Ted Herbosa

Anchored in the WHO Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Framework and aligned with the Global Health Emergency Corps, the WHO South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Workforce Strategy 2025–2030 launched at #RC78 is aimed at creating a coordinated, resilient, and responsive workforce across the Region, guided by the principles of sovereignty, equity, solidarity, and transparency. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/gZx7kR_d #emergencyprepareness #workforce #health

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🔵 Reflecting on yesterday's (June 25) Costello Medical webinar on patient involvement in HTA Sharing my thoughts on some of the key challenges and opportunities in making HTA more patient-centric—especially in the context of the Philippines. 1️⃣ What are the most significant barriers to implementing the proposed recommendations—and how might they be overcome? 🟦 a. Translating patient experience into evidence One of the most common questions raised by patients is how their lived experience is actually used in HTA. We often hear about economic and clinical data—but what about patient stories? To overcome this, we need validated methods such as PROMs, PREMs, and patient preference studies, co-developed with patient groups. HTA agencies must formally recognize these as legitimate evidence and invest in capacity-building for patient organizations, assessors, and researchers alike. 🟦 b. Ensuring diversity and inclusion in patient engagement Involving patients in HTA is already challenging—but ensuring the right voices are heard is even more so. Marginalized groups like rural communities, informal workers, or indigenous peoples are often left out. We need a deliberate, long-term strategy to map, organize, and empower these communities. Partnering with barangay health workers and local leaders is key—and patients must be treated not just as participants but as equal partners. 🟦 c. Establishing patient roles beyond individual appraisals True engagement means involving patients above the appraisal level—as part of decision-making structures. Countries with no civil society representatives on HTA boards must evolve. In the Philippines, involving patient groups during evidence presentations would strengthen transparency and ensure better validation of assessments. 2️⃣ How do you foresee these recommendations impacting HTA and decision-making? ✅ Clearer, patient-friendly communication will increase uptake of HTA and reduce hesitancy. ✅ Support for patient organizations will lead to more consistent and meaningful engagement. ✅ Better methods to gather diverse input will improve assessment quality and relevance. ✅ Use of bespoke tools in cases of uncertainty will allow HTA to proceed where clinical data is limited. ✅ Transparency and feedback loops will boost trust and encourage future participation. ✅ Above-appraisal-level involvement will help institutionalize patient engagement across the system. 3️⃣ What additional considerations are needed in the Philippines? 🟩 Patient Advisory Boards should be established—similar to practices in Europe—comprising patients, caregivers, and advocates who can offer structured input and training. 🟩 Dedicated resources: The HTA agency must be supported with adequate budget and personnel to create a unit or division focused solely on patient engagement. 📣 Looking forward to collaborating with others working to make HTA in the Philippines more inclusive, equitable, and truly patient-centered.

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📌 Choosing a research topic? Not sure what you or your team should study next? Why not start with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA). NUHRA is the Philippines’ national framework for identifying priority health research areas—covering health in its broadest sense, not just clinical or medical studies. We are currently in the 2023–2028 NUHRA cycle, the 4th iteration of the agenda. Each cycle reflects how health challenges evolve—from infectious diseases and maternal health, to non-communicable diseases, mental health, health systems, digital health, and climate-related risks. NUHRA helps ensure that research is not only publishable—but relevant, timely, and responsive to real health needs. 👉 In the next posts, we’ll unpack what NUHRA is for, its themes, and how you can take part. #NUHRA #101HealthResearch

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✒️GPCCI White Paper: Enhancing National Stroke Strategy Through Policy and Collaboration Stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the Philippines, highlighting the urgent need for stronger policy action and cross-sector collaboration. The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, Inc., presents this White Paper developed after a multi-sectoral roundtable in September 2025 with key public and private stakeholders. The paper outlines priority reforms, including expanding Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals (ASRHs), strengthening referral and emergency systems, improving PhilHealth benefit packages, and advancing data-driven policymaking to build a more equitable and resilient stroke care system in the Philippines. 🔗Read the paper below or visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gb7cacaz #PartnerInThePhilippines

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Precision Public Health Asia Society will be supporting the inaugural Smart Health Asia Conference in Asia. Organized by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific - it is strongly focused on public sector audiences in Asia, and that aligns with our mission and vision to improve public health practice and design in Asia. Dr Clive Tan will be moderating this power packed panel. Within South East Asia - #singapore, #indonesia, #malaysia and #brunei are so connected - geographically and historically. So what's stopping us from better connecting the health data systems. The technology is clearly ready - with solution providers like Oracle Healthcare, InterSystems, Google ready and with a strong South East Asia presence. let's unpack this during the session! difficult questions and wrong answers welcome! Setiaji Setiaji Mahesh Appannan Pg Dr Noor Azmi Pg Dr Hj Mohammad, FRCSed Hsien-Hsien Lei Jonathan Tan, PhD MBA Suan Ee O. Taufeeq Wahab Jeremy Lim Andrew Makmur Leni Chan Chern Chet Yong Jahabar Shalih Stella Ramette Vivi Zhu Michael Draheim

