FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012 PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER B3 - 1

Travelling for health

The City of MAKE IT HAPPEN IN MAKATI is happy to share Multi-faceted, progressive, tourist-friendly and with our dear readers By Joyce Socao-Alumno the latest develop- and Ramil Gulle cosmopolitan—the City of Makati is all of that and more. ments in our city’s WHAT FIRST COMES TO MIND Besides being a place for investment, relaxation and healthcare and when we think about the City of tourism programs in recreation, Makati City is also known as a model city when Makati? For some, it would be the this special section, , the modern commer- it comes to providing health and wellness to residents and “ Health cial and retail hub that encloses both and Wellness Travel” visitors alike. the and Malls, as of the Philippine Dai- well as the and the ly Inquirer in part- Makati’s journey towards first beautiful pocket parks in the area. Pioneer, leader in universal nership with HIM Communications. world universal health care for its For others, Makati City re- As in many other aspects of city administra- healthcare residents began back in 1998, minds them of the Makati Medi- tion, Makati is once again leading the way by Makati City is the very first, and when former Department of cal Center, one of the top tertiary example when it comes to healthcare and still the leading LGU in the entire Health Secretary Jimmy Galvez- hospitals in the country. Others tourism programs and projects—the latest of country when it comes to providing Tan, M.D., was tapped by then will always remember Makati as which are: 1) The Official Makati Travel Map; a citywide universal healthcare pro- Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay to synonymous to the stock ex- and 2) The City’s initial entry into the process gram for its residents. In addition to assess the state of Makati’s change, and as a central business of international accreditation for its hospitals, that, Makati also has 100 percent health services and recom- district where wealth is traded clinics and wellness facilities. membership in PhilHealth as well. mend improvements. and grown. Ultimately, the beneficiaries of these projects When it comes to healthcare for its Galvez-Tan was very Multi-faceted, progressive, are the residents of our city as well as visitors, residents and visitors, no other city honest about his assess- tourist-friendly and cosmopoli- businessmen and investors who, together with in the Philippines comes close. ment. “I told the Mayor tan—the City of Makati is all of the city government, are working towards the Makati’s programs for health that while Makati was a that and more. Besides being a upkeep and betterment of the way of life that is and social services have received center of business, with place for investment, relax- distinctly Makati’s. many awards from the national the stock exchange doing ation and recreation, Makati Please do read through these pages to learn government and private organiza- business there and the City is also known as a model more about what the City of Makati has to offer tions. Most notable of these is the world-class hotels in the city when it comes to providing and we hope to see you soon in our city. award given to the Makati Health area, it lagged behind health and wellness to resi- Program, known popularly as the healthcare. Essentially, dents and visitors alike. So it is Welcome and Mabuhay! “Yellow Card” program. It has been Makati then had a third not surprising that the city has recognized internationally world healthcare sys- recently come out with the Offi- through the Dubai International tem,” he said. JEJOMAR ERWIN S. BINAY, JR. cial Makati Health and Well- “Best Practices” Award, for “out- The Mayor took Mayor ness Travel Map. standing contributions towards Galvez-Tan’s assessment Makati improving the environment.” TRAVELLING/ B3-4 B3 - 2 PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012 Editor’s Message We are happy to showcase in this issue the City of Makati. Makati has, without a doubt, the most advanced citywide healthcare system in the country today. La Breza Tower: Modern luxury As we will see in our cover story, Makati is indeed a model for all other cities in the country. It has proven that universal healthcare for all is indeed possible—with unity, goodwill, hard work, and commitment on the part of local government, the private sector, and city residents. and comfort amid tranquil suburbia In less than 20 years, Makati City has established healthcare system for its residents that is comparable to that of Singapore and other developed