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DOH Davao: deworming is safe and effective

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) XI warned against deworming program misinformation and reiterated that the intervention remains a “safe and effective” way to protect Filipino children from intestinal worms.

The DOH, in a press release on Thursday, called on parents, guardians, schools, and communities to support the nationwide deworming activities this July.

The agency said children are especially vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminths or intestinal worms because they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil. 

“Left untreated, these infections can lead to poor nutrition, anemia, stunted physical growth, delayed learning, and reduced resistance to other illnesses and can also affect a child’s attendance and performance in school,” it stressed.

DOH also stressed that the deworming program uses Albendazole, a deworming medicine that has been part of the country’s public health system for nearly three decades and is recommended by the World Health Organization. 

The agency described the drug as “generally safe and well tolerated.”

It noted that some children may experience mild and temporary side effects after taking the medicine, including stomach pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or skin rashes. 

“These reactions are expected in some cases, usually occur within the first few hours, and can be managed with proper medical guidance,” it stressed.

Health workers and local government units are directed to strictly follow safety protocols during both school-based and community-based deworming activities, including the proper management of any adverse events.

The agency also appealed to the public to rely only on verified information from the DOH and to avoid sharing unverified reports or misleading claims.

It warned that such content could cause unnecessary fear and discourage participation in the public health program.

“The Department remains committed to protecting the health of Filipino children through safe, science-based, and evidence-driven public health interventions,” the agency stressed.

The advisory was released following the death of a Grade 4 pupil from Trece Martires City, Cavite, after a deworming activity conducted on July 2 in coordination with the City Health Office.

The pupil was hospitalized on July 3 after experiencing vomiting and died later that day.

The Department of Education reported that based on initial medical findings, the cause of death was linked to an infection that led to septic shock.

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Health

P1.65-M downloaded to City Health Office to boost Universal Health Care

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development Davao partnered with the Davao City Health Office (CHO) to boost the local implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC) Law.

The City Council approved on Tuesday an ordinance authorizing Mayor Sebastian Duterte to sign a partnership agreement with the DOH.

The agreement paves the way for the DOH to release P1,650,000 to the Davao City Health Office (CHO) to boost the local implementation of Republic Act 11223, or the UHC Law.

According to Dr. Annie Larosa, cluster head of the local health system of the Davao Center for Health Development, downloaded funds will be heavily utilized to strengthen the city’s health framework.

Larosa expressed that while Davao City has achieved a 100% score in the “Preparatory” phase (Level 1) of its health system maturity, data shows the city still faces structural gaps. It currently stands at 55% for the “Organizational” phase (Level 2) and 50% for the “Functional” phase (Level 3), with local authorities targeting a 90% functional rate by the end of the year.

Larosa emphasized that to bridge the remaining gaps, the city must pass a mandatory city-wide health integration ordinance and complete unmet disaster risk management training for emergency responders.

Sherrie Amor Campaner, acting head of CHO Technical Services Division, reported that the city currently has 19 identified primary care facilities, all of which are fully accredited by PhilHealth for its primary care benefit package, “Yakap” formerly “Konsulta.”

However, only six of these facilities hold official DOH licenses, while the remaining 13 are still processing compliance documents.While PhilHealth has granted a moratorium for 2026 allowing unlicensed facilities to remain accredited, she said that a strict DOH license-to-operate requirement will be enforced starting next year.

“Starting next year, a DOH license to operate will be strictly required for PhilHealth accreditation,” she said.

The capabilities of these facilities vary as some operate as “4-in-1” units featuring birthing facilities, primary care, a TB-DOTS facility, and family planning services, while others host animal bite centers or infirmaries.

Current data from the CHO also reveals underutilization of the local primary health system.

Campaner said while the city’s public doctors can accommodate up to 600,000 patients under standard DOH ratios (1 physician per 20,000 population), only about 300,000 residents have actively registered. Of those registered, actual medical availability or “first patient encounters” remains low at just 20% to 30%.

Health officials urged residents to manually register with their local health centers to access free laboratory procedures and check-ups covered by PhilHealth.

