July—December 2013
CARAGAHealth
The Official Publication of DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH—THE CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT CARAGA
Department of Health CARAGA Extends Medical Relief Efforts DOH Caraga - team Doctors, Nurses and Psychosocial Counsellors headed by Director Minerva P. Molon, push for Region 8 to aid in the medical and health response needs of the severely damaged areas following the rampage of Super Typhoon Yolanda which hit the region last November 8, 2013. With the aftermath and devastation brought about by the ravage of super typhoon Yolanda, the DOH Caraga immediately activated its Health Emergency teams to respond to the urgent needs of the population affected by the typhoon. The team offered medical services, sanitation services and psychosocial first aid as well. They brought with them medical supplies such as medicines, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) supplies, cadaver bags, food, clothing and other logistics. They were deployed to the different affected barangays of Leyte and Samar. (continued on page 6 )
Transition: Leaving a Legacy DOH CHD Caraga Welcomes New Regional Director Butuan City – Outgoing Regional Director, Dr. Ariel I. Valencia, MPH, CESO III welcomed his successor, OIC – Regional Director Minerva P. Molon, MD, MPH, FPPS in a turnover ceremony held at Almont’s Inland Hotel and Resort, Friday, August 27, 2013. In his message, Dir. Valencia said that, “Nagiging magaan ang isang bagay pag sama-sama natin itong binubuhat... one of the challenges for us is the implementation of the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) or Universal Healthcare.” With this statement, he also revealed that the biggest challenge for him was widening the scope of health care and eradicating the gap between the underserved citizens and the health sector. (continues on page 7)
Outgoing Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia with the members of the Management Committee, Dr. Cesar Cassion - OIC Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Ernesto Pareja - Chief of the Local Health Support Division and Dr. Florminda Tejano - Chief of the Regulation, Licensing and Enforcement Division, as he turns-over the CHD Caraga Flag to incoming OIC Regional Director Minerva P. Molon.
Newborn Screening Program Implementation Review
Aiming to increase the coverage and to evaluate the plans made last year, the Newborn Screening Program conducted a Program Implementation Review Among Coordinators of two provinces namely, Surigao del Norte on October 22-23, 2013 at Almont Beach Resort, Surigao City and October 30 and 31, 2013 Paper Country Inn, Bislig City. Around 70 health partners participated in the said activity composed of Municipal Health Officers, Provincial Health Team Leaders, DOH Representatives, Nurses, Midwives and Medical Technologists. In these program reviews, the unit head of Newborn Screening Center Mindanao, Dr. Conchita Abarquez, gave update on the status of the provinces in terms of Newborn Screening Implementations. She had also refreshed the minds of the participants on the panel of disorders. Common errors in blood sampling was also tackled by the Mindanao NBS Program Manager, Shiela Guillaran, since as we increased our coverage, the facilities had also increased their numbers on unsatisfactory samples. Both review ended with an agreement to continue support to increasing coverage of 2014.
(topmost) Mothers during the NBS Orientation at RHU Claver. (middle) CHD NBS Nurse demonstrating heel pricking method. (lower) Return demonstration by the participant of RHU Mainit.
Orientation and Training To ensure achievement of Department of Health’s goal that every parent informed, every newborn screened, every health facility equipped and with health practitioner trained to provide newborn screening service, a series of orientations and trainings were conducted in the whole region. Municipal Health Officers, Nurses, Midwives, Medical Technologists and selected RN Heals were the target participants for such to ensure successful implementation of NBS in their respective facilities. The new facilities offering NBS are: 1. Pilar District Hospital 2. Rural Health Unit of Pilar 3. Rural Health Unit of Claver 4. City Health of Surigao 5. Rural Health Unit of Mainit 6. La Paz Municipal Hospital 7. San Francisco District Hospital
Participants of the PIR from Surigao del Norte
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A total of 167 facilities both private and public are now offering NBS in the entire region. July—December 2013
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FILARIA FREE SDS
October 23, 2013, Surigao del Sur— The Department of Health declared the province of Surigao del Sur as a Filaria-Free Province. Surigao del Sur is the 3rd province in the region to be declared as such having previously declared as filarial free the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Dinagat Islands in 2010. Surigao del Sur is the 19th in the national roster of provinces declared Filariasis Free. Filariasis is a major parasitic infection, which continues to be a public health problem in the Philippines. It is the second leading cause of permanent and long-term disability. The disease affects mostly the poorest municipalities in the country about 71% of the case live in the 4th-6th class type of municipalities. Year-round mass treatment of populations in disease endemic areas has been the main approach of the National filariasis Elimination Program wherein, a round of mass treatment would be evaluated every two years. For Surigao del Sur, in 2012, more or less 3,500 individuals were examined and tested via an immunochromatographic test (ICT) which showed that no traces of the parasite was noted. Filariasis poses as one of the major causes of disability as evidenced by the effects of the disease on an individual. We have been combating this disease for years and we are delighted to be declaring another province Filaria-Free. This is a big leap towards attainment of the MDG for Disease Free Zone, Filariasis being one of the disease targets. This is a true statement of victory for the health sector in the fight against Filariasis. This serves as a challenge for the remaining two provinces, Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte, to intensify their Filariasis elimination campaign to be declared Filaria-Free by 2015.
