The MSD Online Research Center is an integrated learning facility that utilizes technology to advance the healthy exchange of medical and non-medical information. Each center is manned bv a Research Center Administrator, trained to assist and facilitate the educational needs of our physicians through the various services and programs available.

     MSD is one of the first private corporations to use information technology through harnessing the capabilities of the MSD Online Research Center. The Company has pioneered the regular hosting of 'virtual' medical symposia and Netmeetings where doctors interacted online with fellow physicians from different locations in the country to discuss medical findings and cases.

     The MSD Online Research Centers are located in the key training hospitals in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with 6 centers and 14 satellites.

Patient Support Programs

     Maintaining good health and taking care of the patients are the primary goals of doctors and MSD knows that being a doctor is a very demanding vocation. Thus, MSD responds to these goals by working with the doctors, hospitals and medical centers to conduct programs designed to put emphasis on the delivery of disease information and education, screening for diseases, and health management programs.

     For years, MSD has been providing free bone screening tests and osteoporosis tools to patients across the Philippines. Osteoporosis is a very common condition among Asian women, and the consequences of hip fracture are potentially life-threatening. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important. Given the alarming incidence of coronary heart diseases and diabetes, MSD also offers cholesterol and diabetes screenings in partnership with doctors, hospitals, and medical societies. MSD acknowledges that only in partnership with the medical community could the problem of coronary heart diseases and diabetes be contained.

Community Outreach

     MSD strives to support the local and national communities by providing cash grants and donations of medicines and vaccines. These initiatives were coursed through established Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to make sure that the donations reach the people who need them. In the past years, MSD has donated vaccines to Filipino communities through the Children International. Between 2000-2006, the total market value of the vaccines donated by Merck to the Philippines amounted to USS3 million. Annually, MSD employees support different charitable institutions through its Employee Gift-Giving Programs and help Filipino children and adults in need. In December 2006, MSD employees contributed and raised cash to support the relief operations in the Bicol region after a devastating typhoon. It was matched by the Merck Foundation, Inc. with a USSI 0,000 cash donation. The cash donations were coursed through the American Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc.

     On July 6, 2007, MSD office-based employees participated in the first MSD Community Day by helping build houses in Gawad Kalinga's Pinagsama Village in Taguig City, located near the office. The event aimed at harnessing employee volunteerism and contribution to communities in which we work. We are now in the process of participating in public-private partnerships to help build health care infrastructure and facilitate access to our medicines and vaccines. We are working with government agencies and organizations within the Philippines to foster prevention, care and support, and treatment of major diseases.