Takeda Healthcare Philippines receives double recognition at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards

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Takeda Philippines Healthcare, Inc. (“Takeda”), a leading pharmaceutical company committed to create better health for people and a brighter future for the world, has been recognized with two prestigious awards at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA) ceremony held in Cambodia.

 Takeda Philippines Country Leadership Team (Seated from L to R) Sheryll Anne Corpuz, Estela del Rosario, Loreann Villanueva, Arabella Benito, Armi Grace Gonzales

(Standing From L to R) John Raymond Gulinao, Fatima Mangalindan, Rommel Velasco, Joy Althea Pabellon, Freddie Deinla

The first award was given to Takeda's Access To Medicines: Patient Assistance Program (AtM Program) in the Health Promotion category. Rooted in the vision of broadening access to life-changing medicines and vaccines in underserved communities, the AtM Program utilizes an integrated and sustainable approach that mobilizes the collective efforts of all involved stakeholders.

Focusing on diseases with the highest unmet need such as cancer and rare diseases, Takeda strives to bring its innovative and high-quality medicines to patients in the Philippines who have limited access to healthcare services. Through this program, the company has successfully provided financial assistance to over 600 patients nationwide, ensuring they receive crucial treatments regardless of their capacity to pay.

The AtM Program involves multi-stakeholder collaboration to address the pain points in the patient’s journey in the areas of disease awareness, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, support, and care. Based on Takeda’s insights on Filipino patients, it takes them about 5 to 10 visits to different doctors before they are properly diagnosed. Thus, the “Spot Lymphoma, Stop Lymphoma” campaign was launched together with 5 major medical societies and 2 non-government organizations to educate patients. Takeda in partnership with Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) provided CD30 screening through 24 hospitals majority of which are located outside of the capital of Metro Manila so patients would have access to CD30 screening.

Aside from screening, a series of workshops with Philippine Pathologists in partnership with medical societies were done to increase the skills and confidence of pathologists in utilizing immunohistochemistry and ensure early and proper diagnosis. The cornerstone of Takeda’s access program in the country is the Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This unique and innovative affordability-based program enabled more than 600 patients regardless of their socio-economic class to access their treatment with Takeda’s target therapy at a price that is based on the patient’s financial capacity to pay.

Takeda also partnered with an NGO to provide a series of training to oncology nurses to enrich their capability in educating patients. They also provided a grant to the Cancer Care Registry and Research Philippines Foundation (CARE PH) to expand its cancer registry and research.

Finally, as a culmination of Takeda’s holistic initiatives in 2022, the Access to Medicines (ATM) Summit gathered 137 multi-sectoral stakeholders from 42 organizations for a 2-day meeting, and discussed how each can support healthcare strengthening in the Philippines. Takeda’s framework is to build sustainable capacity at every stage from diagnosis to ongoing patient support. To date, more than 1,700 pathologists, 6,997 oncology and 5,683 endoscopy nurses, 4 medical societies, and 7 NGOs and patient organizations have partnered with Takeda in these endeavors.

The second award recognized Takeda for its unwavering dedication to employee well-being and engagement in the Investment in People category. These programs aim to foster a healthy and collaborative working environment, enabling employees to thrive personally and professionally.

From L-R: Joanna Noor, Sheryll Corpuz, Dr. Felycette Gay Lapus, Dr. Arielle  Severino, and Caroline Ramira during the 2022 Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) Annual Convention.

Takeda's employee well-being and engagement programs encompass diverse wellness initiatives and engagement activities that encourage a robust and motivated workforce. From the Partnerships for Growth (PFG) mentoring program, Lunch and Learn sessions, to career development and energy management workshops, Takeda invests in its employees' growth and development. These engagement efforts cultivate open communication, collaborative relationships, and contribute to the company's talent development and retention strategies, resulting in sustained high engagement levels with an average of 92% in the last two years of the company’s annual engagement survey.

Takeda's dedication to its employees has also led to the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification for two consecutive years, as well as one of 2023 Philippines Best Workplaces. The company remains steadfast in ensuring its programs cater to the needs of its workforce, empowering them to flourish and reach their full potential.

"We are honored to receive these recognitions as it cements Takeda’s enduring commitment to serve communities as well as our employees," Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. said. "These awards inspire us to push the boundaries further, making a lasting difference to the Filipino community through an empowered and highly dedicated workforce."

AREA recognizes and honors deserving Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible business practices in the following categories: Green Leadership, Social Empowerment, Health Promotion, Investment in People, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Responsible Business Leadership.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company. Its headquarters in Makati City are home to Takeda Philippines’ employees who all share the same passion, drive, and commitment towards delivering life-transforming treatments, and sustainable patient access programs.

