RP’s first virtual library on heart disease launched

The country’s first and only interactive learning center on cardiovascular disease was recently launched at the Philippine Heart Center.

This one-of-a-kind virtual library is designed to educate and assist patients, doctors, paramedical personnel, caregivers and nurses in the latest developments in heart disease management.

Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit was the guest of honor in the launching of the Philippine Heart Center-Medical Alumni Society-Pfizer Information Center, which the medical community hailed as a "shot in the arm" in the country’s continuing battle against cardiovascular disorders.

Heart disease has claimed more lives than any other illness, and has been tagged by the medical community as "public enemy No. 1."

The PHC-MAS-Pfizer Information Center is located at the eighth floor of the Medical Arts building within the PHC complex in Quezon City.

The center boasts of the latest medical books, literature and journals on heart disease. It is also equipped with computers, audio-visual equipment, interactive VCDs, Internet connection, one terminal with OVID online and a closed-circuit TV which can be accessed from the different floors of the hospital.

The modern information center is being dubbed as a one-stop cardiovascular information shop, where one can find almost everything there is to know about the human heart.

While there are research facilities available in other hospitals, the PHC-MAS-Pfizer Information Center is unique since it also makes specialists and cardiovascular experts available for free consultations on a regular basis.

The clinic and virtual library includes special conference areas, individual cubicles and consultation rooms specifically for this purpose.

Clearly, the Information Center manifests Pfizer’s well-rounded approach to healthcare and betterment of life. "In the case of coronary disease, dozens of other people are involved, aside from the doctor and patient. Researchers, nurses, caregivers, family and friends are also drawn into the task of finding the best cure," said Pfizer president and country manager Gerry Bacarro.

Pfizer, one of the moving spirits behind the establishment of the new information center, is a global, research-based healthcare company which discovers, develops, manufactures and markets innovative medicines for humans and animals, and many of the world’s best known products.