Health & Wellness

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 …

The Department of Health (DOH) is pushing to declare the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a national public health emergency following a staggering 500% increase in cases among Filipinos aged 15 to 25. In a video message last week, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa raised alarm over the surge, noting that the Philippines now has the highest number of new HIV cases …

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 124 rabies cases nationwide from January 1 to May 17 this year — a 32% decline from the 183 cases reported during the same period in 2024. Despite the drop, health officials are urging continued vigilance, warning that rabies remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, with a fatality rate of 100% once symptoms …

Every day, an estimated 1.6 million people fall ill due to unsafe food, according to a stark warning from the World Health Organization (WHO). In a press briefing in Geneva ahead of World Food Safety Day on Saturday, WHO called for urgent, science-based global action to ensure safer food for all. “Food safety is a global responsibility,” emphasized Simone Moraes …

India reported four new Covid-19 fatalities last week, pushing the nationwide case count to 3,961, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health. The new infections—203 in the past 24 hours—come amid a steady increase in cases, with one death each recorded in four different states. Health officials noted that all the deceased had underlying medical conditions in …