To learn more about Takeda and its initiatives, please visit www.takeda.com.

 

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About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (THPI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Founded in 1968, THPI aims to broaden patient access to treatment across the country through sustainable access programs enabling affordable and integrated access solutions for disease areas such as oncology, gastroenterology, rare diseases & vaccines and by strengthening the healthcare system guided by our commitment to Patients, our People and the Planet.

For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com.

 

Takeda and Cancer Warriors Foundation unite for better cancer care access

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Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. (“Takeda Philippines”) recently partnered with Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc., a patient support organization for families of children with childhood cancer, strengthening calls for wider access to cancer care in rural and peri-urban communities in the country.

Takeda Philippines Healthcare Inc. and Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc. represented by (seated L-R) Cancer Warriors Foundation Board of Trustees Vice Chairperson Concepcion Pijano, Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc. CEO Carmen “Menchie” Auste, Takeda Pharmaceuticals I-SEA Multi-Country Organization Head Dion Warren and Takeda Philippines Country Manager Loreann Villanueva sign grant agreement for localizing the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICAA) in an Interlocal Health Zone

Through this partnership, Takeda will provide a grant with the goal of supporting the group’s efforts in localizing the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) through the establishment of Interlocal Health Zones, which are systemized zones made up of different local health facilities, dedicated to cancer care.

NICAA was signed into law in 2019, with the aim to ensure improved access, better quality care, and in the process, increased survivorship of cancer patients. The act also seeks to reduce the financial burden experienced by cancer patients and their families.

The challenge continues

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality in the Philippines[1]. With the rising number of cancer cases, access to care continues to be a challenge for several Filipinos, particularly for those residing in rural and peri-urban communities. Access to cancer information, services, support providers, and even clinical trials have been very limited. Given this, patients in these areas often present with advanced or late-stage cancers, and a significant number may go undiagnosed and unseen by medical practitioners.

To improve cancer care, increase curability, and create healthier communities, it is crucial to establish alliances across stakeholders and sectors. These collaborations will be instrumental in addressing the current gaps in cancer care delivery.

“NICCA not only focuses on basic integrated care, but also holistic care. Care should go beyond just the medical aspect, but also to the psychosocial aspect as well, including patients who survive cancer. Hence, it is crucial to form alliances with LGUs and other sectors to underline the importance of NICCA’s integrated and holistic approach to cancer care,” shared Carmen “Menchie” Auste, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc.

A uniting voice for localizing NICAA

Takeda has been a longstanding advocate of broadening access to medicines and supporting the Philippine government in strengthening the healthcare system. Through partnerships with non-profit organizations, patient groups, and key entities, Takeda engages in disease-awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and advocacy network building, among other initiatives.

“Takeda looks forward to collaborating with Cancer Warriors Foundation in ensuring that NICCA becomes fully realized, which will help provide access to healthcare for cancer patients, their carers, and the general public, beginning with the establishment of Interlocal Health Zones,” Takeda Philippines Country Manager Loreann Villanueva shared.

The Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to uniting parents against pediatric cancer, has long sustained calls for making cancer care accessible especially to patients and their families who take care and look after them.

“We hope that this partnership will zero-in on the implementation of the interlocal health zone, which will be a model of a how a primary health care system can be strengthened all the way up to the district level, essentially localizing the goal of NICAA to improve nationwide cancer healthcare,” Carmen “Menchie” Auste added. The first Interlocal Health Zone will be in CALABARZON Region, which the group sees as one of the priority regions for cancer care.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines is a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company.

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About Takeda

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (THPI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Founded in 1968, THPI aims to broaden patient access to treatment across the country through sustainable access programs enabling affordable and integrated access solutions for disease areas such as oncology, gastroenterology, rare diseases & vaccines and by strengthening the healthcare system guided by our commitment to Patients, our People and the Planet.

For more information, visit https://www.takeda.com.

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^[1] Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022. https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/crd/pressrelease/Press%20Release_3.pdf

Opening Doors to Affordable Diagnostics: Cardinal Santos Offers Significant Discount on Lab Procedures During Sundays and Holidays!

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Cardinal Santos Medical Center is starting off the month of July by offering a 30% discount on all laboratory procedures conducted on Sundays and holidays. The hospital builds on its commitment to people-centered care by announcing this new initiative to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for the community.

Recognizing the importance of timely and accurate diagnostics in patient care, Cardinal Santos aims to remove barriers that may hinder individuals from seeking necessary medical tests. By introducing this discounted pricing structure, the hospital aims to encourage patients to prioritize their health and undergo essential laboratory procedures without financial constraints.

