for patients with Type 1 and 3Gaucher’s Disease and to ensure compliance to treatment and management protocol of the identified patient beneficiaries through the Patient Navigation Program.

DOH is embarking on a program that will provide health care access to patients with rare disease through the Rare Disease Medicines Access Program. Filipino patients born with rare diseases are “orphaned” by society. They suffer from social abandonment because of lack of existing network of support to aid them. Medical help is elusive under the conditions of the country’s health priority. The nature of their illness is hardly known due to lack of information and only a few medical professionals in the country are aware of these disorders and know how to diagnose and address these conditions.

Initial target beneficiaries are children with Types 1 and 3 Gaucher Disease referred by the (Institute of Human Genetics) IHG who qualify based on a standard screening process. Patients shall undergo treatment and management and have their regular Enzyme Replacement Therapy infusion.

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

Yes

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

No payment is needed. Only admission kit which includes uniform.

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

Minimum of 8 months.

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

To get a court order, seek assistance to the local government or anti-drug abuse council.

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

Treatment and Rehabilitation Center

Camp Bagong Diwa
Bicutan, Taguig City

Tel#: 379-5553;838-0261, 837-6540, 838-0093

Email: dohtrcbicutan@yahoo.com

Website: http://dohtrc-bicutan.weebly.com/

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

You can contact those in charge which are the psychologists and social workers

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

The therapeutic community modality is more on the four aspects which is the bio, psycho social and spiritual

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

The necessary requirements are Chest X-ray results and court order. If person is above 35 years old, the ECG result is also needed.

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

During weekdays, only toiletries are allowed while on weekends, food is allowed on the center

Name of Office: TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTER

Yes, after two months of client rehabilitation including requirement of petitioner’s attendance in seminar.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

1.  The Right to Life

This means, among other things, that no woman’s life should be put at risk by reason of pregnancy, gender or lack of access to health information and services. This also includes the right to be safe and satisfying sex life.

2.  The Right to Liberty and Security of the Person

This recognizes that no woman should be subjected to forced pregnancy, forced sterilization or forced abortion.

3.  The Right to Equality, and to be free from all Forms of Discrimination

This includes, among other things, freedom from discrimination because of one’s sexuality and reproductive life choices.

4.  The Right to Privacy

This means that all sexual and reproductive health care services should be confidential in terms of physical set-up, information given or shared by the clients, and access to records or reports.

5.  The Right to Freedom of Thought

This means that all sexual and reproductive health care services should be confidential in terms of physical set-up, information given or shared by the clients, and access to records or reports.

6.  The Right to Information and Education

This includes access to full information on the benefits, risks and effectiveness of all methods of fertility regulation, in order that all decisions taken are made on the basis of full, free and informed consent.

7.  The Right to Choose Whether or Not to Marry and to Found and Plan a Family

This includes the right of persons to protection against a requirement to marry without his/her consent. It also includes the right of individuals to choose to remain single without discrimination and coercion.

8.   The Right to Decide Whether or When to Have Children

This includes the right of persons to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have access to related information and education.

9.   The Right to Health Care and Health Protection

This includes the right of clients to the highest possible quality of health care, and the right to be free from harmful traditional health practices.

10.  The Right to the Benefits of Scientific Progress

This includes the right of sexual and reproductive health service of clients to avail of the new reproductive health technologies that are safe, effective, and acceptable.

11.  The Right to Freedom of Assembly and Political Participation

This includes the right of all persons to seek to influence communities and governments to prioritize sexual and reproductive health and rights.

12.  The Right to be Free From Torture and Ill-Treatment

This includes the rights of all women, men and young people to protection from violence, sexual exploitation and abuse.

13.  The Right to Development

This includes the right of all individuals to access development opportunities and benefits, especially in decision-making processes that affect his/her life.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Reproductive Health Care, according to the DOH, includes:

● Family Planning Services, counseling and information

● Prenatal, postnatal and delivery care

● Nutrition and health care for infants and children

● Treatment for reproductive tract infections & STDs

● Management of abortion-related complications

● Prevention and appropriate treatment for infertility

● IEC on human sexuality, reproductive health, responsible parenthood

● Male involvement

● Adolescent reproductive health

● Management and treatment of reproductive cancers

● Services to victim/survivors of Violence Against Women

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Reproductive Health is a condition in which the reproductive functions and processes are accomplished in a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

● Reproductive rights embrace certain human rights that are already recognized in national laws, international laws and international human rights documents and other consensus documents.

