mWell Addresses the Growing Need for Accessible Mental Health Care for Filipinos

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An all-in-one telehealth platform empowering Filipinos to care for their mind and body

at every stage of their wellness journey

mWell, the Philippines' fully integrated digital healthcare platform by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation, gives voice to a truth many Filipinos know but rarely say out loud: sometimes, the happiest-looking person in the room is fighting the hardest battle alone.

Mental health stigma in the Philippines remains a significant barrier to care. Rooted in cultural expectations of resilience, mental health struggles are too often misread as weakness, pushing individuals to suffer quietly rather than seek the help they deserve. Deep-seated values like hiya and pakikisama compound the silence, as many fear bringing embarrassment to themselves or their families by admitting they are not okay. In the workplace, the stakes feel even higher: about 75% of Filipinos believe that disclosing mental health concerns compromises their professional opportunities, the highest rate among ASEAN countries, according to the International Labor Organization. And for many, the cost of professional mental health support remains the final barrier.

mWell addresses all of these barriers head-on, with technology that is accessible, affordable, and built for real Filipinos.

"Mind health is just as important as physical health, and yet for so many Filipinos, asking for help still feels out of reach — whether because of stigma, cost, or simply not knowing where to turn. True well-being cannot exist without both. At mWell, we are committed to making sure that every Filipino has a place to turn to, for their body and for their mind, because a healthier Filipino is a stronger Filipino. We want every person to know that support is there for them, whenever they are ready, and that taking care of their mind is one of the most courageous things they can do for themselves," said Chaye Cabal-Revilla, President and CEO of mWell and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of MPIC.

MEETING FILIPINOS AT EVERY STAGE OF THEIR MIND HEALTH JOURNEY

mWell's mind health services are designed to meet Filipinos at every stage of their mental health journey, starting from the moment they decide to check in with themselves.

Available for free on the mWell app, the Mind Health Score and self-guided modules give users a private, judgment-free starting point. The Mind Health Score, built on the scientifically-validated WHO-5 Well-Being Index, helps users understand where they stand emotionally and mentally, while the self-guided modules use evidence-based techniques to help manage stress, build resilience, and improve overall emotional balance, all at their own pace.

When a user is ready to talk to someone, mWell makes professional support within reach. The mWell Mind Healthsavers Plan offers a 30-minute video session with a certified Mind Health Coach that users can avail anytime within 30 days upon purchase. For those who require a higher level of care, mWell also offers scheduled and on-demand consultations with coaches, psychologists, or psychiatrists. Both are available for as low as P499, making it easier than ever for Filipinos to take that next step without the weight of financial worry.

EXPANDING OUR NETWORK OF CARE THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Central to delivering on this promise is mWell's partnership with MindNation, a global mental health and well-being organization trusted by top employers, schools, and government institutions across the world.

Through this collaboration, mWell is expanding its pool of certified mental health specialists, ensuring that more Filipinos have access to qualified, culturally sensitive care whenever they need it. The partnership reflects a shared conviction that mental health support should not be a privilege, but a right that every Filipino can exercise.

"At MindNation, we have always believed that mental health support should be something every person can reach, not a privilege reserved for the few. Partnering with mWell brings us closer to that vision, expanding the number of qualified, compassionate specialists available to Filipinos when and where they need them most. Together, we are not just adding names to a roster. We are building a stronger, more accessible safety net for the nation's well-being," said Eizaleen Fusingan-Lappay, PhDc, LPT, RPm, RPsy, Chief WellBeing Officer, MindNation.

A GLOBAL STANDARD OF CARE FOR EVERY FILIPINO

mWell's commitment to accessible digital healthcare has earned recognition on the world stage. mWell recently won the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Award for Best Mobile Innovation Supporting Emergency or Humanitarian Situations at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, marking a back-to-back GLOMO victory following its 2023 win for Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life, and making it the first Philippine healthtech app to win in this category. With this recognition, mWell joins leading global brands such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and more among this year's GLOMO winners.