cities in the Asian region. This is an accomplishment that the rest of the THOSE seeking a relaxed suburban lifestyle, com- They have a choice of receiving a bare unit (already Philippines must take to heart as a guiding inspiration. bined with luxurious privacy and comfort will find it with finishing) or a fully furnished one (available at The city’s latest thrust is to become the ultimate “health and wellness destination,” not only in the Philip- in La Breza Tower in idyllic Quezon City. The 22- some additional cost). Studio units may be convert- pines, but also throughout Asia. The city, after all, is host to a rapidly growing number of health and fitness-re- storey mix-use condotel and condominium property ed to a one bedroom unit, while a one-bedroom unit lated establishments. Indeed, Makati is ready for medical tourism for the best reason: taking excellent care of the public health is strategically located in Mother Ignacia Street near may be expanded to a two-bedroom one. system that benefits all of its residents and whoever will travel to their city for healthcare. EDSA, the main artery of —offering Residential units at La Breza are available for pur- Makati has made it happen… for sure, the entire Philippines can! easy access to any point in the metropolis. chase by residents and investors, while its hotel is a Joyce Socao-Alumno La Breza’s luxurious amenities offer the peak of favorite of foreign guests, celebrities and profession- exclusive, comfortable and secure living for today’s als who wish to enjoy the excellent service, luxury successful professionals. La Breza Tower is ideal for amenities and convenient location. Would-be resi- professionals who wish to enjoy the best of both dents and investors are encouraged to take advan- worlds: a comfortable, relaxing and private hide- tage of the ongoing promo that offers 10 percent dis- away that takes them away from the stresses of count on the total contract price, with downpayment work-a-day life, while offering them the convenience payable in 24 months. The balance may be paid and excitement of an urban, cosmopolitan exis- through bank financing. tence. The La Breza Tower Hotel, which includes units As a condotel, La Breza provides a living experi- on the third to seventh floors, is now fully opera- ence that is superior to that of a condominium: resi- tional and accepts bookings for weddings, birthday dents and guests enjoy 24/7 personalized service celebrations and corporate functions. from the friendly and well-trained staff. La Breza La Breza Tower hotel and condominium is combines the privacy and privilege of being a home- owned and developed by Sta. Lucia Realty and De- owner with the comfort and convenience of being velopment, Inc., one of the pioneering and most serviced by the staff of a five-star hotel. trusted developers in the Philippines. Architec- Its strategic location in Quezon City gives residents tural design is by W.V. Coscolluela and Associates and guests access to Metro Manila’s centers of business, while interior design is by Songsong & Periquet. leisure, entertainment, sports, shopping, and health- Interested parties may get in touch with Royale care in Quezon City, Ortigas, Makati, and Fort Bonifa- Homes Marketing Corp., which is exclusively market- cio. Transportation is very convenient as the EDSA thor- ing this luxurious hideaway. For more information, visit oughfare has abundant taxicabs, buses and the Metro www.royalehomes.ph or call (02) 584-1164 or 0922- Railway Transit (MRT). La Breza is in close proximity to 8575078. two of the country’s largest media networks, ABS-CBN and GMA-7. Best of all, La Breza is located in Diliman area that still retains the relaxing, quiet and spacious features of suburbia. There is still ample greenery in the area and there is no crowding, in contrast to places like Makati and Ortigas. It is the perfect place to rest, recharge and make plans for future projects and con- quests. Amenities include the La Breza restaurant serving Filipino and world cuisine; the gym that offers a complete fitness experience with cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights. The gym is adja- cent to the open air pool area with a beautiful infini- ty pool for adults, a kiddie pool and a Jacuzzi, sur- rounded by refreshing greenery. There’s also a commercial area with restaurants and boutiques, banquet and function rooms. The condotel and residential areas have studio, one-bed- room and two-bedroom units. Residents and guests enjoy ample parking spaces and 24-hour security. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units are available to prospective residents and investors.

