Pasig city: The Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel and private sector stakeholders, inaugurated a women's health and wellness center at Rizal Medical Center to enhance preventive and holistic care for women in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, the newly established ISHA Women's Health and Wellness Center was unveiled during the National Women's Month celebration, emphasizing improved maternal health services and early disease detection. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted the significance of prioritizing women's health as an essential right, advocating for every woman's right to a quality life free from illness.
Herbosa explained that the ISHA project employs a holistic healthcare approach, emphasizing preventive services such as comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women and timely cervical cancer screening. This comprehensive support ensures optimal health for pregnant women, helping to prevent potential complications throughout their pregnancy and delivery.
Additionally, Herbosa pointed out recent improvements in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits, which now include expanded antenatal and postnatal care coverage, as well as increased benefits for both normal delivery and cesarean sections. These enhancements allow for more extensive care, incorporating nutritional supplementation, immunization, essential screening tests, and informed family planning decisions.
Israel Ambassador Dana Kirsch expressed that the initiative signifies deepening cooperation between the Philippines and Israel in healthcare, reflecting a shared commitment to holistic women's health. She noted that the center is part of an ongoing partnership that involves knowledge exchange and training between Filipino and Israeli medical professionals.
The project was created through collaboration among the Embassy of Israel, Makati Medical Center Foundation, and Rizal Medical Center (RMC), with support from government officials and local leaders. RMC chief Dr. Maria Rica Lumague stated that the project will offer comprehensive healthcare services for Filipino women, covering all stages from preconception to postnatal care.
The center is furnished with modern technologies, including point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), a mobile surgery operating table, and a maternal-fetal monitoring system that allows centralized monitoring of patients in obstetrics and intensive care units. Services also encompass postpartum and newborn care, mental health support, breastfeeding counseling, and access to a human milk bank for premature infants.
Additional services include neonatology, menstrual health management, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer screening, family planning, and gynecologic consultations. Dr. Lumague indicated that while some services are already available, a formal launch is anticipated in October upon completion of necessary documentation.
Rizal Medical Center, under the national government, has a 350-bed capacity with authorization to expand to 500 beds once its new building is completed, ensuring it can accommodate patients irrespective of their place of origin.