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UP Manila Highlights: The launch of the Philippine Health Atlas: Burden of Disease 2023 became an avenue for a multi-sectoral discussion on how the country can use health data better to drive Universal Health Care, strengthen local governance, and address inequity for underserved Filipinos. The forum titled “Using the Philippine Health Atlas in Data-Driven UHC Implementation” gathered leaders from PhilHealth, the Province of Dinagat Islands, the Zuellig Family Foundation, the Department of Health, and the World Health Organization who shared valuable insights on how the Atlas can guide planning and accountability across the health sector. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gcp7tqhQ

The government will build two new regional hospitals, in Kampong Cham and in Siem Reap, equipped with modern medical technology and advanced surgical capabilities, in a major step to bring national-level healthcare services to people in the provinces. #hospitals #JICA #National

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This #UHCDay, we are grateful to share our latest work, “Participatory Action Research in Health Promotion in the Philippines: A Scoping Review,” published in Acta Medica Philippina. This paper highlights how community participation and equity-focused approaches can strengthen health promotion in the Philippine context. Guided by the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act (Republic Act No. 11223), the conduct of PAR aims to generate evidence-informed, high-impact interventions for health promotion and social mobilization. Link: https://gqr.sh/BqMQ #HPP #PAR #HealthPromotionPH #ParticipatoryActionResearch #ScopingReview #SDG3 #UPManilafortheSDGs

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The Section of Gastroenterology & Digestive Endoscopy of Manila Doctors Hospital, in partnership with the Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy (PSDE) and in collaboration with the Allied Medical Services Directorate, will conduct a Live Endoscopy Case Transmission from the MDH Gastroendoscopy Unit to the Conrad Hotel Convention Site on March 12, 2026. This event highlights MDH’s continued commitment to innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and advancing digestive health education. #ManilaDoctorsHospital #Endoscopy #Gastroenterology #PSDE #MedicalEducation

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Senate President Hun Sen has proposed that Malaysia establishes a health information center in Cambodia to attract Cambodian medical tourists, while Malaysia will explore the possibility of opening Malaysian hospitals in the country. Read the story: https://lnkd.in/gxshuz7M

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🤝 AACI and PCAHO Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Elevate Healthcare Quality in the Philippines 🇵🇭 Manila, Philippines / [27 January 2026] — AACI America and the Philippine Council on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations - PCAHO have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a strategic collaboration to strengthen and advance healthcare organizations in the Philippines toward international recognition. This strategic partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to elevating the quality of healthcare services, enhancing patient safety, and strengthening organizational performance through internationally aligned accreditation standards, workforce capacity development, and continuous quality improvement processes. Under this collaboration framework, AACI Asia-Pacific and PCAHO will work closely to support healthcare organizations in the Philippines in bridging local practices with international standards, while ensuring contextual relevance, practical accessibility, and long-term sustainability of accreditation systems within the country’s healthcare landscape. AACI extends its sincere appreciation to the PCAHO leadership team for this important opportunity for collaboration. Both organizations share a common mission: to make high-quality healthcare achievable, practical, and sustainable for people around the world. This partnership is expected to generate a positive impact on the Philippine healthcare system and further strengthen the country’s role within the global healthcare community. ⸻ ➡️ About AACI 🇺🇸 The American Accreditation Commission International (AACI) is an internationally recognized healthcare accreditation organization dedicated to advancing quality, patient safety, and organizational excellence. AACI supports healthcare providers worldwide through internationally aligned standards, training, and continuous quality improvement programs, delivering measurable and sustainable outcomes. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gj3YpeQf 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gbK9Xh-x ➡️ About PCAHO 🇵🇭 The Philippine Council on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (PCAHO) is the national healthcare accreditation body of the Philippines, committed to promoting quality, safety, and excellence in healthcare delivery across the country. PCAHO works closely with medical and public health organizations to strengthen the healthcare system, improve patient outcomes, and align services with international best practices. PCAHO is the principal accreditation body recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth for accrediting healthcare facilities in the Philippines. Headquartered in Quezon City, PCAHO conducts professional evaluations and accreditation of healthcare services with integrity and expertise.