GUIDE TO LIVING, RETIRING AND SETTLING DOWN IN THE PHILIPPINES

Building on the remarkable feat accomplished by the 2008, 2009, and 2010 issues of “Philippines: The Heart of Asia” Travel Guide & Directory in promoting the country for medical and wellness tourism, HIM Com- munications is publishing for its 2012 edition this handy booklet titled “Guide to Living, Retiring and Settling Down in the Philippines”. This travel guide shall serve as a quick reference to the country’s premiere medical, wellness and retirement facilities and allied services that are essential to the needs of potential and existing re- tirees in the Philippines. To advertise and for other inquiries, contact:

Unit L, 21st Floor, Strata 100, Emerald Avenue, 1605 Pasig City Tel.: (632) 9108030 / 4689999 / 0917.8938762 www.himcommunications.com / [email protected] Medicard Colorectal Clinic: At the Forefront of Colorectal Care

Contact: Baby Mendoza 09178484329 cal wound is inside, and no wound is visible outside Makati City - The Medicard Colorectal Clinic’s Endorectal Ultrasound the anus. Scientific studies have proven that this is less painful than traditional surgery. Best recom- surgery team uses a variety of procedure to diag- A special ultrasound technique in which a trans- mended for hemorrhoids with prolapse. nose and repair damage to the colon, rectum, anus, ducer is directly inserted through the anus and into and pelvic floor caused by diseases such as cancer, the patient’s rectum. The sound wave echoes detect- diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and oth- ed by the transducer are converted by a computer in- Rubber Band Ligation (RBL) er benign disorders like hemorrhoids, fissures, fistu- to an image. It is one of the most useful diagnostic A procedure in which the hemorrhoid is tied off at lae, polyps, and sexually-transmitted anorectal dis- tools for diseases of the anal and rectal regions of its base with rubber bands, cutting off the blood eases. the body, especially for cancer staging, abscess and flow. The hemorrhoid then shrinks, in about a week, Some of the services are outlined below: fistula treatment, and sphincter (muscles that provide and then falls off. continence) problems. Colonoscopy stitches. Deprived of its blood supply, the hemor- Both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, a rhoid then shrinks and shrivels. There is no wound long flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and outside and is therefore almost painless. gradually advanced through the colon. This allows the physician to have an unobstructed view of the en- Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy tire colon to allow him to examine the lining of the in- Using a specially-designed, single-use stapler in- testines, diagnose colon and rectal problems, per- strument, the hemorrhoids are returned to their nor- form biopsies and remove noncancerous growths mal anatomic position. The end result is that the surgi- Medicard Colorectal Clinic is manned by board- (polyps). certified Fellows of the Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. It always strives to provide comfort, privacy and total quality service to its clienteles. This specialist clinic is located at the 3rd Floor, Medicard Lifestyle Center, #51 Transarterial Hemorrhoidal Cor. Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave., Makati City, with tel. no. 555-0832, cell phone no. 0926- Dearterialization (THD) 6305759. The clinic is open from Mondays to Fri- Using a Doppler ultrasound, the blood vessel supply- days - 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays - ing the hemorrhoid is identified and ligated with 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012 PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER B3 - 3 STAY IN LUXURY The City of Makati is home to the finest deluxe, first class and standard hotel ac- commodations in the country. These include world-famous hotels like the history-rich Hotel Inter-Continental, Shangri-La Hotel, Manila Peninsula Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, the Dusit Hotel and the New World Hotel, among others.

GET YOUR TREATMENT Makati has excellent healthcare facilities such as the which is JCI-accredited and various specialty clinics, including those focusing on aesthetic, cos- metic and dental procedures. These clinics are already providing treatments and ser- vices to medical tourists from various parts of the world.

SHOP FOR GREAT BUYS The Greenbelt, Glorietta, Landmark and SM malls provide a first-class shopping ex- perience to tourists, offering everything from stalls selling knick-knacks at flea-mar- ket prices; to low-and-mid-priced clothing stores, to high-end retail outlets carrying signature brands of fashionable apparel and accessories; the latest gadgets and interna- tional brands of sporting goods; to big su- permarkets for daily necessities. These malls provide everything that one needs for a modern lifestyle.