● Recognition of the basic rights of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and the means to do so.

● Right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health.

● It also includes their right to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence, as expressed in human rights documents.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

● Healthy sexual development

● Equitable and responsible relationships and sexual fulfillment, and

● Freedom from illness, disease, disability, violence and other harmful practices related to sexuality.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

● Decide freely and responsibly on all aspects of their sexuality, including protecting and promoting their sexual and reproductive health.

● Be free from discrimination, coercion or violence in her sexual lives and in all sexual decisions; and

● Expect and demand equality, full consent, mutual respect and shared responsibility in sexual relationships

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Sexuality: Encompasses personal and social meanings as well as sexual behavior and biology. It includes ways our bodies develop and respond sexually, includes sexual acts: kissing, touching, intercourse, includes feelings about these activities and responses. Also includes what we think is right and wrong, good or bad. Includes life experiences that have shaped these feelings and values.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

● The reality shows that health providers, with all their technical knowledge and skills, are not necessarily equipped with a gender perspective or with an integrated approach to reproductive health services.

● RH being intensely personal and requiring a high degree of privacy as well as associated with strongly held beliefs and the subject of social, religious, ethical, political and legal structures, need services that recognize these factors.

● RH is also significantly affected by behaviors of sexual partners that bear directly on an individual’s choices, health status and treatment outcomes.

● Although training resources are available to help providers in the delivery of reproductive health services, most of these resources are technical in nature and often do not include the social context.

● There is a need for health providers to address the different areas of reproductive health care in a more integrative manner, taking into consideration what the elements have in common and the linkages among them.

● Service providers need to view and approach the clients’ reproductive health need in a holistic manner, thus requiring the health provider to be technically adept as well as gender-sensitive, client-oriented, interactive and empowering.

● Clients normally seek RH service for one presenting symptom/complaint such as one aspect of maternal and child health services (pre-natal and post-natal care, immunization, nutrition) or family planning, delayed menstruation, painful urination or post-abortion care.

● Health providers tend to focus on the presented need or problems expressed during a client visit. Although they may be aware that such particular need presented by the client may have come from other needs or concerns that contribute to their primary problem, they may fail to identify underlying and other important related needs and problems.

● This results to missed opportunities of addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) related and other important issues that clients fail or may be constrained to express due to fear, shame or lack of knowledge.

● Thus, opportunities for health education and addressing potentially life threatening consequences of unmet SRH problems such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), violence and high-risk pregnancies are neglected.

· A qualified applicant may apply directly to the CHD and submit their application requirements for review.

· Qualified applicants who have complete documents will be scheduled for interview in the CHD.

a. Licensed midwife.

b. Bonafide Filipino citizen.

c. Physically and mentally fit.

d. Certified to be of good moral character.

e. Willing to work in depressed and hard to reach areas for two (2) years.

f. Interested in community health.

g. Not more than 50 years old.

The Center for Health Development (CHDs), through the Human Resource Development Unit (HRDU) shall submit to the HHRDB a list of areas qualified to be recipients of Rural Health Midwives. This shall be supported with the written request in the form of a resolution passed by the Local Health Board and the Sanguniang Bayan approved by the Local Chief Executive.

The DOH-HHRDB, in partnership with the CHDs and Local Government Units (LGUs) have hired 175 Rural Health Midwives for 2010-2012 serving the identified priority areas, in coordination with the DSWD CCT areas.

There are 27 scholars under the Midwifery Scholarship Program of the Philippines (MSPP) who were deployed to DOH identified priority areas for “Return Service).

•  Interested applicants should submit the following application requirements to Centers for Health Development (CHDs) in their respective regions

              a. Application letter addressed to:

                        Dr. Kenneth G. Ronquillo, MD, MPHM, CESO III

                        Director IV, HHRDB

             b. Curriculum Vitae

            c. Photocopy of valid PRC license

            d. Original NBI clearance

            e. Letter of application that includes applicant’s preference area of assignment based on the list of areas for assignment