Dr. Zenaida M. Javier-Uy, SVP & Chief Medical Officer at Cardinal Santos, highlighted the significance of this initiative, saying, "We firmly believe that healthcare should be accessible to all. By providing a substantial discount on laboratory procedures during Sundays and holidays, we hope to encourage members of our community to prioritize their well-being and take proactive steps towards their healthcare needs."

The 30% discount will apply to a comprehensive range of routine laboratory procedures, including but not limited to blood tests, urine analysis, and other chemistry services. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology and a team of skilled professionals, Cardinal Santos Hospital ensures accurate and reliable results for its patients.

Patients and community members interested in availing themselves of this exclusive discount can simply visit the Cardinal Santos laboratory department during Sundays and holidays. The hospital's compassionate staff will be readily available to assist patients throughout the process and answer any queries they may have.

This offer underscores Cardinal Santos Hospital's unwavering commitment to fostering a healthier community by making healthcare accessible and affordable for all. This is evidenced by its achievement of being the First Hospital in Asia to receive the People-Centered Care Commitment Award from Accreditation Canada earlier this year, to go along with its Platinum Accreditation.

This offer is valid until further notice. Terms and conditions apply. For the complete list of discounted laboratory services and more information about the other programs and services that CSMC offers, please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/. CSMC is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.

Time to ditch Dr. Search, enjoy Konsulta Plus unli-consult for only P150 per month

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Have you ever experienced a strange symptom, searched it online, and ended up convinced you have a rare terminal disease? With the digital world within reach, it's all too easy to get lost in the sea of unvetted online health articles and scare stories. These often leave people more confused than ever, and most of the time unnecessarily worried.

What if there's a safer, smarter way to manage your health worries? Now, a real doctor is just a tap away!

Thanks to the internet, professional medical help is now accessible without leaving your home or even your bed. KonsultaMD, the country’s leading health tech platform, offers a solution for your medical inquiries, big and small. With its newest service, Konsulta Plus, you can now chat with a real-life doctor any time of day, any day of the week.

This isn't just a robot sending automated responses - it's actual advice from certified medical professionals. And what's more, it's budget-friendly! With just P150 per month, you can get unlimited access to quality medical consultations whenever you need them.

With KonsultaMD’s new offering, you can also skip the queue and get your prescription online!

Instead of hoping the internet leads you to the right over-the-counter medicine, let a licensed professional prescribe exactly what you need. With Konsulta Plus, you won't have to wonder if you're taking the right meds. Its licensed doctors will ensure you get the correct treatment when you need it. Plus, you can even buy your prescribed medicine through the KonsultaMD SuperApp and have it delivered to your doorstep anytime 24/7. Talk about convenience!

"Our mission at KonsultaMD has always been to make healthcare accessible to all Filipinos, no matter where they are or what time it is. With Konsulta Plus, we're one step closer to achieving this goal. For the price of a cup or two of your favorite coffee, you can have a doctor on call 24/7. We believe that good health shouldn't be a privilege for a few, but a right for all. And with Konsulta Plus, we're making that more attainable than ever,” said Cholo Tagaysay, CEO of KonsultaMD.

Konsulta Plus makes managing your health as easy as checking your phone. It's time to say goodbye to self-diagnosing and hello to convenient, professional, and affordable healthcare. Your health is worth it.

For more information about KonsultaMD, visit https://konsulta.md or download the app on the App Store or Google Play.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines recognized as a Great Place to Work®, continues to prioritize employee well-being and growth

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Takeda Healthcare Philippines places great importance on creating a diverse and inclusive organization where employees can thrive and reach their full potential.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines, a leading biopharmaceutical company, has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for the second year in a row. Based on the Trust Index survey, 100% of Takeda employees believe that the company is an excellent place to work, surpassing the average of 53% for global companies. This achievement reflects Takeda's strong commitment to creating an exceptional working environment and its dedication to excellence.

In addition, 100% of employees at Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. have collectively expressed that they see management as honest and ethical in their business practices, they feel good about the ways they contribute to the community, and they are proud to be part of the company.

Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Philippines, expressed her pride in the company's culture and the unwavering dedication of its employees. “Being certified as a Great Place to Work is an important recognition for Takeda Philippines. It is a testament to how our leaders & employees strive to create a positive impact in our organization that is anchored on trust, transparency and collaboration. Our amazing company culture is built on a solid foundation that allows our employees to make values-based decisions to bring to life our mission of providing better health and a brighter future in the Philippines.

