MakatiMed puts up center for travel-related diseases

MANILA, Philippines - Premier health institution Makati Medical Center provides an exclusive venue for the treatment of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and other infectious diseases with the establishment of its Center for Tropical and Travel Medicine (CTTM).

In a message presented to MakatiMed during the launching program last April 11, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona called the creation of CTTM “another milestone in providing global healthcare,” as infectious diseases “continue to be a public concern.”

According to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry published by the DOH, there were 339 new HIV cases reported for the month of February alone, 24 percent higher compared to the same period in 2012.

The CTTM provides holistic management of persons with travel-related infectious diseases such as malaria and hepatitis B, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis, and HIV.

Services include diagnosis, laboratory tests, treatment, and counseling. The CTTM also offers preventive medicine such as vaccination and medical prophylaxis for travel-related diseases, and advice on health risks related to travel.

Patients with HIV and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) in need of financial assistance can also go to the CTTM for help in filing PhilHealth requirements to avail themselves of outpatient HIV and AIDS treatment (OHAT) packages.

According to Dr. Janice Caoili, chief of the CTTM, MakatiMed received a “staggering number” of patients with HIV beginning in 2006. MakatiMed coped with the influx of patients by training more people and upgrading equipment. It requested the DOH to provide antiretroviral (ARV) medication to patients coming to the facility, and in 2010, MakatiMed became the first private hospital designated by the DOH as an HIV treatment hub.

To provide focus to the treatments, the late Dr. Vilma Co, then the head of MakatiMed’s Infectious Diseases Department, proposed the establishment of a center that would cater exclusively to patients with HIV and other infections. The CTTM became operational in late 2012, and to date has helped more than 400 patients.

For more information, visit the CTTM at the first floor Hall C, Tower 1, Makati Medical Center.  Contact MakatiMed On-Call at 888-8999, e-mail at mmc@makatimed.net.ph or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.