Health & Wellness

An environmental group has thrown its support behind the Department of Health (DOH) for issuing a public advisory cautioning against the use of mercury in traditional healing practices believed to counteract witchcraft. In a statement, the EcoWaste Coalition said the advisory came after their appeal for immediate action from the DOH, as misleading claims circulate on e-commerce platforms and social …

The Department of Health (DOH) has joined forces with the country’s first Anti-Vape and Anti-Tobacco Student Council, underscoring a stronger push to protect young Filipinos from the harmful effects of smoking and vaping. In a news release last week, the DOH said the council is composed of young advocates from Eusebio High School in Pasig City, where it held a …

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) was recognized with the Silver Trailblazer Award during the 2025 Public Governance Forum of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), held on June 24, 2025, at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City.  The award was conferred following the successful conduct of its Performance Governance System (PGS) Initiation Stage Revalida. “To stay true …

The National Nutrition Council in Bicol (NNC-5) has called on newly elected local chief executives in the region to put health and nutrition at the forefront of their governance agendas. Director Emerenciana Francia, NNC-5 Officer-in-Charge, said local leaders play a vital role in strengthening programs that tackle malnutrition. “As local chief executives, you will chair our local nutrition committees, whether …

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has disbursed nearly P27 billion for more than two million hemodialysis claims in the first six months of 2025—an amount already close to the P28 billion it paid out for the entire year of 2024. PhilHealth Health Policy Sector Senior Vice President Israel Francis Pargas said the sharp increase is a sign of growing …

A newly emerging COVID-19 variant known as “Nimbus” is gaining traction across the United States, with a peculiar and painful symptom drawing attention: an unusually severe sore throat that some have likened to “swallowing razor blades.”  This intense discomfort, informally called “razor blade throat,” is being widely discussed as a potential distinguishing feature of the variant. Despite the buzz, health experts …

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has launched an expanded Z Benefit package to assist kidney transplant patients, enabling them to focus on recovery without the burden of costly medical expenses. In a statement issued Thursday, PhilHealth said the new package provides financial support for both pediatric and adult transplant recipients, as well as their living donors. For pediatric patients, …

Filipinos who completed their COVID-19 vaccinations between 2021 and 2023 remain protected against the latest variant of the virus, which has drawn attention for causing unusually painful sore throats described as “razor-blade” symptoms. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa gave this assurance during a press briefing at Malacañang, noting that existing vaccines continue to provide protection.  “It seems the COVID-19 vaccines that …

The number of Filipinos undergoing dialysis treatment rose sharply to 64,845 in 2024—a 22-percent increase from 53,296 in 2023—highlighting the growing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the country. National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) adult nephrology consultant Dr. Anthony Russel Villanueva said the rising number reflects a serious health concern. “Ang pagkasakit sa kidney ay nanatiling one of …

Dengue cases worldwide have surged to over 14 million in 2024—double the previous year’s figures—with Asia shouldering 70 percent of the global burden, according to the Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA) Group. At a press conference during the 8th Asia Dengue Summit held in Quezon City, ADVA steering committee member Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding said the Philippines is among …