“This certification further inspires us and our employees to continue delivering our purpose of broadening access to our innovative medicines to the Filipino patients. It is also an acknowledgment that the work that we do every day and the meaning behind every decision we make are driven and led by employees who are fully committed, passionate and engaged,” she added.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines not only prioritizes patients' access to medicines and quality treatment but also places great importance on creating a diverse and inclusive organization where employees can thrive and reach their full potential. The company is committed to fostering an honest and ethical workplace environment.

To promote a healthy and holistic working environment, Takeda Philippines offers various initiatives for its employees ranging from non-work related activities that fosters mutual trust and friendship, to trainings, mentoring programs and workshops to promote employee growth and holistic development.

The company has also adopted a hybrid work arrangement for their employees and a strict “no-meeting Fridays.” These efforts intend to deliberately give employees the work-life balance they need as well as to provide flexibility through streamlined work schedules and processes.

Takeda Healthcare Philippines' commitment to its employees and the community has garnered recognition beyond the Great Place to Work® certification. The company also ranked 8 in the small business category of the Philippines’ Best Workplaces 2023. It was also recognized as a Top Employer in the Philippines by the Top Employers Institute.

Takeda Philippines is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company. Its headquarters in Makati City are home to Takeda Philippines’ employees who all share the same passion, drive, and commitment towards delivering life-transforming treatments, and sustainable patient access programs.

To learn more about Takeda and its initiatives, please visit www.takeda.com.

PH healthcare mega app mWell brings holistic wellness to the workplace via mWell@Work

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Now more than ever, employees need healthcare solutions that will enable them to face the numerous challenges of both work and personal life. With this in mind, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell, the Philippines’ healthcare mega app, launches mWell@Work-- a fully loaded wellness program designed to empower employees of enterprise partners to overcome health challenges and become physically and mentally stronger. This holistic approach creates a healthier and more productive workforce through mWell’s wide range of health and wellness features.

mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan says, “As the number of our users continue to grow, mWell shall deliver programs and features to provide our countrymen with innovative and responsive healthcare solutions through our fully integrated health and wellness platform recognized globally.”

mWell CEO and President and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla underscores the value of holistic wellness. “Health is important to remain productive and provide for family needs. With mWell, office workers can consult our best partner doctors and health experts to help them overcome work-related health issues.They can also use the app’smWellness Score feature to track their health daily or get into fitness and nutrition programs designed by experts. All of these will help employees power through the challenges at work as they keep both their mind and body healthy.” Cabal-Revilla said.

In line with the app’s Mind Health advocacy, mWell@Work spearheaded a series of webinars in partnership with YMP Lead, a group composed of experts on professional growth and Ateneo Bulatao Center, the service and research arm of the Psychology Department of the Ateneo de Manila University. YMP Lead’s session focused on ways to stay mentally healthy while Ateneo Bulatao Center’s session was centered around steps to take when an employee is in distress. Hundreds of attendees from Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, PLDT, Smart, and MedExpress actively took part in the discussion. The mind health webinars will also be conducted for employees of PhilCare and Generali.

mWell also formed a groundbreaking partnership to make employees of the Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) winners in wellness. This is the first-ever collaboration between a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) and a digital health app. With mWell’s holistic approach to wellness, PAGCOR employees can now consult with over 1,000 doctors 24/7 using their health passes. They can also monitor their physical activity, step count, and sleep using the mWellness Score, an exclusive daily health tracker found on the mWell app. To reward them on their way to wellness, mWell created the PAGCOR Steps Challenge, the in-app competition encourages employees to increase their step count to move up the leaderboard to win exciting prizes.The mWell@Work sign-up event was held in PAGCOR Pasay, Manila, and Tagaytay.

PAGCOR Senior Medical Officer Dr. Al S. Arriola says, "Very nice personnel from mWell, very helpful, knowledgeable. Employees and management are happy with the simultaneous booth set-up. Excited to start the steps challenge! We will refer mWell to other PAGCOR company partners."

mWell is also the official health and wellness partner of Delegate CX (DCX PH Inc.), a company composed of highly trained global talent specializing in providing Promotional industry service to clients in the US. Using their mWell app, DCX team members can take part in the Steps Challenge, spread good vibes, and inspire their colleagues to get moving towards a healthier lifestyle.

“One of our biggest priorities at DCX is the health and well-being of our team members and to provide them with the resources and encouragement to improve their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. Our partnership with mWell offers our team with a healthcare and education resource and an activity tracking tool to accomplish their wellness goals. We've seen increased enthusiasm and participation with our physical activity challenges and are excited by the commitment our team is making to live a healthier lifestyle,” said DCX Executive Vice President Retention and Culture Brad Penman.