PAMPER YOURSELF There are several spas that offer a whole range of wellness treatments, from thera- peutic massages to body scrubs; to acupuncture, acupressure and sauna treat- ments. Deluxe hotels also have their own spa facilities. Before heading home, try the Philippine signature massage “Hilot”.

DINE AND UNWIND The Greenbelt and Glorietta complex and the deluxe hotels offer a dazzling selection City of Makati launches Travel Map of fine dining and casual restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Visitors enjoy cuisines from around the world. Entertain- ment bars are also spread out in areas like for Health and Wellness Tourism ; Pasay Road; and Jupiter Street. Makati comes alive at night, with all the lighting from these establishments. The THE CITY of Makati launched its official deluxe hotels also have their own posh din- health and wellness travel map that fea- ing establishments and bars. tures the city’s premier hospitals, clinics, spas, and wellness centers, presenting it to stakeholders in Makati’s tourism and TOUR AROUND healthcare sectors. The Official Map pub- Travel around Makati City itself and to lished by HIM Communications provides other parts of the metropolis is not a prob- visitors and residents a handy guide for lem as the city has a lot of transportation op- tions—from car rental services to buses, navigating through the city’s central taxicabs, jeepneys and the MRT and LRT business district, as well as its shopping, lines. The Ayala Center is interconnected by leisure and entertainment centers. covered elevated walkways and underpass- es so that traveling around the city is very Makati Health Council - NABH convenient. Of course, one shouldn’t miss International partnership riding the e-jeepney in roaming around the During the launch, Makati Mayor Jun streets of the CBD area. Binay also revealed that the city has ongo- ing efforts to assure that Makati’s health- KEEP FIT care providers, from hospitals to clinics to THE launching of The Philippines’ First Health and Wellness TravelMap and Stakeholders’ meeting for City of Makati’s Medical Fitness centers are either found inside spas, receive international accreditation. TourismProgram was successfully held last April 16 at the Makati City Session Hall. Shown in photo (from upper left) are: Lito hotel premises or at other convenient loca- “One of the priorities in the City Health Anzures (head, Makati TourismCouncil), Celine Clemente (president, TourismCongress), former DOT Usec. Cynthia Carrion tions. These offer more than just weight Program is international accreditation for (president, AHMA), Vinchu Lapid (president, Makati TourismFoundation), Agustin Vallejo (president, Anscor Casto Travel),Hon. training and cardio training—there are also Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay Jr., Dr. Joel Gutierrez, Dr. Ernie Santos (Centuria Medical Makati), Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan(head, Makati classes in yoga, Pilates, dance, circuit train- our city’s healthcare facilities, including Health Council), Joyce Socao-Alumno (president, HIM Communications), Dr. Estela Barrios (Makati Health Department), Mitch ing, and other fitness regimens. Two global hospitals, clinics, and eventually, its well- Genato (LifeScience), Jourdan Sebastian (LifeScience), Joel Alumno (Anscor Casto Travel),Dr. Anselmo TriponJr. (Bel-Air Dental gym franchises, Gold’s Gym and Fitness ness centers. International accreditation is Care), Mark Funelas (Makati Medical Center), Dr. Nicky Montoya (president, Medicard Philippines), Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Marketing, First; plus the local gym chain Slimmers’ a proven way for upgrading healthcare fa- Medicard), Dr. Rico Martin Gerochi (Bel-Air Dental Care), Dr. Axel Trecho(Bel-Air Dental Care), Rachel Uy (Hi-Precision Plus), Willelmira Carlos (Hi-Precision Plus) and Dr. Mariano Atacador, Jr. (Hi-Precision Plus) World, are also in Makati. cilities and services to conform to global standards, and be at par with the best in are affordable to the local pop- is on its way to fulfilling a vi- the world.” ulation and medical tourists. sion that, she hopes, the rest of “For this, we are working closely with Setting standards through in- the country will eventually NABH International, an official accredit- ternational accreditation share. ing agency under the International Soci- would be good for Makati’s “We had been advocating ety for Quality in Healthcare in partner- healthcare providers to remain medical tourism in the Philip- pines since 2006. Actually, ship with our Makati Health Council. competitive and excellent in our very first efforts to devel- With the support of NABH International their practice,” said Dr. Galvez- op the Philippines as a health and our stakeholders in the city’s health- Tan. and wellness destination be- care, our goal of international