The ISO 9001:2008 core team of CHD Caraga headed by Director Minerva P. Molon at Malacañang Palace during the conferment of the ISO 9001:2008 certification.
8 0 0 2 : 1 0 0 ISO 9 The Journey of CHD Caraga The Center for Health Development Caraga, together with the other regional offices and identified bureaus of the Department of Health were conferred with ISO 9001:2008 Certification at Malacañang Palace in the presence of President Benigno Aquino. With this empowered ISO – QMS certification, comes great responsibility of the DOH Regional Office XIII for continual improvement of quality management systems for the satisfaction of the Filipino citizens. Why establish and implement ISO-QMS in the DOH regional offices? QMS in the government is to promote integrity, accountability, proper management of public affairs and public property as well as to establish effective practices aimed at the prevention of graft and corruption in the government, ultimately “customer focus” service. This is the social contract of President Aquino with the Filipino people and supported by legal mandates, AO No. 161: Institutionalization of the QMS in the Government and EO No. 605: Institutionalizing the Structure, Mechanisms and Standards to Implement the Government Quality Management Program, Amending for the Purpose AO No. 161 s. 2006.
The Panel and the Crowd. An estimated 1oo plus participated and sat as audience to the Filaria Free declaration of Surigao del Sur as a panel of LCEs and Health Professionals gave their talks on Filariasis and the efforts that were utilized to combat it.
ISO…
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The certification journey of Regional Office XIII was a continuous upward battle with almost less than a year preparation. But with the concerted effort and commitment of the management and staff, what was almost impossible to achieve became a realization.
Environmental and Occupational Health Community Led Total Sanitation November 4-8, 2014, Mabe’s Savory Place, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur—Improper excreta disposal is a principal factor in the transmission and spread of gastrointestinal infections including intestinal parasitism. It has also been responsible to contamination of water supply sources which resulted to outbreak of diseases such as cholera and gastroenteritis. While every household should be responsible to properly dispose their waste, open defecation remains to be a current practice particularly in the areas where sanitation facilities are inadequate. The DOH, in the implementation of the Program on Sustainable Sanitation in East Asia-Philippines (SuSEA-P) component in 6 project areas, has adopted the CLTS approach to address the long standing problem of open defecation practices. Accordingly, CLTS is a welcome development
Practicum with the community. Trainees apply principles learned from the discussions while educating people from the community .
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(topmost) Engr. Dioscoro Navarro, Coordinator of the Environmental and Occupational Health Services of the DOH during one of his discussions. (bottom) participants during one of the workshops brainstorm for their targets/outputs.
approach which posted strong community participation and acceptance. It is in this context that the CLTS concept is being introduced by the DOH towards sustainable sanitation in the Philippines. The CLTS is a 5 days training course. The training approach is comprised of classroom sessions which include lectures, workshop, small group discussion, plenary, active participatory discussions and demonstrations. There are practical sessions with communities and a workshop to share experiences from the field. The classroom sessions covers the basics of CLTS what it is and its historical background, methods and facilitation skills (mapping, transect and flow diagrams) and modalities for calculating feces and expenses incurred by families in treatment of illnesses associated with fecal oral contamination. The practical sessions on the other hand involves application of the training tools in real community or village context before coming back to reflect on the process and the outcomes and preparing for community’s action plan workshop. July—December 2013
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TALAKAYAN 2013 October 10, 2013, Butuan City—The Department of Health Center for Health Development Caraga in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government convened with different stakeholders to campaign for a strengthened unified effort for better health outcomes for the Caraganons. Congressional Office Representatives, Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors from all provinces of Caraga, officers and Representatives from the DOH, DILG, POPCom, PhilHealth and Development Partners convened in a one-day dialogue to discuss the attainment and achievements in Universal Health Care or Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP) of the Aquino Health Agenda. Honorable Romulo A. Busuego, Assistant Secretary of Health for Mindanao Cluster graced the event and gave a key-note talk on KP and the roles of individual stakeholders play in the convergence for better health for the Filipinos. He also presented the best practices of Bagumbayan Birthing Home to further inspire Local Chief Executives to adopt such model in their respective areas. The conduct of the TALAKAYAN is also a timely event, for it marks the 22nd anniversary of the Local Government Code or Republic Act 7160. The act provides that “political subdivisions of the State shall enjoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest development as selfreliant communities and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals.” and that, “the State shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization whereby local government units
DOH Assistant Secretary Romulo A. Busuego, a keynote speaker during the Talakayan. Giving emphasis on the role of partnership amongst stakeholders, he encouraged partnership and utmost collaboration to better achieve health outcomes for years to come.