To fully support the healthcare needs of enterprise partner employees, mWell offers customizable and stackable health plans which include doctor and mind health consultations, accident insurance, emergency room coverages and more. For as low as P2499 per year, employees and their dependents without HMO coverages can avail of health packages, providing them security and peace of mind.

Companies that wish to partner with mWell in responding to the health and wellness needs of their employees may email support@mwell.com.ph

mWell was recently named the winner of two Gold Stevie® Awards in the Innovation in Health & Wellness and Most Innovative Startup of the Year- Business Service Industriescategories in the 10th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. It is the only Philippine entry to bring home the Gold Award in these two categories. Bronze winners include Vietnam, Taiwan, and Australia.The two Gold Stevie® Awards come at the heels of being chosen as the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life in the 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

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 GabayKalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

To consult with partner-doctors and access a wide range of wellness features, simply download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and register. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates.

Philippines’ healthcare mega app mWell strengthens global healthcare foothold with back-to-back international awards

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Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell continues to blaze trails in digital healthcare globally as it was named the winner of two Gold Stevie® Awards in the Innovation in Health & Wellness and Most Innovative Startup of the Year- Business Service Industries categories in the 10th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. mWell is the only Philippine entry to bring home the Gold Award in these two categories. Bronze winners include Vietnam, Taiwan, and Australia.

The two Gold Stevie® Awards come at the heels of being chosen as the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life in the 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 nations of the Asia-Pacific region.  The Stevie Awards are widely considered to be the world's premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in programs such as The International Business Awards® for 21 years. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the winners will be celebrated during a virtual (online) awards ceremony on Tuesday, 27 June. 

More than 800 nominations from organizations across the Asia-Pacific region were considered this year in categories such as Award for Excellence in Innovation in Products & Services, Award for Innovative Management, and Award for Innovation in Corporate Websites, among many others.  Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 100 executives around the world acting as judges in February and March.

“This recognition is a welcome affirmation of our work in healthcare,” says mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. “The goal is to improve the lives of all Filipinos, and this will inspire us to keep pushing boundaries in creating innovative healthcare solutions.”

mWell CEO and President and MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla said “As the Philippines’ healthcare mega app, this award fortifies our commitment to harnessing the power of technology as we make healthcare available, accessible, and affordable for more Filipinos wherever they may be in the world. Through our innovative digital solutions, we will continue being an ally in every step of the wellness journey—not just as an app but as a fully integrated, fully digital healthcare ecosystem worthy of global recognition.”

“The 10th edition of the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards attracted many remarkable nominations,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller.  “The organizations that won this year have demonstrated that they are committed to being innovative, and we applaud them for their perseverance and creativity.  We look forward to celebrating many of this year’s winners during our virtual awards ceremony on 27 June.”

mWell’s achievement comes soon after being recognized as the Best Mobile Innovation for Digital Life in the recently concluded 2023 Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, held during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Recognized in the new Digital Everything category, mWell is the first in the Philippines to receive this most prestigious accolade in the mobile industry, judged by more than 200 independent judges from across the world, comprised of leading industry and subject matter experts, analysts, journalists, and academics. It celebrates companies, individuals, and governments who have driven the greatest innovation in mobile and adjacent industries.

The country’s fully integrated and fully digital healthcare platform consistently holds its spot among the top health and fitness app in Google Play Store.

The top health app for telemedicine

An accredited telemedicine partner of the Department of health, mWell has redefined telemedicine in the Philippines via a seamless, fully digital experience. Choosing a doctor, consulting on video (within 3 minutes waiting time), receiving an e-prescription and getting a medical certificate all happen in the app.

Patients may consult online 24/7 with over over 800 Primary Care doctors, specialists, and mind health experts. They can even have their medicines delivered to their doorsteps via MedExpress.  Furthermore, mWell provides a digital medical ID which empowers users to keep track of their own personal record which they can easily access. All records are stored in mWell’s secure platform.

Top global healthcare app for OFWs

mWell enables the delivery of healthcare services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families via a partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers. Breaking barriers through digital healthcare, mWell gives over 1.8 million OFWs access to highly-trained Filipino partner-doctors —internal medicine specialists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and more. In just a few taps, they can consult right away with Filipino-speaking doctors, 24/7 or book an appointment at their convenience.

mWell has also made the Healthsavers Plan available globally to Filipino migrant workers who sacrifice being away from families to provide food on the table and education for their children. They may easily send their families the health pass as a gift and allow them to conveniently consult with mWell partner-doctors. The Healthsavers Plan P399 comes with one consultation and free accident insurance worth P20,000.