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Health

Organ donor shortage leaves patients dying while waiting for their turn

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY JOHN DABLO & ANGEL SHAUN NONOL, /DSSC Interns 

PATIENTS on organ transplant waitlists have a high risk of dying while waiting for lifesaving donors, with an increasing number of younger individuals now requiring transplants, according to Dr. Dennis Benjamin O. Geli, medical officer of Southern Philippines Medical Center’s SHARE Team. 

Speaking during the Healthy Davao Media Forum held at SM City Davao, Geli underscored the urgent need to strengthen public awareness and education on organ donation. 

He noted that despite the growing demand for organ transplants, the number of registered donors remains insufficient, leaving many patients waiting for organs that may never become available. 

“Usually, mag hesitate sila mudawat or donate due to taboo or religious beliefs,” Geli said. 

Most names on the donation waitlist are kidney patients who suffer from end-stage organ failure. Patients have to wait several months to years without assurance that they can have a compatible donor. 

Reportedly, there are more than 400 individuals in need of kidney donors, according to the Department of Health.  

Among the primary barriers to organ donation are the persistence of cultural beliefs, religious misconceptions, and misinformation, which discourage many individuals and families from consenting to organ donation. 

He stressed that improving public understanding is essential to increasing donor registration and addressing the shortage of transplantable organs. 

Geli also expressed concern over the increasing number of younger patients requiring organ transplants, particularly those suffering from kidney disease. 

He explained that unhealthy lifestyle habits, including the excessive consumption of energy drinks, poor dietary practices, and other preventable risk factors, have contributed to the rising incidence of kidney-related illnesses among younger age groups. 

Geli said that a single deceased donor, with prior consent or the approval of the donor’s family, can save multiple lives by donating vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, while tissue donation can benefit many more recipients. 

He further explained that organs intended for transplantation remain viable while they continue to receive oxygenated blood, making timely medical intervention and proper coordination among healthcare professionals critical to successful organ recovery and transplantation. 

As the demand for organ transplants continues to rise, Geli called for stronger public education campaigns to dispel misconceptions surrounding organ donation and encourage more Filipinos to register as organ donors. He emphasized that increasing awareness, promoting informed consent, and fostering community support are vital steps toward reducing transplant waitlists and giving more patients the opportunity for a second chance at life. 

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Health

Free screening, consultation as DOH marks National Kidney Month on June 26 at SM Annex

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY DEANNE MAE URBIZTONDO AND MARINA O. VILLEGAS/CMU Interns

FREE kidney screenings and health education will be offered to the public in Davao City this week as the Department of Health marks National Kidney Month, a move that comes as the region reports approximately 6,000 dialysis patients.

During the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, June 22, Dr. Richelle May Cajoles-Pagarigan, an adult nephrologist, urged the public to join the culmination program on June 26, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at SM Annex. 

The event, which is part of the National Kidney Month, will feature talks by doctors and nutritionists on healthy diets, alongside a ‘Pista sa Nayon’ with dancing and raffles for current dialysis patients and nurses. Limited screenings for diabetes and high uric acid will also be available.

The goal is to empower, educate, and advocate for greater awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

In line with National Kidney Month, the Department of Health has lined up various activities and programs to raise awareness about CKD through discussions on healthy lifestyles that can help prevent and delay the disease’s progression.

“We invited speakers, including doctors and clinical nutritionists, to share information and discuss healthy diets that can help prevent and delay the progression of CKD,” Pagarigan stated.

Pagarigan noted that Region XI has an estimated 6,000 dialysis patients, most of whom suffer from modifiable risk factors like sedentary habits, sleep deprivation, and high-sodium diets.

“The earlier we start imparting knowledge on nutrition, the more the kids become empowered to choose on their own what’s good for their body when they get older,” Pagarigan said.

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Transfer of FDA functions to clear bottleneck, ease business compliance: senator

by Contributor
written by Contributor

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero is eyeing a measure that will transfer several regulatory functions of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to other government agencies to make government approval processes more efficient and business compliance easier.

According to Escudero, FDA’s mandate is so broad that its functions have led to overlaps and delays, and the redistribution of its powers would allow specialized departments to handle regulation more efficiently and effectively in a timely manner.