accredita- Leading the way gan in Makati way back then. tion for our healthcare providers will be According to Lito Anzures, Through the years, we’ve achieved,” said Mayor Binay. head of the Makati City learned that there are consid- According to Binay, the international ac- Tourism Office, Makati has the erable challenges in realizing creditation of Makati’s hospitals, clinics and infrastructure to be one of the that vision for the entire coun- wellness centers is being undertaken through top tourism destinations in the try. Hence, we are developing cooperation with Makati Health Council and Philippines. cities one step at a time and NABH International. NABH International is “I would say that Makati we chose to start with Makati an official accreditor of the International So- City’s tourism and medical City which we hope will serve ciety for Quality in Healthcare. HealthCORE travel infrastructure is at par as a template model for other is the Country Representative of NABH Inter- with similar destinations in the cities to follow given its in- national in the Philippines. region. We have the best hotels. frastructure, security and “We understand that it is important to We are the center of business. strong local governance, not provide world-class medical services that We have world-class malls. We to mention its being the coun- are an entertainment center try’s foremost business dis- LITO Anzures, and we have parks as well.” trict.” head of the “Plus, the City’s healthcare “Travelers from overseas who Makati City system is really advanced. We are seeking information about TourismOffice have tertiary hospitals, world- the Philippines healthcare and class specialty clinics that are wellness facilities will find the already treating foreign pa- information they need at the tients on a regular basis. Really, Philippines: The Heart of Asia all we need to do is let the website. The Makati Travel Map world know the good things is also available for viewing and that Makati City has to offer. We for download at the website,” have them already, so let’s tell she said. people about them,” said For more information about Anzures. Makati City and medical tourism in the Philippines, Medical travel model city please visit the Philippines: According to Joyce Socao- The Heart of Asia website: Alumno, president of HIM www.philippinesheartofa- Communications, Makati City sia.ph B3 - 4 PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012

Travelling for health From page B3-1 seriously and set about imple- menting a city health program that has become, after more than 10 years, a model for the Philippines and other countries. “Makati today spends more “MAKATI’S robust and per capita on health care than progressive universal any other city in the country. In healthcare program makes fact, Makati City spends an LANDSCAPED pocket parks in it the most medical tourism-ready city in the amount on healthcare that, the mall areas offer a relaxing when converted to dollars per Philippines”, says former respite from the stresses of work Department of Health capita, is equal to that of more and travel and allow visitors to developed nations in Asia,” said Secretary Dr. Jimmy unwind, reflect and enjoy their Galvez-Tan,now consultant Galvez-Tan. day. to City of Makati’s Health Based on 2010 figures, Council. Galvez-Tan computed that Makati spends US$70 per capi- ta on its residents. This is more THE City of Makati has established a health referral system for a than what the Philippines “seamless delivery of healthcare” that promotes smooth integration spends per capita on health- of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services so the health of care, which is at about US$43. their constituents and clients is not compromised. Public health healthcare. It has set several PHILIPPINE handicrafts and products reflect Filipinos’ ingenuity. The very first public health is- records over the years, includ- sue that Makati City addressed ing zero incidence of leptospiro- was the ban on smoking, back sis cases, zero incidence of ra- care to its own residents,” said in year 2002. bies cases, and zero cases of Galvez-Tan. “Smoking, of course, was a preventable maternal deaths. very big public health concern. The city also has a subsidized City government support Makati was the first city in the program for helping patients None of these, of course, country to enforce a city-wide with AIDS and tuberculosis. would be possible without the ban on smoking in public Makati is known for provid- support of the city government. places. At first, people objected ing many healthcare and social Mayor Jun Binay told everyone and were afraid that it would be benefits to its residents, espe- that his administration is doing bad for business. They said that cially children, the elderly, and all it can to regularly improve bars and restaurants and clubs