Top name in wellness

On top of telemedicine, mWell promotes overall wellbeing through preventive healthcare features. mWell is the first and only health app in the PH which allows users to track their health for free using the mWellness Score. Developed by award-winning data scientists, it measures physical health based on daily activities – exercise, light activity, steps, sleep.  This serves as a guide to achieving a healthy physical lifestyle for long-term health. 

Specialized fitness programs, including diabetes prevention and post-partum exercise designed to assist new moms to get back in shape safely and healthily are also found on the app.   Calorie-controlled recipes created by nutritionists are also easily accessible.

mWell is the only healthcare app among the convenor organizations and supporting companies of the GoDigital Pilipinas (GDP) movement. It has truly set the standards in digital healthcare and changed lives through the power of technology. More innovative features will soon be unveiled by the country’s first fully integrated, fully digital health and wellness app.

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 PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and register. Follow mWell on Facebook and mwellph on Instagram for more updates.            

                       

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ABOUT mWell

mWell, is the health technology platform developed by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation that offers telemedicine, health and wellness programs, e-commerce, among others, in an integrated, tech-based healthcare digital ecosystem. Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, the leading infrastructure investment company in the Philippines with investments in various infrastructure assets including healthcare.

A personalized approach to women’s health and wellness is the way

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Pursue a healthy lifestyle this month and beyond through new and personalized solutions for women.

One-size-fits-all solutions for health and wellness are a thing of the past now. Filipinas have come a long way to realizing and embracing the unique builds of their minds, bodies, even their aspirations and priorities in life.

Challenges related to women’s health and fitness are to each her own. Current healthcare systems and common wellness practices ought to develop in more ways possible to service and help women meet their evolving and exclusive health demands. In the commencement of women’s month, here are practices to consider and digital tools that can be customized and convenient to you, to better and sustain your health this season and beyond.

Personalize your diet and fitness goals

You might have heard of trendy fitspiration workout and diet plans to stay healthy and fit. But how sure are you that it suits your unique physique’s needs and capacity? What works for one individual may not for another, more so for women.

Oprah Daily said hormones influence feelings of hunger and fullness, metabolism and body fat levels that overall affect women's lifestyle.^[1] Hormone levels differ by age and reproductive or menstrual condition. Filipinas can pursue the latest intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet and calorie-counting trends to achieve their body goals, however, these should be done along with a consultation from your nutritionist or personal health providers. Approaches to your diet have to be an efficient and targeted program to achieve better and healthier results.

There are also high-tech fitness gadgets that can personalize and support your health and fitness journey, especially for female-body types. These gizmos can monitor one’s activity levels and notify workout, eating and water drinking schedules, overall helping users sustain personal diet and fitness programs.

Maximize women-focused tools and services

Thanks to technological advancements in modern society, gone are the days when women manually tracked and tested themselves for health issues. Female-focused virtual tools, in the form of mobile applications, have innovated primarily women’s reproductive, menstrual and sexual health monitoring for awareness and disease prevention. FemTech Analytics forecasted that by 2026, the Asia-Pacific region will see the world’s fastest growth in women’s health apps.^[2]

These can be period and pregnancy tracking apps available in android and iOS, which also houses teleconsultations to help women be more knowledgeable about their bodies and conscious of their hormonal status, equipping them to make informed decisions in these aspects of their wellbeing.

Meanwhile, women-centered high-tech facilities are also gaining momentum in the market and are becoming safe spaces for Filipinas to get treatment. These establishments started from serving women and assisting them through common reproductive, sexual or pregnancy issues, and has now developed to holistically address mental health and even dermatological or aesthetic needs of women. You may find a number of facilities, whether government-funded or privately listed, in many regions nationwide, especially accessible within metros in greater Manila areas.

Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy works closely with doctors and customers and considers factors such as patient age and allergy history in the process of customizing medicines to a patient’s needs.

Trust in customized medicines tailored to your specific needs

Forbes magazine revealed that Personalized Healthcare is one of the top trends in the industry this 2023, with emphasis on precision medicines that are tailored to patients based on age, genetics and other risk factors, rather than a generic approach.^[3]

For Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), pioneer specialty compounding pharmacy in the Philippines, women may require customized dosages or delivery methods for medications related to their reproductive and hormonal health. Better and more targeted management of these can lead to stronger immunity and preventive health.

Through compounding– the science of customizing medications to a patient’s specific needs, medications can be tailored to meet their individual requirements. This process removes problem-causing excipients, adjusts dosage strengths to suit certain patients, such as infants or the elderly, adds flavors for better taste and even creates alternative form factors to make medicines easily ingestible such as lozenges, candies, gels, creams, capsules and liquid.