• Applications will undergo a standard documents review and applicants will be asked to appear in person for  an interview. Venues and schedules of interviews will be announced
• Successful applicants should submit the following documentary requirements to CHD/HHRDB:

             a. Personal Data Sheet (PDS)

             b. Position Description Form (PDF)

            c. Photocopy of PRC Board Rating and PRC ID

            d. Notarized Statement of Assets and Liabilities

            e. Original NBI Clearance

            f. Medical Certificate

            g. Transcript of Records (TOR)

            h. Diploma

            i. Oath of Office

• Additional requirements for hired RHMs:

           a. PhilHealth forms (M1a, M2 – whichever is applicable)

           b. BIR Forms (1902, 2305, 1905 – whichever is applicable)

           c. Pag-ibig Forms (FPF 020, FPF 400, FPF 110 – whichever is applicable)

          d. GSIS Form (MIS-05-02)

          e. Application for DOH ID Issuance: for request of DOH)

          f. Land Bank Savings Account No. through ATM

         g. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

Successful applicants /hired RHMs will be deployed to DOH identified priority area for a period of two (2) years.

The Rural Health Team Placement Program (RHTPP) recruits allied health professionals to complement the existing workforce of the Rural Health Units (RHUs) and allows them to work as team. The Rural Health Midwives deployed under the Rural Health Team Placement Program (RHTPP), specifically, aims to ensure safe motherhood and newborn care, with the objectives of reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The RHMs deployed to serve poor performing and hard-to-reach communities work hand in hand with different healthcare professionals under RHTPP such as dentists, nutritionists, medical technologists and other healthcare professional to improve the holistic health of each and every Filipino in the country.

The RHM shall receive the following:

a. Receive a salary equivalent of salary grade 11 (P 17,099.00).

b. Representation allowance.

c. Magna Carta for Health Workers.

d. Continuing Professional Education.

The Department of Health Executive Committee approved the DOH Resolution No. 112-232 series 2007 to implement/ adopt both the Deployment Program and the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) Scholarship Program on February 11, 2008.

You may contact the MSPP secretariat at 743-1776 or visit the Department of Health- HHRDB,

2^nd Floor, Bldg 12-A, San Lazaro Compound

Sta. Cruz, Manila

Contact Persons:

Dr. Josephine H. Hipolito

Ms. Winselle Joy C. Manalo

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

The CIPH process challenges the city-wide health system, wherein the City Health Officer has effective control, to develop public investment plans in health covering the utilization, mobilization, and rationalization of the cities’ relatively abundant resources, more extensive capabilities and stronger institutions to attain health sector goals of the city.  In developing PIPH, which is province-wide in scope, a lot of effort is needed to coordinate the Provincial Health Office and all the Municipal Health offices of a province.

In terms of focus and scope, the CIPH includes the identification of health-enhancing activities and partnership with non-health sectors whose concerns impinge on health, and application of interventions on urban poor populations particularly those living in slum communities.  This is in line with the DOH approach on UHSD that emphasizes the management of social determinants.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

The proportion of urban population in the Philippines has been increasing over the last two decades, i.e.,

Year              Urban Population     Proportion of Urban

1990               28,530,506                       47 %

2000               44,530,000                       59%

2010               63,684,791                       65%

Total Phil. population: 97,976,603 (July 2010) 

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

The CIPH is translated to operational terms through the formulation of Annual Operational Plans (AOPs), which provide a mechanism for the adjustment of LGU and CHD/DOH actions.  The yearly translation of the approved CIPH also includes supplemental plans (Training Plan, Procurement Plan, and Rationalization Plan).

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

There are 122 cities in the Philippines as of August 28, 2010. Thirty-eight cities are independent: 33 are classified as "highly urbanized" and 5 as "independent component;" the rest are component cities of the provinces in which they are geographically located.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

Social determinants of health are those critical characteristics of societies and communities in which people live that have an impact on their health.  These include the level of education, water and sanitation, housing, employment, food production, among others.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

The components of the Urban Health System Development are

•  Programs/Strategies

1. Healthy Cities Initiative (HCI).
2. Environmentally Sustainable and Healthy Urban Transport (ESHUT).
3. Reaching Every Depressed (RED) Barangay.

• B.Planning Tools and Framework

1. Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART).
2. City-Wide Investment Planning for Health (CIPH).