The global accolade is a testament to what mWell has always believed: that technology, when built with purpose, can transform lives. Its mind health services are the latest expression of that belief, bringing world-class mental health support within reach of every Filipino, wherever they are. As one of the top health and wellness apps in the Philippines, mWell continues to make holistic healthcare more accessible through innovations that empower Filipinos to take charge of their health anytime, anywhere

As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

Download the mWell app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Follow mWell on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.

New partnership makes OMRON blood pressure monitors available in Mercury Drug stores nationwide

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OMRON Healthcare, a global leader in the field of clinically proven, innovative medical equipment, announces that its blood pressure monitoring (BPM) devices will now be available at Mercury Drug, the leading drugstore in the country. The latest OMRON HEM 7156-A model is already out in selected Mercury Drug stores nationwide.

OMRON, alongside organizations such as the Philippine Society of Hypertension, continues to campaign for home blood pressure monitoring as a means to mitigate the effects of hypertension. Even amid the pandemic, high blood pressure continues to be one of the top causes of mortality among Filipinos, with the latest survey from the Philippine Heart Association placing the prevalence rate of hypertension at 37 percent.[1] Despite this alarming statistic, only about 25% of hypertensives monitor their blood pressure at home, the survey further reveals.

Through this collaboration with Mercury Drug, OMRON reaffirms its commitment to help more Filipino families achieve good heart health.

“Our partnership with Mercury Drug allows us to bring OMRON closer to more Filipinos. With Mercury Drug’s vast network of more than 1,200 stores nationwide, we have a larger platform to make our world-class and reliable healthcare technologies more accessible to Filipinos. As we continue to forge more partnerships and expand the channels where our products are available, we remain steadfast in our commitment to promote home blood pressure monitoring as a means to help prevent the complications resulting from hypertension,” shared Yusuke Kato, General Manager for OMRON Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd – Philippine Branch (Healthcare Division).

Mercury Drug has been offering branded and generic medicines, medical devices, and healthcare and personal care products since 1945. Through the years, it has established its reputation as the leading drugstore in the Philippines, making it one of the most trusted and awarded merchants in the country today.

Ms. Vivian Que-Azcona, President of Mercury Drug Corporation said, “This partnership aligns with our mission to serve our customers – to have what they want, when, where and how they want it. This OMRON blood pressure monitoring device is a welcome addition to our product range that will help our customers in managing their health condition.”

Effortless Accuracy from the Comforts of Home

The HEM-7156-A is a state-of-the-art device designed for ease of use.

One of the most notable features of the HEM-7156-A is the 360-degree IntelliWrap Cuff technology. A study by Perleberg Research in 2014 revealed that one in three people measure their blood pressure inaccurately when monitoring from home.[2] A big contributor factor to this is incorrect cuff positioning. OMRON’s IntelliWrap Cuff solves this through a preformed fit cuff that gives accurate readings at any angle and reduces measurement errors at home. The cuff is even designed to make wearing easy to do even with just one hand – a benefit that is indispensable for self-monitoring.

OMRON HEM-7156-A is also equipped with “Intellisense”, a standard among all OMRON blood pressure monitors. This means that the device automatically personalizes the cuff inflation to eliminate pain or discomfort for the wearer during measurement. This revolutionary technology pioneered by OMRON further minimizes possible misrepresentation in readings.

The device is programmed to signal when an individual is suspected to have highly elevated blood pressure through its Hypertension Indicator. It features Pulse Rate and Body Movement Capturing and Irregular Heartbeat Detection, the latter helping to detect abnormal heart beat rhythm for early intervention and treatment of possible cardiovascular diseases. The product package also comes with a universal adapter.

The OMRON HEM-7156-A is available in selected Mercury Drug branches nationwide for only Php4,380. 

For more information about OMRON Healthcare’s products and their availability, please visit https://www.omronhealthcare-ap.com/ph.