This month, AIP encourages Filipinas to explore Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and Weight Loss Management solutions, two of their top categories in service of female patients.

Women who suffer from hormonal imbalances caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or menopause, common conditions of Filipinas young and old, can turn to hormone replacement therapy to treat their symptoms. BHRT is the process of replicating hormones using natural resources to supplement the body with the hormones it lacks. These can be: Thyroid Hormones Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) that stimulate body oxygen and energy consumption, increasing basal metabolic rates; Progesterone that increases core temperature during ovulation, relaxes smooth muscle, reduces gall bladder activity, normalizes blood clotting and vascular tone, and assists in thyroid function; Melatonin that improves the circadian rhythm and induces drowsiness for better sleep; Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA that strengthens the immune system, slows the natural changes in the body that come with age and provides more energy, improving mood and memory, and building up bone and muscle strength; Pregnenolone that improves energy, vision, memory, clarity of thinking, well-being, and libido, and many others.

AIP also provides prescribed weight management offerings, including clinically proven prescription medication, Phentermine Hydrochloride + Topiramate that is used to treat obesity type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. AIP also offers various nutrients like Methionine that may assist in the breakdown of fats to help to lower cholesterol thereby preventing excess fat buildup in the liver and throughout one’s body’s circulatory system; Inositol that promotes the health of cell structures and nerve synapses in aid of the metabolism of fats, helps reduce blood cholesterol, and participates in the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to control mood and appetite; Choline that supports the liver in its processing and excretion of chemical waste products; and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) that is has been shown to boost energy and overall metabolic rates, assisting in the burning of stored body fat, detoxifies the body, increase of red blood cell production, maintain a healthy liver, help regulate sleep, mood, appetite and energy, and works synergistically with other nutrients to improve health, and slow aging.

Women in healthcare supporting Filipina patients

AIP has been providing world-class health and pharmaceutical care for custom medication needs for 10 years. In the last three years, AIP’s study showed more than 70 percent of their subscribers are female patients, a significant increase of 72 percent in the number of female patients served from 2021 to 2022. The female patients’ profiles comprise of gen Z adults ages 18 and above at 53 percent, millennials ages 27 to 42 as the largest generational group at 23 percent, followed by Gen X ages 43 to 58 at 20 percent, and Boomers ages 59 to 68 at 4 percent.

AIP’s Managing Director Sofia Lista also harps on supporting women empowerment in the industry which is evident in their operations. “Many women work in the field of pharmaceutical compounding as pharmacists, technicians, or researchers, and their contributions are vital to advancing the field and improving patient care. In AIP, 66 percent of the workforce are women and hold leadership positions. Let’s celebrate the important role that women play in healthcare and medicine,” says Lista.

AIP works with female doctors who specialize in women’s health– gynecology, endocrinology and dermatology. It advocates for the pharmacy triad or finding accountability with doctors, patients and pharmacists to provide superior pharmaceutical care, strengthening patient confidence and compliance. Visit apotheca.com.ph to know more about their offerings, and follow AIP’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn channels.

 

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About Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy

Founded in 2014, Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy™ (AIP) or Apotheca Corp. is the first standalone and largest specialty compounding pharmacy in the Philippines specializing in customized medication services. Its long-term vision is to realize a world-class and progressive integrative pharmacy to improve health and patient care for all Filipinos.

For over a decade, AIP has been providing a wide variety of quality, prescribed custom medication and nutraceuticals, while also retailing local and natural packed food, personal care, homecare, and novelty goods available nationwide and online. Its compounding services include Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), Thyroid Management, Weight Loss Management, Pain Management, Dermatology, IV Nutrition, Erectile Dysfunction Medication, Pediatrics, and Nutraceuticals.

AIP is located in Makati CBD and to date works with over 2,000 doctors and 20,000 patients and is referred by over 100 hospitals.

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^[1] https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a42860701/signs-of-hormone-imbalance/

^[2] https://www.biospectrumasia.com/opinion/30/22058/we-would-like-to-see-more-investment-in-womens-healthcare-rd-that-currently-accounts-for-only-4.html

^[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/12/06/the-top-5-healthcare-trends-in-2023/?sh=2d31fbe1565b

OMRON Healthcare champions heart health with clinically validated digital blood pressure devices

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Staying on top of one’s cardiovascular health is crucial, especially in view of findings by the Philippine Heart Association pointing to a progressive rise in hypertension among Filipinos at a record-high 37 percent prevalence in 2021.[1]

Key to maintaining a healthy heart is consistent and accurate blood pressure monitoring. OMRON Healthcare, a global leader in trusted and innovative medical equipment and a staunch advocate of better heart health for Filipinos, has announced the clinical validation of two of its automatic blood pressure monitors: the HEM-7120 and HEM-7121. The validation, which is conferred by the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH), confirms the quality and accuracy of OMRON Healthcare devices.