“Sa tingin ko ay masyadong malawak ang kasalukuyang mandato ng FDA ngayon na nagiging dahilan para bumagal at maging kumplikado ang proseso. Mas mainam na ilipat sa tamang ahensya ang ilang mga responsibilidad nito para sa mas mabilis at malinaw ang regulasyon,” Escudero pointed out.

Under his proposal, key functions of the agency would be absorbed by appropriate government agencies. For example, he said the regulation of fresh food would be transferred to the Department of Agriculture (DA), processed food and cosmetics to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and medicines to the Department of Health (DOH).

“Kung pagkain, sa DA. Kung processed food o cosmetics, sa DTI natin ilagay. Kung gamot naman, sa DOH. Hindi dapat lahat nasa FDA,” Escudero said.

Escudero argued that the redistribution would streamline government functions and reduce overlapping mandates. “Ang FDA ay naging catch-all agency sa mahabang panahon. I think it is about time that we fix this and move some of its functions to the right departments or offices.”

The Bicolano senator emphasized that his proposed bill aims to ease compliance for businesses while ensuring consumer protection remains intact, saying: “Hindi natin tinatanggal ang regulasyon. Ang ginagawa natin ay inililipat sa mas angkop na ahensya.”

Past efforts have already seen certain FDA functions transferred to other agencies through memoranda of agreement (MOA) and similar arrangements. Some regulatory responsibilities over agricultural products were already moved to the DA.

Escudero’s bill, however, seeks to institutionalize this through a law that would effectively transfer FDA’s vast functions to proper government agencies.

Furthermore, the FDA has also drawn concern from industry groups and oversight agencies over delays in processing applications, particularly for emergency medicines.

The Anti-Red Tape Authority, or ARTA, has reported that the FDA received a high number of complaints among government agencies, citing bottlenecks in its evaluation process.

Business groups have pointed to prolonged product registration timelines and complex regulatory requirements as barriers to market entry.

Several countries also operate without a single, catch-all FDA-type regulator. In Singapore, food oversight is handled by the Singapore Food Agency, while medicines and cosmetics fall under the Health Sciences Authority.

The United Kingdom likewise splits responsibilities among the Food Standards Agency, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for medicines, and the Department for Business and Trade for cosmetics.

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Health

Bong Go warns vs turning Super Health Centers into ‘white elephants’

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go warned that poor patients in far-flung areas would be deprived of accessible medical services if health infrastructure projects are reduced to “white elephants.”

Go, then vice chairperson of the Senate committee on health, sounded the alarm following concerns that some Super Health Centers (SHC) have been constructed but reportedly lack basic utilities such as electricity and water.

During the committee hearing on Monday, May 11, Go stressed that health facilities must be completed, equipped, staffed, and made operational so that public funds spent for healthcare infrastructure will be felt by Filipinos, especially in remote and underserved communities.

“It is alarming and saddening to know that there are reports of delayed implementation, incomplete infrastructure, lack of equipment, and even unused health facilities,” Go said.

A Department of Health initiative, SHCs are designed to bring primary care closer to the people and help decongest hospitals. Such a program suits an archipelagic country where many Filipinos still need to travel across rivers, mountains, and seas to reach medical facilities.

Go emphasized that the construction of a health facility alone is meaningless if people cannot actually use it. For Go, the purpose of government spending is clear: every project must lead to accessible and functional health services.

“Ako po mismo’y saksi niyan dahil ako po’y umiikot sa buong Pilipinas. Minsan kailangan pang tumawid ng ilog o bundok para lang makapunta sa pinakamalapit na health center o ospital. ‘Yung iba nga nanganganak sa bangka o sa tricycle sa sobrang layo,” Go said.

During the public hearing, the DOH said that of the 820 SHCs already funded, only 224 are fully-operational while 238 are partially completed. The DOH described the latter as “problematic” as some SHC projects were found to be “poste (columns) pa lang.”

The senator said this is precisely the kind of problem that implementing agencies must prevent. He said the DOH and local government units (LGUs) must complement each other to ensure that facilities do not remain idle after construction.