#TakeChargeOfYourHealth: AXA unveils Health Care Access to allay concerns on rising medical costs

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A virtual family day with the theme #TakeChargeOfYourHealth was hosted by AXA Philippines on August 11, Wednesday in line with the latest developments that constantly threaten ours and our families’ health and safety. Medical persons and celebrity guests Dr. Randy Dellosa, Megan Young, Mikael Diaz, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Edric Mendoza, and Niña Corpuz discuss how we can take charge of ours and our family’s health.

AXA empowers Filipinos to take charge and protect themselves against financial uncertainties
with its new affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan.

According to a report on health spending released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in late 2020, paying for one’s medical needs grew in the country by 11% in recent years.

 

On this spending, a staggering 48% of the expenses came from “household out-of-pocket”—meaning Filipinos have resorted to digging into their hard-earned savings or worse, turning to loans from well-meaning families, to be able to pay for the cost of hospitalization or other medical expenses that they did not have the capacity to cover.

 

In a separate report from the National Economic Development Authority, it was cited that 96% of Filipinos are concerned about their own and their family’s health, but only 16% are prepared to pay for medical costs. But it does not have to be this way.

Take charge of your future through AXA Health Care Access

 

With this as a backdrop, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance companies, introduced its latest health insurance plan Health Care Access via a virtual press conference on August 11, 2021.

 

“We know all too well that sudden medical emergencies can happen to anyone, much worse if it rears its head during a pandemic,” said Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines President and CEO. “We developed Health Care Access as a way for Filipino individuals and families to protect themselves from life’s unexpected moments—freeing them from their worries while affording them a more secure future.”

 

An inclusive and value-for-money health care solution

 

AXA Health Care Access offers a comprehensive and affordable health care solution for one’s hospitalization and medical needs through a modest monthly or annual premium.

 

It comes in two plan types: Health Care Access Prime and Health Care Access Lite.

 

Health Care Access Prime provides comprehensive coverage of up to five million pesos (PHP5,000,000) annually. This plan is ideal for those who have no HMO like entrepreneurs, freelancers, and consultants. Health Care Access Prime offers inpatient and outpatient care, and emergency care treatment up to the Annual Benefit Limit (ABL). This also includes an Annual Physical Exam starting from seven basic exams, with a life and accident insurance benefit of up to PHP500,000. Moreover, customers can include optical care benefits to the plan by paying a small additional annual premium.

 

For those with HMO coverage from their employment but need additional protection, Health Care Access Lite is designed to provide just that on top of one’s existing health care plan or personal health fund. Health Care Access Lite offers inpatient and emergency care treatment up to the ABL. It also includes life and insurance accidents from PHP50,000 to PHP500,000. Moreover, you can enhance the coverage of your plan with outpatient care, optical care, or dental care benefit by also paying a small additional premium.

 

Full coverage in a pandemic plus other benefits

 

AXA Health Care Access provides full coverage and cashless payment arrangements which is advantageous given today’s ongoing pandemic. It also comes with free access to 24/7 teleconsultation via voice or video call with a medical professional.

 

Other superior benefits include the Longevity Health Fund, which one can tap into for health setbacks as they grow older and when they need it the most—beyond the age of 75. Customers get guaranteed renewability, family coverage within one plan, and even a premium reduction of 10% when the plan is extended to at least one family member, plus the option to add a ‘booster’ or add-on depending on your specific needs.

 

The Critical Illness Booster provides additional cash benefit if one gets diagnosed with any of the 56 critical illness conditions, and may be used for other medical expenses or as income replacement. The Annual Benefit Limit, on the other hand, automatically increases one’s annual benefit limit by 10% every three years to help keep up with rising medical costs.

 

AXA Health Care Access, which will be available starting August 16, encourages a more proactive and preparedness-oriented attitude towards health for everyone, allowing Filipinos to take full charge of their physical wellbeing for the future.

 

For more information on Health Care Access, visit https://bit.ly/3xwunlp.