the differently-abled. For chil- the city’s tourism infrastructure would lose their customers.” dren, these include health bene- as well as its healthcare pro- “For a while, customers did fits; free pre-school and ele- gram. stop coming. But later on there mentary education; modern, RAMPS for wheelchairs in “As you know, all of these were even more people who start- air-condition school buildings; buildings and on the streets health services and social bene- ed coming to these establish- computer education classes; show the city’s concern for those fits are being funded by the city ments. That’s because non-smok- free textbooks and school sup- who are physically-challenged. government through its rev- ers outnumber smokers. Even the plies; and cash incentives for “The question of public equity enues. The city’s main sources of Peninsula lobby started filling up honor students. has already been settled in revenues are City License fees with even more guests despite the For the elderly, these benefits Makati. With its universal health- and Real Property Taxes and smoking ban,” he said. include health services; monthly care program to all residents, we there’s really little else that we Another public health con- cash allowances; and even free can say that we are ready to ac- can tap as additional sources.” cern that Makati City addressed birthday cakes and free passes to cept medical tourists for treat- “So we appreciate the help THERE are small parks in various areas outside the mall complex, was cardio-vascular illness. Ac- cinema screenings. The differ- ment because we are already tak- of our partners in the private including the verdant and lush Ayala Gardens located at the back of cording to Galvez-Tan, the city ently-abled also have benefits ing care of public health.” sector in developing the city’s the Philippine Stock Exchange. provides a 30 percent discount like free health services; fare dis- “With other cities, perhaps, tourism and healthcare pro- on laboratory tests for cardio- counts in the MRT, LRT, provin- one can ask, ‘Why are you tak- grams. The new travel map is and that it is also one of the most of Makati, is a priority project of vascular patients and a 50 per- cial buses and other public trans- ing care of foreign patients the first of, hopefully, many developed cities in the country; the current city administration. cent discount on heart disease portation; free rehabilitation when your own residents are more partnerships we will un- home to the country’s most ad- This is done through the Makati medicines. “These medicines therapy for indigent differently- having health problems?’ No dertake with the stakeholders vanced, world-class healthcare Health Program,” Binay added. are very effective and the city abled residents; free movie pass- one can say that about Makati. in the city’s tourism and and wellness facilities . So come and visit the place buys them in bulk for a very low es; and many others. That’s why I’m saying that healthcare sectors,” said the “The City of Makati is where where you can now more easily price. Makati residents can According to Galvez-Tan, Makati is the most prepared for mayor. we can find medical facilities, find fun, relaxation, business op- avail of these medicines for as Makati’s robust and progressive medical tourism—beyond just According to Binay, the Makati clinics and wellness centers that portunities, and health and well- low as, say, P2.50 per pill,” he universal healthcare program having world-class accommo- Travel Map shows how Makati is are comparable to other devel- ness. Experience how you can said. makes it the most medical dations and other tourism in- not only a center for business, oped countries. We are glad to make it happen—whatever it is Makati has also set several tourism-ready city in the Philip- frastructure, Makati is already commerce, leisure, and even na- say that quality healthcare for that you want to happen—right records when it comes to public pines. providing world-class health- tional and foreign policy-making; all, both residents and visitors in the City of Makati. FIGHT TOOTH DECAY WITH THE FEATURE NATURAL POWER OF NEW Face thread lifting LISTERINE® NATURAL GREEN TEA without the stitch WHETHER your pressing If you have ever had the erties of green tea: It naturally contains fluo- concerns are your nasolabi- misfortune of suffering from ride, which is well-known al lines and/or any of these- tooth decay, you understand It contains catechins, an and recommended by den- worry lines, glabellar lines, exactly how excruciating the antioxidant that inhibits the tists to strengthen teeth perlorbital lines, or chin activity of cavity-causing lines or crease-the ultimate pain is. But you are not the against tooth decay. solution is the same: thread only one who is familiar with bacteria lifting or power cell lifting. that mind-numbing ache. When