shall be given more powers, authority, responsibilities, and resources.” The theme, “Kilos Progresso, Makilahok sa Pag-asenso Tungo sa Kalusugang Pangkalahatan”, emphasizes that with our collective efforts, together, we can build healthier, productive and empowered communities. Inter Local Health Zones (ILHZ) are cluster of municipalities that would form an alliance to better address the health needs of the citizens in their localities. It is a form of health care system in which individuals, communities and all other health care providers in a well-defined geographical area participate together with inter- intra LGU partnership to provide an avenue for the realization of the KP Goals which are equitable health financing, a responsive health system and ultimately, achieve better health outcomes through three primary thrusts namely, achieving MDG (Millennium Development Goals) – Max, improving access to quality health facilities, and financial risk protection. In response to the model presented by Asec. Busuego, Mayor Alan A. Pelenio presented the best practices of CASAMA LAHDZ III (Cagwait, San Agustin, Marihatag) as one of the success stories of such partnership in the Inter Local Health Zones.
“Partnerships and alliances amongst stakeholders pose as a big leap for us to better serve our constituents in terms of health services. Our consummated efforts will not only benefit the present but also the future generation. The steps we take now are truly not for our own, but for those we serve. We serve not because we are forced to nor are we indebted to, but rather, we want to provide better health outcomes.” – Dir. Minerva P. Molon, MD, MPH, FPPA, DOH CHD Caraga.
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Medical Relief (P.1)
Medical Relief The DOH Operations Center Caraga issued a Code White Alert and logistics are prepared and on stand by for delivery to severely hit areas in the Visayas. Almost 1.5 Million pesos worth of assistance was extended to the said area. On the other hand, drugs, medicines and other logistics were also prepositioned in all provinces of the region amounting to Php 2 million to address any health concerns that may arise during and after the super typhoon.
Center for Health Development CARAGA Assistant Regional Director and Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) Coordinator, Cesar C. Cassion with the Regional Health Emergency Management Staff (RHEMS), discussing staffing schedules and deployment of health teams for Region 8 and status of affected areas in Caraga.
Hope Amidst Crisis A Message from Director Minerva P. Molon
“Amidst the crisis that the Philippines is experiencing; the issues that are the headlines of our local news; the previous war in Zamboanga; and other issues the world faces, when typhoon Yolanda ravaged the Visayas, the world stood still and the sound of guns in war and the arguments of cultures and states came to a hold as our fellow Filipinos heed their help. It is devastating, indeed. But, amidst the devastation, it is truly reassuring to see the world moving in unison, towards helping those in need and are at lost. The Department of Health does not limit its services to the medical needs of its people, but to their psychosocial needs as well. Our dedicated and hardworking Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers and personnel are working their way to reach areas and people who are severely affected. Let us understand that several factors hinder us from delivering our services, but, we will strive to overcome these hindrances. We will serve what should be served and we will deliver what should be delivered to our people; this is our duty and this is our means of ser-
(topmost) Dr. Gerna Manatad(in blue shirt with DOH Vest) with Dr. Flordelis Llesis (in DOH Vest) attending to the many patients affected by S.T. Yolanda. (bellow) Dr. Gena Manatad , Dr. Flordelis Llesis and Dr. Glenn Tiangha (rightmost) conducting consultation and dispensing medications for clients seeking medical aide at the Yolanda hit area. (bottom rightmost) Director Minerva Molon coordinating and planning with representatives of various stakeholders.
