Aquino to surgeons: Be government’s partners in improving health care
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday urged the International Congress of Surgeons (ICS) to be the government’s partner in making healthcare services accessible to more Filipinos especially those in far-flung areas.
In his keynote address at the ICS 37th World Congress at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, the President said the expertise of the over 8,000 general surgeons and surgical specialists from over 100 countries that compose the ICS can improve the lives of those who have immediate medical needs.
“May you always be reminded that the hopes and dreams of thousands of patients rest on your shoulders. Please do not let them down,” the President said.
The Chief Executive noted that in spite of the many developments achieved in the field of medicine—from vaccines to modern techniques, many people, particularly the poor, are in dire need of quality surgical treatments.
He further noted that public health clinics in rural areas lack not only the best professionals but also adequate health facilities.
“Those who have less in life need the most protection especially when it comes to their health,” the President stressed, adding that improving the state of healthcare in the country is a vital part of the Aquino administration’s commitment to the Filipino people.
Thus, he said the budget of the Department of Health next year was increased by 13. 6 percent, from P29.3 billion this year to P33.3 billion next year. Much of that goes to the augmentation of public health services.
The President said he is determined to pursue universal healthcare by improving the coverage of PhilHealth to 4.6 million families in three years.
Moreover, he said the government is working on reducing maternal mortality by deploying qualified doctors, nurses and midwives to the country’s poorest areas to ensure that mothers do not die of childbirth complications.
He stressed that his goal of achieving universal healthcare needs skilled medical professionals so the poor can avail themselves of first class surgery.
“I am confident that your desire to be globally competitive will be translated into appropriate surgical care to improve health services,” he said. (PCOO)
Pinoys warned of bird flu threats
As airport officials brace for the expected yuletide arrivals, Malacanang on Friday reminded Filipinos planning to spend the holidays abroad to take the necessary precautions in light of another case of human avian influenza in Hong Kong.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Abigail Valte said that although the country has yet to issue a formal travel advisory, Filipinos are advised to take care of themselves and avoid countries with confirmed bird flu virus.
“The usual reminders, just to keep safe and to take the necessary precautions especially if they are planning to visit places with reported similar virus,” Valte said in an interview.
Hong Kong, which hosts thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), confirmed last Friday its first case of human bird flu in seven years.
As arrivals start to peak for returning overseas Filipino workers, Valte said airport authorities and the Health Department have intensified their vigilance and have put up monitoring equipment to detect persons with bird flu virus.
She said the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is currently coordinating with health experts from the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure carriers of bird flu virus do not pose a threat to the country.
Arriving passengers, both foreign visitors as well as OFWs, are required to pass through thermal scanners and subjected to ear thermometers.
Records show that the avian influenza (bird flu) virus, especially its sub type H5N1, presents a great threat to humans.
According to the World Health Organization, the virus has crossed the species barrier [from birds to humans] at least in three occasions in recent years. (PCOO)
Review of Morong 43 case now with Aquino
The Malacanang legal team has submitted to President Benigno S. Aquino III its review of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) memorandum on the case of 43 health workers who are now facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives before the courts.
In a media briefing in Malacanang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Amor Amorado submitted their review to the President on Thursday night.
Last Monday, Amorado met with several relatives and supporters of the detained health workers and committed to submit their legal review on the case this week.
The 43 health workers were arrested by government forces February 6 this year for allegedly supporting the Communist movement while conducting a seminar in a rest house in Morong, Rizal. Authorities confiscated from the area several firearms and improvised bombs.
The Office of the Executive Secretary and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Eduardo de Mesa were earlier tasked to review the confidential DOJ memorandum on the case.
While the President stated that the fate of the detained health workers depend on the courts, relatives were asking for their release and a review of the case to find out any irregularity on the conduct of their arrest.
“We understand the frustration of their family members but something is being done about it. The DOJ has reviewed the case as well, and recommendations have been sent to the President,” Valte said. (PCOO)