green tea and fluo- According to an authority It contains tannins that Roughly 95 million other Fil- ride are combined with the on anti-ageing and aesthet- helps prevent the build-up of ic solutions to the concerns ipinos feel your pain – liter- long-established effective- plaque, which is a precursor tackled above, Dr. Mary ally. Tooth decay affects ness of LISTERINE®, the re- Jane “MJ” Torres of the Zen to tooth decay 92.4% of the Philippine pop- sult is a mouthwash that is Institute, this is a new lift- ing technique which injects ulation, making it one of the natural, yet still effective BEFORE AFTER enough to kill 99.9% of multiple threads for strong most common oral prob- lifting effect and for enhancing cell en- scaffolding for cell therapy by injecting lems in the country. germs that brushing alone graftment to the treatment areas.” stem cells and/or doing PRP.” leaves behind. The thread itself is both safe and effec- She notes the advantages: “There is a The common solutions to tive and, considering that what is used is high possibility of cell viability and en- preventing tooth decay are However, it is not enough not a single thread but multiple threads, graftment as the multiple threads per- to simply kill the bacteria the effect is much better. In fact, the form a role as scaffolds, with strong lift- those we have heard since strong lifting effect by multiple ing effects.” our youth: (1) do not eat too that cause tooth decay. Just threads—its differentiated lifting ef- “Other similar solutions were de- much sugary food, (2) brush as important is to prevent fect—is much stronger than single signed without considering cell therapy, your teeth after eating, and new cavities from forming. thread products, yielding a high satisfac- but what we have had gone through With the new LISTERINE® tion as a lifting treatment even without maximized improvements, so the proce- (3) see your dentist regularly. cell therapy. It has a scaffold effect for dure yields both effective lifting and cell Though these all help in pre- Natural Green Tea, your stem cells and PRP,Platelet Rich Plasma; regeneration and there’s been reported venting cavities, there is now teeth are coated with a pro- actually, the multiple threads serve as high satisfaction due to immediate posi- tective shield that strength- tive effects on patients wherever it’s a new and natural way of been used in other countries,” Dr. MJ fighting tooth decay. ens your teeth against new shared. tooth decay. “Even if at some time, skin aging The new LISTERINE® tremendously progresses, creating Natural Green Tea fights So although 95 million Fil- creases and wrinkles as the elastin and ipinos may currently be suffer- collagen tissue of the skin’s epidermis tooth decay because it con- are destroyed, the damage done can still tains natural green tea and ing from tooth decay, fighting be reversed through this power cell lift- two times more fluoride. tooth decay can actually be as ing solution with cell regeneration, Green tea has transcended simple as a 30-second gar- elastin and collagen tissue becoming gle. Now, Filipinos can fight densely composed. With these, the skin beyond just the flavor of is kept healthy or made healthy again.” your favorite drink. The tooth decay with the new LIS- We’re lucky this is now in the Philip- natural goodness of green TERINE® Natural Green Tea. pines, and we at The Zen Institute can tea is now in a mouthwash, rightfully claim to have the confidence This product is available in to do the procedure competently and because LISTERINE® has leading supermarkets, safely,” she added. discovered the natural To know more on The Zen Institute (A drugstores, and department tooth decay-fighting prop- Medical Spa), please visit stores for Php70.25 (80ml) www.thezeninstitute.com. and Php166.50 (250ml). DR. MARY Jane “MJ” Torresof The Zen Institute (A Medical Spa)

B3 - 6 PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012 Workshop for clinics and small healthcare organizations on international accreditation standards

WITH the growing population and ag- health risks be reduced to provide bet- Accreditation Standards for Small crediting organizations in the world to ministrators, medical directors, quality ing people on the rise all over the ter and quality patient care? What sys- Healthcare Organizations. Small achieve this recognition. ISQua is an personnel, medical professionals, world, comes bigger demand for tems need to be in place in order for healthcare organizations are defined international body which grants ap- nursing supervisors, professionals, and healthcare. WHO declares that in or- these organizations to effectively run as hospitals with bed strength of up to proval to healthcare accreditation pro- practitioners in the healthcare indus- der to avoid huge hospital bills, people their business and increase their bot- 50 beds. It