The significance of PSH validation

When looking for a home blood pressure monitoring device, it is important to choose one that is validated by hypertension experts to guarantee accurate and reliable measurements at home. A clinical validation is also a hallmark of a trusted brand preferred by doctors.

Getting validated is no small feat, however. The validation of automated blood pressure devices follows a standard procedure and criteria and requires a blood pressure study involving more than 200 participants.

OMRON Healthcare is the only brand in the country with PSH-validated devices that are proven capable of providing accurate and precise blood pressure readings.

“It is important that experts and health organizations such as the Philippine Society of Hypertension guide consumers to only use blood pressure monitoring devices that have been validated under an internationally accepted standard. At the end of the day, the goal is not just to make our jobs as healthcare providers easier but to accurately give proper care to patients and thus save more lives,” said former PSH President Dr. Leilani B. Mercado-Asis.

Dr. Dolores Bonzon, the current president of PSH, also highlighted the importance of a reliable BPM for health monitoring. “Our hope is that every Filipino will make it a practice to monitor their blood pressure and heart health, not only in a medical setting but even in their own homes. For at-home blood pressure monitoring to be effective, we recommend to our patients to use validated devices such as OMRON’s automated blood pressure monitors.”

“We are honored that OMRON devices can serve as a partner for healthcare professionals in uplifting Filipinos’ health. In addition to being a trusted provider of quality medical equipment, OMRON has strong advocacy for improving lives,” said OMRON Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Philippine Branch (Healthcare Division) General Manager Yusuke Kato.

Delivering quality and reliable health monitoring devices

Aside from being clinically validated, the HEM-7120 and HEM-7121 are equipped with state-of-the-art features designed to make at-home blood pressure monitoring as easy as possible for Filipinos.

Both models have a Cuff Wrapping Guide to help the user fit the arm cuff correctly to ensure an accurate and reliable blood pressure measurement. The built-in Hypertension Indicator gives off a signal if the measured systolic or diastolic pressure is outside the standard range. The products are designed with OMRON’s intuitive IntelliSense Technology, which automatically inflates the cuff to the ideal level to deliver accurate measurements with comfort and ease. This feature is especially useful in obtaining accurate readings in cases of fluctuations in blood pressure.

The HEM-7120 and HEM-7121 are the latest OMRON blood pressure monitoring devices to join the brand’s list of clinically validated and trusted devices, which includes trusted models such as the HEM-7130 and JPN1. To guarantee the accuracy of its monitoring devices, OMRON undergoes a validation process with PSH every two years.

“Our commitment has always been to provide the Filipino people with accessible and reliable health monitoring devices and to support initiatives that advocate improved healthcare and quality of life. The clinical validation of our devices is an invaluable process for us in ensuring our products serve our mission of cultivating a healthy heart for every Filipino,” added Yusuke Kato.

OMRON Healthcare likewise supports the annual May Measurement Month, which aims to raise awareness of the prevalence of hypertension across the world and is also a partner of the International Society of Hypertension since 2017.

OMRON Healthcare devices are available in Mercury Drug, Watsons, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy and other leading pharmacies nationwide and in OMRON’s flagship Shopee and Lazada stores.

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About OMRON Healthcare Business

Committed to advancing health and empowering people worldwide to live life to the fullest, OMRON Healthcare is a global leader in the field of clinically proven, innovative medical equipment for home health monitoring and therapy. The company develops and provides remote patient monitoring services for cardiovascular condition management.

Throughout its history, OMRON Healthcare has been striving to improve lives and contribute to a better society by developing innovations that help people prevent, treat, and manage their medical conditions, both at home and in clinical practice in over 110 countries.

With over 300 million devices sold globally*, OMRON provides the world’s most recommended blood pressure monitors by healthcare professionals**. The company provides product and service solutions for cardiovascular condition management, respiratory care, and pain therapy equipment. OMRON Healthcare Group is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan

To learn more, please visit:

https://www.omronhealthcare-ap.com/ph

International: https://www.healthcare.omron.com/

*1 “Global Home Appliance Market Comprehensive Survey 2020”, Fuji Keizai Co., Ltd. (data for 2019)

*2 Cumulative sales of home-use digital blood pressure monitors worldwide (as of May. 2021)

[1] Prevalence, Awareness, and Treatment Profile of Adult Filipino Hypertensive Individuals: Philippine Heart Association–Council on Hypertension Report on Survey of Hypertension (PRESYON-4)