• Capacity Building

1.  Short Course on Urban Health Equity (SCUHE).

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

The key components of Urban HEART are:

1. Intersectoral Technical Working Group (TWG)
2. Data Collection
3. Data Assessment
4. Response

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

It implies that ideally, everyone could attain their full health potential and that no one should be disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of their social position or other socially determined circumstance.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

City-wide Investment Planning for Health (CIPH) is a tool that provides a framework for the development of a medium-term public investment plan in health for cities. It is undertaken by the City Health Office particularly of Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) in coordination with other local health partners and key stakeholders.  It serves as a guide for LGU action and DOH support to the LGU.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

Healthy Cities Initiative (HCI) is an approach that continually creates and improves physical and social environments to address social determinants of health and improve health of urban dwellers.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

Reaching Every Depressed (RED) Barangay is a strategy that targets depressed communities in the delivery of special health services in order to reach the vulnerable groups and hidden slums.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

Short Course on Urban Health Equity (SCUHE) is a 6-month course that aims to improve the knowledge, practice and skills of health practitioners, policy and decision-makers at the national, regional and city levels to identify and address urban  health inequities and challenges, particularly in relation to social determinants of health.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART) is a tool that measures performance in poor or vulnerable populations across health and socio-cultural indicators.  It is used in situational assessment and monitoring for planning purposes in cities, in tandem with the LGU Scorecard.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

A city with: (1) a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants, as certified by the National Statistics Office; and (2) the latest annual income of at least 50 million pesos based on 1991 constant prices, as certified by the city treasurer.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

Any initiative that pertains to the development or enhancement of existing projects to improve the policy, design and practice of an urban transport system (e.g., decreasing air and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emission from motor vehicles, pedestrian footpaths, bicycle lane) and lead to improvement of health and safety of urban population.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

Any initiative that pertains to the development or enhancement of existing projects to improve the policy, design and practice of an urban transport system (e.g., decreasing air and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emission from motor vehicles, pedestrian footpaths, bicycle lane) and lead to improvement of health and safety of urban population.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

Healthy urbanization is the desired direction of urban health systems development that aims to protect and promote public health rather than threaten or erode health of individuals and communities in urban areas.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

The Urban Health Systems Development framework specifies the DOH approach to urban health systems by putting emphasis on the management of social determinants of health in urban settings with focused application on urban poor populations particularly those living in slum communities/settlements in order to reduce health inequities.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

The CIPH usually covers a period of 3-5 years.

Name of Office: BUREAU OF LOCAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (BLHD)

The following are the target participants of SCUHE:

1. City Health Officer
2. City Health Office Technical Staff
3. City Planning and Development Officer
4. City Social Welfare/Budget/Urban Development
5. Technical staff of government agencies

The DOH has concluded negotiations and discussions with Novartis Phils. Having entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated May 28, 2009. Under the MOU, Novartis will grant non-exclusive right to DOH market, promote and sell the Valsartan Products under the mark “DOH Valsartan” in all DOH Hospitals and some Local Government Units (LGUs) pharmacies.

Valsartan provides blood pressure (BP) reductions that lasts a full 24-hours, greater with increasing baseline systolic BP and across diverse patient types and it is available at strengths of Valsartan 80mg and Valsartan 160mg film-coated tablets.

This anti-hypertensive drug is still under patent until 2014 and has offered 50-60% cheaper compared to the prevailing market price.

Thirty (30) DOH Retained Hospitals and two (2) Provincial Health Offices (PHOs) participated in the first initial orders of Valsartan 80mg and 160mg film-coated tablets.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

Violence Against Women is any act of gender-based violence that results or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women including threats or such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty whether occurring in public or private life. Gender-based violence is any violence inflicted on women because of their sex.

VAW in the family or domestic violence is “violence that occurs within the private sphere, generally between individuals who are related through intimacy, blood or law.” It may take the form of physical violence (hitting with the fist, slapping, kicking different parts of the body, stabbing with a knife, etc) or psychological and emotional violence (intimidation, harassment, stalking, damage to property, public ridicule or humiliation, repeated verbal abuse, marital infidelity, etc.) or sexual violence (rape, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness, treating a woman or child as a sex object, making demeaning and sexually suggestive remarks, physically attacking the sexual parts of the victim’s body, forcing him/her to watch obscene publications and indecent shows or forcing the woman or her child to do indecent acts and/or make films thereof, forcing the wife and mistress/lover to live in the conjugal home or sleep together in the same room with the abuser, etc) or economic abuse (withdrawal of financial support or preventing the victim from engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation, business or activity, deprivation or threat of deprivation of financial resources and the right to use and enjoyment of the conjugal, community or property owned in common, destroying household property; and controlling the victim’s own money or properties or solely controlling the conjugal money or properties.

