Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-zev
Guest author:
- GYNNA P. GAGELONIA, Communications Manager, Philippine Heart Association (PHA)
MANDALUYONG CITY, December 7, 2023 — After a decade of planning and gearing-up, finally, the Philippine Heart Association-Philippine College of Cardiology (PHA-PCC) is having its own research and formulary arsenal.
The birth of the PHA-PCC Research & Education Foundation, Inc., and completion of the PHA Formulary were announced during the PHA Tri-Event on Dec. 7, 2023, at The Westin Manila, Mandaluyong City.
The PHA-PCC mandate is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Philippines and serve as the authority and primary resource for the advancement in education, research and advocacy in cardiovascular care in the Asia Pacific.
“The launch of PHA Research & Education Foundation, Inc., and the PHA Formulary represents a major step forward in our fight against CVD,” said Dr. Ronald Cuyco, adding, “through these stratagems, we are committed to supporting the efforts of the government, particularly the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as well as other medical associations in research, that will lead to improved treatment options, public health policies, while also ensuring that all Filipinos are given the highest quality of compassionate cardiovascular care to manage their heart health.”
Proud of PHA’s latest feats, former Health Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral sent her congratulatory message which was delivered by Immediate Past PHA President Dr. Jude Erric Cinco: “Research in cardiology has a global impact, transcending geographical boundaries. Collaborative efforts among researchers worldwide lead to a collective pool of knowledge, fostering a shared understanding of CVDs. This global perspective enhances the development of universally applicable guidelines and treatment strategies, ultimately benefiting patients around the world.”
A brilliant cardiologist and clinical pharmacologist, Cabral was the first medical director of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) and second female president of the PHA.
Cabral also stressed that “CVD remains the leading cause of death in the Philippines prior to, during, and long after the Covid-19 pandemic. By investing in research and information on essential medications, the PHA-PCC is taking proactive steps to address this critical public health issue.”
DOH, DOST and PHA perennial partners
Dr. Divine Agustin, officer-in-charge (OIC), DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau-Evidence Generation and Management Section, said “I would like to congratulate the PHA on this, soft launch today, and the impact these will have on clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). We would like to ask the PHA to continue participating in the development of relevant CPGs; keep the light and lead for evidence-based medicine and practice.”
Through a recorded message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said, “as we stand on the precipice of an era, we are reminded of the profound impact that research and
innovation can have on the well-being of the Filipino people. The field of cardiovascular medicine contributes significantly in realizing this impact.”
“The establishment of the Research Foundation underscores our collective dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence…This foundation will serve as a beacon, guiding researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals on a journey towards transformative discoveries that will redefine standards of cardiac care,” he added.
Dr. Nikka Hao, director IV, DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, said: “In my role, I have observed unwavering commitment of the PHA as a crucial partner of the DOH, enabling evidence-based medicine and research for quality care for all Filipinos.”
“Today, we celebrate not just two milestones, we also see a testament to tangible opportunities for collaboration among government implementers and medical societies working together to forge a healthier, more resilient Philippines,” she added.
Conspicuously present were members of the PHA Councils on Pharmacotherapy, Cardiovascular Oncology, Echocardiography, PHA Research Committee Head Dr. Imelda Caole-Ang, past PHA presidents and stalwarts of the cardiology community Drs. Cesar Recto II, Maria Teresa Abola, Edgardo Ortiz, Aurelia Leus, and Jude Erric Cinco, were present as well.
More about the Research & Education Foundation and Drug Formulary
The Research and Education Foundation, Inc., addresses the nation’s long-standing scarcity on cardiovascular health data. The initiative will focus on supporting studies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by the Filipino population, also through collaborative efforts with staunch public health allies of the PHA-PCC.
Through the Foundation, the PHA aims to strengthen innovative and impactful research aligned with its mission. This will contribute significantly to the advancement of cardiovascular science in the Philippines, leading to the development of more effective strategies for reducing the burden of CVD.
Research outputs such as registries, studies, and clinical practice guidelines play a crucial role in addressing CVD mortality.
“Currently, there are four big ongoing researches that require Php14-M funding, quite a hefty sum that the Research Foundation has to raise,” Dr. Lourdes Ella Santos, PHA director III and Advocacy chair, explained.
So far, the PHA has done registries on hypertension, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure. The process involves patient data collection and analysis, providing valuable insights into trends, outcomes, and potential interventions; as well as the PRESYON, ANICA, PhilCOS, LIFECARE, and Interaspire studies. These identify risk factors, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and inform the development of new therapies.
Ensuring Curated Access to Essential CVD Medications
The Formulary is a comprehensive list of essential medications used in the management of CVD, along with their recommended dosages and prices. This initiative aims to promote transparency and quality assurance in medication, ensuring that patients have access to the treatment they need.
“The Philippine National Formulary lists the most effective drugs for the Filipino, but it also delays the use of other potentially more effective medications that aren’t listed; the “PHA Formulary aims to present these useful drugs for reference, with the aim of bettering the quality of cardiovascular care,” said Dr. Maria Concepcion Sison, PHA Council on Pharmacotherapy chair.
Recounting her experience as a young doctor then, Agustin said she had a patient who had a very poor prognosis due to CVD and no means of recourse. This was a case of poor Philippine health system. That is why she emphasized the importance of the Universal Healthcare Law, and how the PHA’s Research and Formulary initiatives will significantly aid in the common goal of improving patient outcomes.
The PHA will work closely with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies to develop and maintain the Formulary. The organization also advocates for policies that promote the availability and affordability of lifesaving CVD medicines. (/)