According to Go, the national government and LGUs already enter into agreements before health projects begin. However, he stressed that if an LGU lacks the capacity to sustain or operate a facility, the national government has the responsibility to help.

“Mayroon pong kasunduan ang DOH at LGU bago umpisahan ang mga proyektong ito. Pero kung hindi kaya ng LGU, trabaho ng national government na tulungan ang mga LGUs at iyan rin po ang layunin ng mga Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) projects na ito na maisakatuparan ang mga proyekto. Hindi pwedeng pabayaan na lang po ito,” Go said.

He urged the DOH to prioritize a “catch-up plan” on the implementation of the SHC program. He added that the same must be applied to hospitals supported by laws passed in Congress, especially those receiving annual support through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

A known health reforms crusader, Go filed Senate Resolution No. 384 which seeks to assess the status of healthcare facilities nationwide, identify implementation gaps, and ensure that public funds for health infrastructure translate into accessible, functional, and quality healthcare services for every Filipino.

“Pera po ng taumbayan ang pinag-uusapan natin dito. Ibalik natin ito sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng maayos na serbisyong medikal,” Go urged.

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Health

National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month spotlights free screening drive in QC, Taguig

by Contributor
written by Contributor

QUEZON CITY, Philippines— From places of work to places of care, partners are bringing essential health services closer to where women live and work, recognizing their vital role in keeping communities and the economy running.

As the country observes National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this May, stakeholders are intensifying efforts to promote early detection and prevention of cervical cancer through accessible, workplace-based services. Also known as Cervical Cancer Prevention Awareness Month, the campaign is officially observed in May under Presidential Proclamation No. 368, series of 2003. It aims to raise public awareness about cervical cancer, a largely preventable disease caused predominantly by the human papillomavirus (HPV), yet one that continues to claim the lives of an estimated 12 Filipino women every day. The campaign underscores the importance of regular screening for early detection and timely treatment.

In support of this, the Department of Health, Taguig City Health Office, UP Diliman Gender Office, Women Workers for Health Empowerment Network (WHEN), DOLE Bureau of Working Conditions, and Jhpiego are strengthening access to cervical cancer screening and treatment through the CLAMS 2 Project.

The CLAMS 2 Project (Expanded Centralized Laboratory Model for HPV DNA Screening) is a Jhpiego-led initiative in the Philippines aiming to eliminate cervical cancer by scaling up HPV DNA testing through a “hub-and-spoke” laboratory model, where central laboratories process samples collected from multiple community and facility-based sites. It also ensures that women who test positive are promptly linked to appropriate and timely treatment and care services.

Free cervical cancer screening using HPV DNA testing via self-collection will be offered on May 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at two locations, the UP Diliman Gender Office in Quezon City and the New Taguig City Hall on Cayetano Boulevard in Taguig City. Interested women may register in advance through the provided online links or QR codes.

“By bringing screening closer to places of work, we remove barriers that often prevent women from seeking care,” said Dr. Susana Amiscua,Taguig City Health Officer. “Early detection saves lives, and we encourage all eligible women to take advantage of these free services.”

The initiative introduces HPV DNA testing through self-collection, a modern, accurate, and convenient screening method that allows women to test themselves safely and privately, helping increase participation and early detection rates.

“This effort reflects our commitment to women workers, who often prioritize their jobs and families over their own health,” said Dr. Julie Caguiat, WHEN convenor. “Making services accessible in familiar spaces empowers women to take charge of their health without disrupting their daily responsibilities.”

At the University of the Philippines Diliman, the Gender Office emphasized the importance of inclusive and accessible health services within academic institutions and and their immediate community, highlighting the role of campuses in ensuring women can access critical health services and in promoting gender-transformative systems.

Jhpiego, a global health nonprofit affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, highlighted the role of innovation in accelerating cervical cancer elimination.

“HPV DNA self-collection is a game changer in expanding screening coverage, especially among underserved populations,” said Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines. “Through partnerships like CLAMS 2, we are working to ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer.”