VAW in the community often takes one or more of the following forms: physical violence such as physical chastisement, trafficking for both the sex industry and the service industry, forced prostitution, battering by employers and murder; sexual violence such as rape, sexual harassment and sexual intimidation, and psychological violence such as intimidation, sanction or isolation by community/cultural norms based on attitudes of gender discrimination.

State Violence Against Women consists of political violence such as tolerance of gender-based violence, trafficking, domestic violence, sexual abuse, forced pregnancy and forced sterilization, custodial violence such as military and police rape, torture, and suppression of the political acts of the women’s movement, abuse of women in refugee and relocation camps and in prisons; and institutional violence such as enforcement of discriminatory laws and regulations, policies and programs such as abortion policies, reproduction policies and matrilineal laws.

Name of Office: FHO, NCDPC

● Cultural beliefs and traditions have conditioned people to think that men and women have different roles – that men are the leaders, pursuers, providers and take on dominant roles in society, while women and nurturers, men’s companions and supporters, and take on subordinate roles in society. This perception results in men having more social privileges than women, thus gaining for men the power over women. With power comes the need to control to retain that power. And VAW is the expression of men’s need to control women.

● Many instances of VAW have been dismissed as having been caused by the women themselves. Domestic violence is sometimes blamed on a “nagging” or “neglectful” wife. Rape is sometimes attributed to a raped woman’s “flirtatious” ways.

● Some instances of VAW have been dismissed as trivial, such as woman accusing her employer of sexual harassment is believed to have an active and malicious mind which causes her to misinterpret her employer’s appreciation of her good looks.

● There are still outdated laws that reinforce the cultural belief that men, having the dominant role in society, should have more privileges than women. Articles 333 and 334 of the Revised Penal Code penalize a wife who commits adultery, but not a husband who commits the same adulterous act of having sexual relations with a woman who is not his wife. A husband may only be penalized for concubinage, or when he keeps a mistress in a conjugal dwelling or when he has sexual intercourse with a woman who is not his wife, under scandalous circumstances.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

No. Blood collected for transfusion  in this country is given by altruistic volunteer blood donors.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

To ensure the safest possible blood supply, all donors must be all the screening questions at each donation. The DOH requires blood centers conform to this practice.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

No. There is no risk of contracting  AIDS or any other disease through the donation process. Each collection kit is sterile, pre-packaged and used only once.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Yes, if your blood pressure is under control and within the limits set in the donation guidelines.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Of course! Routine work is absolutely fine after the initial rest. Rigorous physical  work should be avoided for a few hours.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Yes. The body contains 10 to 12 pints (5 to 6 liters) of blood. Your whole blood donation approximately one pint or equivalent to 450 to 500 milliliters.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

No. Each unit of whole blood normally is separated into several components. Red blood cells may be stored under refrigeration for a maximum of 42 days depending on the anti-coagulant-preservative or additive used in the blood bag, or they may be frozen for up to 10 years.Red cells carry oxygen and are used to treat anemia. Platelets are important in the control of bleeding and are generally used in patients with leukemia and other forms of cancer. Platelets are stored at room temeperature and may be kept  for a maximum of five days. Fresh frozen plasma, used to control bleeding due to low levels of some clotting factors, is made from fresh plasma and may be stored frozen up to one year. Granulocytes are sometimes are used to fight infections, although their efficacy is not well established. They must be transfused within 24 hours of donation.

Other products manufactured from blood include albumin, immune globulin, specific immune globulins, and clotting factor concentrates.Commercial manufacturers commonly produce these blood products.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Yes. The donor needs rest, preferably lying down, so that the amount of blood that has been donated soon gets poured into the circulation from the body pools in a natural way. The donor should take it easy for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Absolutely not, rather a donor after having given blood voluntarily gets a feeling of great pleasure, peace and bliss. Soon, within a period of 24 to 48 hours, the same amount of new blood gets formed in the body, which helps the donor in many ways. His own body resistance improves, the circulation improves, and he himself feels healthier than before.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Blood supplies can vary depending on the region and time of year. As donor qualifications continue to become stricter and as the donor population ages, our nation is at risk of a low blood supply. If you are eligible, your blood donations are needed.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Donors may be deferred from donating due to a low hematocrit (iron) level. This restriction is for the safety of the donor and ensures  that after donation, the donor's hematocrit level will still be within the normal range for a health adult. Since hematocrit levels can fluctuate daily, a deferral for a low hematocrit level does not mean a donor is anemic. A donor may help increase his or her hematocrit levels by eating foods high in iron such as red meat, dark green vegetables and raisins or by taking a multivitamin that contains iron.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Most blood donations are processed and available for use within 48 hours. The reason for this is because each blood samples collected from donors will have to be tested for 4 markers of infectious diseases (HIV 1/2, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis and Malaria) Blood grouping and Rh typing will also have to be determined to complete the testing.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