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July—December 2013
Public-Private Partnership a Hospital Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center: Adopt Recipient The Department of Health, to be represented by Hon. Sec. Enrique T. Ona, MD, FACS, will sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial and City LGUs of Surigao del Sur, Montero Medical Missions and ten (10) other public and private corporate groups in an “Adopt a Hospital” program with Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center as the recipient on July 23, 2013, at the Provincial Social Hall, Tandag, Surigao del Sur. The Adopt a Hospital program is in line with DOH Administrative Order 2012 – 0030, the guidelines on Foreign Surgical and Medical Mission (FSMM) Program in Support of Universal Health Care/Kalusugan Pangkalahatan and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) strategy of the department to better delivery efficient and quality health services to the public. According to Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona, FSMMs play an important role in the delivery of health care services, especially in attaining Universal Health Care. FSMMs are activities where medical interventions and/or surgical services are provided to select underserved areas and communities by a foreign individual or organization in partnership with a local government unit, non-government organization, hospital or medical society. FSMM can either be a One-Time Conduct of medical Mission or an “Adopt-A-Hospital” Program. (DOH PR: 21Dec2012) Together with this activity is the Cataract-Pterygium Surgical and Eye Care Mission on July 22-24, 2013 at Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, Tandag, Surigao del Sur as part of the Vision2020 – Surigao del Sur advocacy which aims to reduce if not, eliminate the high incidence of blindness in the province. There will be 100 beneficiaries for the free cataract surgery and 500 recipients of free eye glasses to correct errors of refraction. Other components under this agreement are dental health services and capacitation of hospital workers for a more sustainable program on prosthesis provision. “The Center for Health Development Caraga is in full support to this undertaking and grateful for our private partners for embracing Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center, one of our DOH retained hospitals. This will unequivocally benefit our citizens neighboring the medical center. We are pleased and grateful that we are engaging in Public-Private Partnership with these respected organizations. The benefits of this partnership will be demonstrated and will surely be felt by those who will benefit them, the underserved public of Surigao del Sur.” – Dir. Ariel I. Valencia, MD, MPH, CESO III.
Secretary of Health Enrique T. Ona delivering his keynote speech during the Memorandum of Agreements signing.
Transition (from page 1) Sec. Enrique T. Ona with USec Herbosa, Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel and representative from Montero Medical Missions sign the Memorandum of Agreements for the Adopt A Hospital Program.
“I am proud to say this, that of all the regions in the Philippines, we are the only region that can stand in front and present the unmet needs of our people in Caraga together with other details pertaining to their health; all thanks to the CHT – Information System that we have made.” “Pakiusap ko lang po sa lahat, ‘tayo po ay nag lilingkod sa tao, sa ating mga kliyente, hindi po sa amin na namumuno sa inyo.” Dir. Valancia expressed his gratitude for the support the CHD Caraga staff has indulged him with, and the warmth of a home away from home they had made him feel. Dir. Valencia also revealed that the budget for the health sector has increased to 80 billion for 2014. “Wala nang dahilan na ang isang pamilyang Pilipino na ‘di maka tanggap ng anumang health services.” – RD Valencia said. The in-coming OIC – Regional Director Minerva P. Molon, MD, MPH, FPPS is a Psychiatrist by profession and the former Assistant Regional Director of CHD Region 8 for five years. Though she had mixed feelings with this new assignment, being uprooted from her residence and being away from her family, Director Molon accepted this challenge in her career and looked forward to working productively with CARAGA’s stakeholders.
(rightmost) Director Minerva Molon sits at the presidential table
with Director Ariel Valencia and Director Cesar Cassion (left) Ceremonial Turn-over of National Nutrition Council (NNC)
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Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Launched! July 17, 2013, Dotties Place Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City, the Department of Health, through the Center for Health Development Caraga, launched the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and incorporated it to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). This will make the Pneumococcal vaccine readily available for Free for children six weeks to oneyear old. The new Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) will now be part of the regular vaccines to be given to infants below one year of age. The integration of this vaccine is a monumental milestone in the EPI. CARAGA and ARMM are the firsts to receive the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines, in complement to the current Rotavirus Vaccine which was introduced in 2010. The Pneumococcal Vaccine will address the need for better protection of infants against pneumococcal pneumonia.
Media for Health Induction of Officers
Knowledge Management – E– Library Launched
Usec. Nemesio T. Gako inducts the set of officers of the Media for Health Caraga.
CHD Caraga RD Ariel I. Valencia confers with Butuan City Mayor, Dr. Ferdinand Amante, Jr, Usec. Nemesio Gako and CHD Caraga ARD Cesar Cassion about the different materials available in the E-Library.
The Department of Health Center for Health Development CARAGA Pizarro Street corner Narra Road | Butuan City 8600 Caraga, Philippines | Tel No.341-2579/342-5208 | Fax No.225-2970 | chdcaraga.doh.gov.ph/