also includes day care cen- grams around the world as a seal of ex- try are invited to participate in the are encouraged to be more cautious of tom line? ters and ambulatory clinics that per- cellence. training. their health even before chronic illness International accreditation provides form surgery and procedures that will Among the important topics to be To register, please call Rowena Eu- strikes. Aesthetic centers are also assurance on patient safety and quality require 24-hour observation in the fa- discussed in the workshop are stan- suya at 910-8030 / 0917-8938762 or booming as more people search for of care, which are main concerns for cility. dards on continuous quality improve- visit www.healthcore.com.ph youthful looks and longevity. patients and health insurance compa- Learn the global benchmarks ac- ment, good governance, facility safety, Primary care clinics, ambulatory nies. It stimulates continuous improve- credited by the International Society human resources, and information and aesthetic centers provide part of ment for healthcare organizations and for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua) to be management system. Standards on ac- the solution. This situation bodes well promotes efficiency. conducted by international experts cess, care of patients, management of for the healthcare business. But how On May 7-8, , NABH International and assessors themselves. NABH Inter- medication, patient rights, and infec- does the healthcare organizations in partnership with HealthCORE will national is accredited by the Interna- tion control will likewise be covered, keep up with the rising demand? How conduct for the first time in the Philip- tional Society for Quality in Healthcare as part of the criteria set by ISQua and can they make their organization and pines a comprehensive 2-day Work- (ISQua) under its International Ac- implemented by NABH International. people work more efficiently? Can shop on Implementing International creditation Program-one of the few ac- Hospital and clinic owners and ad-

MakatiMed is the first private hospital designated by the DOH as an HIV treatment hub ere in the Philippines, the prevalence of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), theH disease that causes the failure of the immune system to function properly, is, thankfully, considerably low at less than 1%. But with HIV cases being reported to the Department of Health (DOH) daily, government and health institutions are intensifying efforts directed towards fighting the disease. “HIV is no longer fatal if discovered and treated early,” Dr. Vilma M. Co, head of Makati Medical Center’s Infectious Disease Section reveals. MakatiMed is the first private hospital designated by the DOH as an HIV treatment hub in 2010, providing effective anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs to HIV-infected patients. The premier health institution, having realized that the HIV epidemic in the Philippines is rapidly accelerating and that early treatment lowers the risk of HIV transmission, began managing affected patients in the early 90s. “At MakatiMed, we provide prevention, treatment, care and support services to people living with HIV,” Dr. Co says. “Our institution puts a premium on the well-being of every patient, regardless of his or her condition.” MakatiMed’s Infectious Disease consultants are armed with enhanced skills and knowledge on HIV management, and have developed innovative strategies to address the sensitivity in delivering the available services to this vulnerable group of HIV-infected patients. “We recognize the growing number and burden of caring for those infected and affected with HIV,” says Dr. Ma. Tarcela Gler, HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) chair. “That’s why we immediately made the move to train more people and expanded our staff roster. We also upgraded our equipment to provide a more holistic quality treatment. MakatiMed also shares a strong political commitment to help prevent the fast-paced increase of HIV cases in the Philippines with government health institutions, the DOH and PhilHealth. The DOH provides MakatiMed the necessary drugs for HIV treatment, including ARVS such as zidovudine, lamivudine, efavirenz, and nevirapine among others; while PhilHealth aids patients via access to their health fund. Additionally, to be able to reach more patients who need treatment and care, MakatiMed is committed in its partnership with the DOH for information dissemination, provision of health services, and advocacy for compliance to policy and guidelines on HIV management. “We are honored to be working hand in hand with the DOH and PhilHealth,” says Dr. Co. “We believe that this milestone public-private partnership—the first of its kind for healthcare—is a good strategy to ensure that those affected by the disease remain productive members of society.”