The actual donation takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The entire donation process, from registration to post-donation refreshments, takes about one hour.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

For a whole blood donation, approximately one pint (which weighs about one pound) is collected. This is also equivalent to about 450 to 500 milliliters. For a platelet donation, the amount collected depends on your height, weight and platelet count if collected through Apheresis or about 50 to 70 milliliters for random donor platelet concentrate.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Not long at all. The volume of fluids will adjust within a few hours of your donation. The red blood cells will be replaced within a few weeks.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

The minimum interval between 2 donations is 12 weeks (3 months). This interval allows our body Val allows our body to restore it iron stock. Platelet (aphaeresis) donors may donate more frequently than - as often as once every two weeks and up to 24 times per year. This is because the body replenishes platelets and plasma more quickly than red cells. Platelets will return to normal levels.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Most people feel great after giving blood. If you feel any abnormal symptoms, let a staff member at the blood center or blood drive know. You should avoid lifting heavy objector strenuous exercise for the next 24 hours; otherwise you can resume full activity as long as you feel well.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

In order to donate, blood centers require that you be in generally good health (symptom-free) and recommend that you are feeling well.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Yes. There is no waiting period to donate after receiving a flu shot.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

If your deferral is of a premature nature, you will be informed. Otherwise, the deferral time depends upon the reason for deferral. Prior to each donation, you will be given a mini-physical and medical interview. At that time, it will be determined if you are eligible to donate blood on that particular day.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

There are three types of blood donors:

     1.   PROFESSIONAL/PAID DONORS

They sell their blood, which is of very poor quality and can transmit very dangerous diseases to the recipient. It is illegal to take blood from any professional or paid donor.

     2.   REPLACEMENT DONATION

Healthy relatives and friends of the patient give their blood, of any group, to the blood bank. In exchange, the required number of units in the required blood group is given.

     3.   VOLUNTARY  DONATION

Here, a donor donates blood voluntarily. The blood can be used for any patient even without divulging the identity of the donor. This is the best type of blood donation where a motivated human being gives blood in an act of selfless service.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Be sure to eat well at your regular mealtimes and drink plenty of fluids.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Scientists have yet to find a successful substitute for human blood. This is why blood donors are so vital to the lives of those who are in need of blood.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

There are certain conditions that prevent a person from donating blood temporarily or permanently. Among the temporary conditions are:                            

• Pregnancy                        
• Acute fever
• Recent alcoholic intake
• Ear or body piercing and tattooing
• Surgery

Persons with the following  conditions are not allowed to donate blood anyime:

• Cancer                       
• Cardiac disease                       
• Sever lung disease                       
• Hepatitis B and C                       
• HIV infection, AIDS or Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
• High risk occupation (e.g. prostitution)
• Unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over 6 months
• Chronic alcoholism                       
• Other conditions or disease stated in the Guide to Medical Assessment of Blood Donors.   
   

Name of Office: 

National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

A. Before blood donation            

1. You will be asked to fill up a Donor's Form upon arrival at the blood collection site.    
2. Questions regarding your health history wil be asked by a trained professional staff.    
3. Pre-donation educationand counselling will be given by a trained professional staff.    
4. Your weight, blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature will be checked.    
5. You will be examined by a physician.        
6. Small sample of blood will be taken to check your blood type and hemoglobin level.

Screening and selection procedure will usually take  about 10 to 15 minutes. You are encouraged to give accurate data for your own safety and that of the recipient. All information gathered wil be treated with utmost confidentiality.

B. During Blood Donation

1. You will be asked to lie down on the blood donor's couch for blood collection which will be done by a skilled phlebotomist.
2. The amount of blood which will be taken and will be determined by a physician. It will depend mainly on your body weight and does not exceed 450 ml.
3. This will take another 10 to 15 minutes.

C. After Blood Donation

1. You will be advised to rest for 10 more minutes.
2. Beverage and simple snacks will be served.
3. Post-donation education  and counselling will be given by a trained professional staff.
4. You will be advised to drink more fluids.
5. The volume of fluids taken is completely replaced by the body within 3 to 5 hours. 