The free screening is open to women aged 30 to 49 who are not pregnant, are not menstruating on the day of screening, have an intact cervix, meaning no history of full hysterectomy, and have not undergone cervical cancer screening, including VIA, Pap smear, or HPV test, in the past three years.

“Get screened early. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable when detected on time, kayang iwasan, kayang agapan,” the organizers emphasized.

The initiative continues to expand beyond Quezon City and Taguig, with more cervical cancer screening activities set to roll out in other key cities such as Davao City and Cebu City, further increasing access to life-saving services for women across the country.

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Health

NurturePH forum calls for stronger alignment to improve maternal, newborn health in UHC era

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — Maternal health outcomes in the Philippines have improved in recent years, with the maternal mortality ratio declining from 151 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020 to 119 in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Despite this progress, the country remains far from the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Neonatal mortality has also seen limited improvement, pointing to persistent gaps in care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postnatal period.

Across the country, multiple organizations have implemented programs aimed at improving maternal and newborn health. However, these efforts often remain fragmented across different levels of the health system. As the Philippines moves toward full implementation of Universal Health Care, speakers said stronger alignment in policy, financing, and service delivery is needed to ensure timely, high-quality, and equitable care for all women and newborns.

In celebration of Women’s Month, the call for greater coordination was central to the recently held forum NurturePH: A National Dialogue on Maternal and Newborn Health in the UHC Era, co-organized by the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Unilab Foundation, and Jhpiego.

The forum brought together more than 100 stakeholders from professional societies, international development organizations, local government units, national agencies, and health facilities. Participants discussed policy directions and program priorities of the Department of Health and PhilHealth, while sharing ongoing initiatives and good practices from across the country.

In her keynote message, Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Gloria J. Balboa emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement.

“When communities are informed and empowered, better health outcomes follow,” she said, highlighting the need to involve women, families, and communities in their care.

The forum also underscored the value of multisectoral partnerships. One example is the collaboration among the Korea International Cooperation Agency, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Population Fund, working with the Department of Health and local governments in Eastern Visayas to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

Dr. Grace Viola of UNFPA emphasized the need to address systemic barriers.

“To improve outcomes, we must address the ‘Three Delays’: delays in seeking, reaching, and receiving quality care,” she said.

Promising local practices were also highlighted, including culturally sensitive maternal care initiatives in Mimaropa and efforts in Ozamiz City to address adolescent pregnancy while supporting continued access to education and health services.

A joint presentation by Dr. Christia Padolina of the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Dr. Esterlita Uy of the Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine highlighted the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday, in shaping long-term health outcomes. They said sustained investments during this period, and extending care up to the first 2,000 days, can significantly improve survival, growth, and development.

During the event, Jhpiego, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, and Unilab Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement to strengthen collaboration in advancing maternal and newborn health. The partnership will focus on improving coordination, building health worker capacity, promoting evidence-based interventions, and strengthening integrated service delivery in line with Universal Health Care goals.

As the Philippines continues its journey toward Universal Health Care, NurturePH reinforced a shared vision of ensuring that every mother and every newborn have access to quality, respectful and life-saving care.

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Health

Disease care and prevention highlighted on World Kidney Day

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY LIZA BELLE PATAGOC & MICHELLE G. RAFAEL/DNSC Interns

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) XI, Davao City Health Office, and the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) Davao Chapter highlighted kidney care and prevention on March 26, 2026, at the Annex Event Center of SM City Davao.

Medical experts emphasized the importance of proper care to prevent kidney disease during the observance of World Kidney Day.

Dr. Conrad Earl Cabahug, a urologist, explained that kidney stones may be caused by both genetic and lifestyle factors.

“Is a kidney stone inherited, or is it because of lifestyle? Sadly, both are true. Kidney stones are highly genetic or hereditary. If your parents have a history of kidney stones, there is a higher possibility that you may develop them as well. However, the increasing number of cases today is largely influenced by lifestyle,” he said.

The public is urged to closely monitor diet and food intake as a key measure to prevent kidney stones.

Cabahug also stressed that kidneys should never be neglected, noting that proactive care through proper hydration, a low-sodium diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and routine health screenings can significantly lower the risk of kidney stones and other related diseases while maintaining optimal renal function.

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