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🔷 Direct Healthcare Professional Communication (DHPC) - Clozapine and risk of neutropenia and agranulocytosis: PRAC updates recommendations for blood count monitoring ☑️ The PRAC has updated recommendations for blood monitoring in patients treated with clozapine. This medicine, indicated for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and psychotic disorders in Parkinson's disease, may increase the risk of neutropenia (reduction in neutrophils) and agranulocytosis. To minimize this risk, regular blood count monitoring is recommended, now simplified and based exclusively on the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), considered the most reliable parameter. 08 September 2025 https://lnkd.in/eTDpZHet

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𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗠 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗢𝗛 𝗖𝗮𝗟𝗮𝗕𝗮𝗥𝗭𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 RITM was recognized as a key partner in strengthening local health systems during the 1st Regional Integrated Awarding Ceremonies of the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (CHD) Region IV-A (CaLaBaRZon), held on December 10, 2025 at Hotel Casiana in Tagaytay City. Three (3) RITM offices—the Laboratory Research Division Office (LRDO), the Biorisk Management Office (BRMO), and the Advanced Molecular Technologies Laboratory (AMTL)—were conferred plaques of recognition in acknowledgment of their sustained contributions, best practices, and collaborative work with regional and local stakeholders in advancing public health in CaLaBaRZon. The awarding ceremony carried the theme “Bayanihan para sa Kalusugan, Pagpupugay sa Sama-Samang Tagumpay ng CaLaBaRZon,” highlighting the collective efforts of local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, and partner institutions in achieving milestones toward Universal Health Care (UHC) and health equity for all. The event celebrated not only individual achievements, but also the power of collaboration in delivering people-centered health services. The recognition of LRDO reflects its vital role in providing laboratory expertise, technical assistance, quality assurance, and capacity-building support to regional and local laboratories. Through its work, LRDO has helped strengthen diagnostic services and improve access to reliable laboratory testing—an essential foundation for effective disease surveillance and clinical care. BRMO was honored for its leadership in promoting biosafety and biosecurity practices, ensuring that laboratories and health facilities operate safely while maintaining compliance with national and international standards. Its efforts contribute to protecting health workers, communities, and the environment, while enabling laboratories to function efficiently and responsibly. Meanwhile, AMTL was recognized for its critical role in expanding access to advanced molecular diagnostics in the region. Through confirmatory testing, surge capacity support, and technical collaboration, the AMTL has played a key role in strengthening the region’s preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Beyond individual office achievements, the recognition of RITM during the ceremony underscored its role as a trusted national reference institution and partner in building resilient, responsive, and integrated local health systems. RITM remains committed to working closely with regional and local partners to advance science-driven, people-centered health services—ensuring that quality diagnostics, safe laboratory practices, and technical excellence continue to support the realization of Universal Health Care in CaLaBaRZon and beyond. #RITMHRforHealth #RITMPH

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Chong Hua Hospital, in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Visayas, hosted a special learning session that brought together healthcare experts and business leaders to promote heart health and workplace wellness. ❤ This initiative reflects our continued commitment to preventive care and community education, empowering professionals with practical knowledge to make informed health choices and build healthier, more productive workplaces. ✨ Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2bq4kCX #ChongHuaHospitalCares

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🚐 The Medical City’s Hope Mobi-Clinic is bringing cancer screening to where it matters most. With many Filipino women facing cost and access barriers to early breast cancer detection, the Mobi-Clinic offers free screenings to bridge the gap. So far, the initiative has: ✅ Delivered free breast cancer screenings to 977 women ✅ Identified 12 suspicious cases, with 5 patients undergoing surgery ✅ Trained over 190 local health workers to ensure sustained impact Learn more about the Mobi-Clinic 👉 https://lnkd.in/gZZBQ3NB #CancerScreening #CancerAwareness #HealthEquity #CommunityHealth 

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✨ 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂 𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘 ✨ What an inspiring and purpose-driven day it has been! The Philippine Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO) gathered 44 pediatric oncologists, officers, and committee members for a powerful Strategic Planning Workshop at Seda Manila Bay Together, we revisited PSPO’s mission of compassion, competence, and ethics, and crafted a clear vision that by 2032, every Filipino child with cancer will have access to excellent and affordable healthcare. Through reflective conversations and Strategic Planning frameworks, the participants united behind five strategic objectives, each supported by actionable initiatives and performance indicators to ensure long-term success. And we are pleased to facilitate them to unearth these Key outcomes: 🌟 Deeper alignment of committee contributions 🌟 Development of SMARTER initiatives across cancer care, research, training, and advocacy 🌟 A renewed commitment to integrity, collaboration, and sustainability We at WinWithin Consultancy and Production OPC are deeply grateful to PSPO for the trust and partnership, most especially to their President, Dr. Cris Dalisay, and also to the organizing committee members. Witnessing their unity, clarity, and compassion reminds us that when purpose and planning meet, transformation happens. Keep Winning! _ _ _ If your organization is ready to elevate its strategy, ignite collective vision, and lead with purpose, let’s collaborate! Let's 📩 Connect.   📞 Message us here or email erwinursua@winwithin.com.ph Because great plans don’t just align teams, they build a legacy. #WinWithin #StrategicPlanning  #Leadership  #GrowthMindset  #PSPO  #coacherwinursua TBT

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