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

While a given individual may be unable to donate, he or she may be able to recruit a suitable donor. The Blood Center is always in need of volunteers to assist at blood draws or to organize mobile blood drives. In addition, volunteer works are always welcome help the blood center ensure the continuous supply of safe blood to those in need.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Individuals disqualified from donating blood are known as "deferred" donors. A prospective donor may be deferred at any point during the collection and testing process. Whether or not a person is deferred temporarily or permanently will depend on the specific reason for disqualification (e.g. a person may be deferred temporarily because of anemia, a condition that is usually reversible). If a person is to be deferred, his or her name is entered into a list of deferred donors maintained by the blood center, often known as the "deferral registry."If a deferred donor attempts to give blood before the end of the deferral period, the donor will nt be accepted for donation. Once the reason for the deferral no longer exists and the temporary deferral period has lapsed, the donor may return to the blood and be re-entered into the system.

Those who may be deferred include:

•  Anyone who has ever used intravenous drugs (illegal IV drugs)
• Men who have had sexual contact with other men
•  Anyone who has ever received clotting factor concentrates
• Anyone with a positive test for HIV (AIDS virus)
• Men and woman who have engaged in sex for money or drugs
•  Anyone who has had hepatitis
• Anyone who has taken Tegison for psoriasis
•  Anyone who has risk factors for vCJD

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

While donated blood is free, there are significant costs associated with collecting, testing, preparing components, labeling, storing and shipping; recruiting and educating donors; and quality assurance. As a result, processing fees are charged to recover costs. Processing fees for individual blood components vary considerably. The following are acceptable maximum allowable processing fee for blood/components:Whole blood: Php 1,500.00; Pack Red Cells: Php 1,100.00; Fresh FrozenPlasma: Php 700.00; Cryopprecipitate: Php 700.00; and Cryosupernate:Php 700.00. (AO 181 s. 2002). Hospitals charge for any additional testing that may be required, such as the crossmatch, as well as for the administration of the blood.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

You cannot give blood if you have anemia. However, this can often be a temporary condition. Your hemoglobin will be tested before you donate to make it is at an acceptable level.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Aspirin and Ibuprofen will not affect a whole blood donation. Apheresis platelet donors, however, must not take aspirin or aspirin products 36 hours prior to donation. Many other medication are acceptable. It is recommended that you call the Philippine Blood Center ahead of time to inquire about any medication you are taking.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

The most common blood type is Blood Group O followed by A, then B and AB. More than 99% of Filipinos are Rh positive while less than 1% has Rh negative blood.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

After blood is drawn, it is tested for ABO group (blood type) and RH type (positive or negative). Test for unexpected red blood cell antibodies that may cause problems for the recipient can be performed upon the request of the patient's attending physician. Screening tests performed are listed below:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
•  Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV)/ antigen (HCV Ag)
• HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody (anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2) antigen (HIV-1 and HIV-2 Ag)
• Serologic test for syphilis
•  Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for HIV-1, HCV and HBV if available

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Share your blood at the following:

>   Blood Service Facilities (BSF)

• Philippine Blood Center
• DOH Hospital (BSF)
• PRC (BSF)
• LGUs / NGOs (BSF)

>   During various mobile blood donation activities

• Community
• Participating government organizations
•  Private Kabalikat agencies
• Schools / Universities

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Basic requirement of a potential blood donor:   

• Weight: At least 110 lbs (50 kg).
• Blood volume collected will depend mainly on you body weight.
• Pulse rate: Between 60 and 100 beats/minute with regular rhythm.
• Blood pressure: Between 90 and 160 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic.
• Hemoglobin: At least 125 g/L.   

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

From a single blood donation, there are 3 main components that can be derived. Each component will be used for specific patient need. The people who can benefit from your donated blood are:

•   Patients suffering from severe blood loss.

•   Leukemia patients.

•   Hemophilia patients.

•   Mothers giving birth with complication.

•   Major trauma patients.

•   Transplant patients, etc.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

Most blood centers strive to maintain an optimum inventory level of a three day supply. Due to unpredictable demands from trauma incidents, the inventory fluctuates hourly. When the blood supply drops below a three day level, the blood center starts alerting local donors to increase the inventory to a saef operating level.

Name of Office: National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP)

You may feel a slight sting in the beginning, lasting only a couple of seconds, but there should be no discomfort during the donation.

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