MakatiMed is HIV treatment hub

MANILA, Philippines - In the Philippines, the prevalence of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the disease that causes the failure of the immune system to function properly, is, thankfully, considerably low at less than one percent. But with HIV cases being reported to the Department of Health (DOH) daily, government and health institutions are intensifying efforts directed towards fighting the disease.

“HIV is no longer fatal if discovered and treated early,” reveals Dr. Vilma M. Co, head of Makati Medical Center’s Infectious Disease Section.

MakatiMed is the first private hospital designated by the DOH as an HIV treatment hub in 2010, providing effective anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs to HIV-infected patients. The premier health institution, having realized that the HIV epidemic in the Philippines is rapidly accelerating and that early treatment lowers the risk of HIV transmission, began managing affected patients in the early ’90s.

“At MakatiMed, we provide prevention, treatment, care, and support services to people living with HIV,” says Dr. Co. “Our institution puts a premium on the well-being of every patient, regardless of his/her condition.”

MakatiMed’s Infectious Disease consultants are armed with enhanced skills and knowledge on HIV management, and have developed innovative strategies to address the sensitivity in delivering the available services to this vulnerable group of HIV-infected patients.

“We recognize the growing number and burden of caring for those infected and affected with HIV,” says Dr. Ma. Tarcela Gler, HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) chair. “That’s why we immediately made the move to train more people and expanded our staff roster. We also upgraded our equipment to provide a more holistic quality treatment.

MakatiMed also shares a strong political commitment to help prevent the fast-paced increase of HIV cases in the Philippines with government health institutions, the DOH, and PhilHealth. The DOH provides MakatiMed the necessary drugs for HIV treatment, including ARVS such as zidovudine, lamivudine, efavirenz, and nevirapine among others; while PhilHealth aids patients via access to their health fund.

Additionally, to be able to reach more patients who need treatment and care, MakatiMed partners with DOH in information dissemination, the provision of health services, and advocacy for compliance to policy and guidelines on HIV management.

“We are honored to be working hand in hand with the DOH and PhilHealth,” says Dr. Co. “We believe that this milestone public-private partnership — the first of its kind for healthcare — is a good strategy to ensure that those affected by the disease remain productive members of society.”