Responsibility

MSD gives back to Kythe and Carewell

February 7, 2022

At MSD, employees are encouraged to find ways to give back to the community. Through the global volunteerism and skills share program dubbed MSD Gives Back, employees take an active role in giving back to their communities through participation in a variety of programs offered to promote a healthier society, advance education, foster the arts, address the welfare of animals and preserve the environment.

In the Philippines, MSD employees have engaged in various face-to-face volunteerism activities that improve the health and well-being of communities for more than 25 years. In 2021, amidst the pandemic, the company decided to shift its approach in enabling employees to continue supporting the great work their partner patient advocacy groups are doing through virtual volunteerism.

As a continuation of MSD’s 25^th anniversary celebration, MSD in the Philippines launched 5×5: MSD Gives Back, a programdesigned to give employees an opportunity to extend their support to patients, caregivers and the broader health care community within a span of 5 months.

MSD employees’ virtual volunteerism

The coronavirus pandemic is increasing anxiety and insecurity in many people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their loved ones. In 2021, MSD collaborated with Kythe Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides care to children with cancer, and the Cancer Resource and Wellness (Carewell) Community, a nonprofit foundation that provides support, education, and hope to persons with cancer and their loved ones.

“Amidst the pandemic, we believe patients can benefit from a strong sense of community support, to help them get through the challenges brought by these uncertain times,” said Michael Blanch, Corporate Affairs and Market Access Director.

“We are honored to work with Kythe Foundation and Carewell Foundation, two organizations that are dedicated to the health and well-being of patients and carers, throughout their cancer journey.”

MSD Gives Back to Kythe

MSD employees collaborated with Kythe Foundation to support its mission of helping address the fears of children who are going through their cancer journey. MSD employees hosted a series of 5 activities over 5 months, focused on reaching pediatric cancer patients across the country.

In July, MSD employees organized an art party for the Philippine Children’s Medical Center called “Sining Eskwela” featuring popular TV personality and artist Robert Alejandro for the benefit of pediatric cancer patients.

This was followed by a session for the National Children’s Hospital where MSD employees took the Kythe participants around the Philippines on a virtual tour in its “Tara na! Byahe Tayo!” program. Even if they could not go out and travel in-person, the children enjoyed sceneries and tourist spots like Iligan City’s Maria Cristina Falls and Bohol’s Chocolate Hills through an interactive virtual Lakad. They also participated in trivia games while they demonstrated their creativity through a bag painting activity. MSD employees gave out prizes and awards at the end of the program.

In time for Halloween, the kids of Kythe from Philippine Children’s Medical Center were given the opportunity to showcase their most creative costumes for the virtual event “Magical Costume Party”. The kids also demonstrated their knowledge of Filipino riddles, talents in music and dance, and skills in arts and craft. There was a virtual storytelling session to engage the kids in creative study and play. Winners of the costume party, virtual talent show and other games received special prizes and awards.

In November, to support Kythe’s Play Advocacy Week, MSD employees developed activity kits, “Spark Joy and Empower” for 60 kids in Cebu and Tarlac, which included art sets and stuffed toys to encourage hope and bravery throughout their journeys.

The holidays came early to the kids of Kythe in Philippine Orthopedic Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center and AFPHealth Service, when the MSD team organized a fun and interactive party entitled, “Tis the Season to be Jolly”. During the two-hour virtual program, the kids played games, participated in the storytelling activity, showcased their creativity and talent, and celebrated the joyful season with their ates and kuyas.

Kythe Executive Director Fatima “Girlie” Lorenzo said “We at Kythe believe that children with cancer can better cope with their challenges- especially during the pandemic- when they are surrounded by a caring community. As an organization, we inspire hope to the children and their families. Despite the limitations of COVID-19, we are thankful for MSD’s efforts to spend time with our Kythe Kids and prepare gifts for them.”

She added that “MSD has demonstrated a long-term commitment to addressing children’s fears by providing them with opportunities to learn, play, and grow even virtually.”

MSD Gives Back to Carewell

Meanwhile, for the Carewell community, MSD hosted a series of talks that aimed to enable cancer patients and carers to stay healthy and better navigate the new normal brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In September, MSD volunteers organized a health and wellness webinar dubbed “Talk to Doc”to support patients and carers from the Carewell Community. The community viewed a video featuring an A to Z guide to health and wellness. This was followed by a live Q&A session where attendees were able to ask questions to physicians regarding cancer-related medication, treatment options and healthcare access.

This was followed in November by the TechTalk webinar, hosted by the Digital Acceleration and Culture and Branding teams of MSD in the Philippines. During the program, volunteers explained the role of telemedicine in helping patients navigate their treatment and care during the pandemic. Participants learned about the different apps that may be useful as they navigate the new normal, while protecting their data privacy and keeping their information secure online.

“There was a lot of health misinformation and disinformation spread over the Internet. It can be a source of anxiety for patients with cancer and their families. Our goal at Carewell is to ensure that cancer patients and their loved ones feel that they are not alone in facing the challenges of the disease. Through our programs, we aim to provide access to factual, accurate information, science-based medical opinions and resources,” Carewell Managing Director Oliver Calasanz explained.

“We thank MSD in the Philippines for lending much-valuedexpertise through their skills-share program. . The health, financial and techtalk webinars hosted by MSD proved to be beneficial in helping patients navigate the pandemic.” Calasanz said.

‘Empowered to give back’

At MSD, employees are empowered to give back and help build healthier communities by engaging in activities where they are able to share their skills, time and resources, for the benefit of others.

“Giving is core to MSD’s culture. Our employees’ passion, collaboration, and commitment to the communities we serve persist despite challenges of the pandemic. Continuing MSD’s more than 25 years of service legacy, it’s all-hands-on-deck for the Filipino patient,” said MSD’s Human Resource Lead, Ms. Marese de Vera.

Innovation

Clinical trial sites seek participants to test molnupiravir’s potential in preventing COVID-19 among close contacts

January 25, 2022

MSD biopharmaceutical company is checking the efficacy and safety of the investigational drug molnupiravir in preventing COVID-19 infection among close contacts.

A total of 1,332 participants will be recruited globally, of which 30 will come from the Philippines.

MSD Philippines has partnered with Asian Hospital and Medical Center and Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) as local clinical trial sites. However, the patients will stay home with the COVID-19 patient while taking molnupiravir.

“The main indication for this study nga is for us to look into the potential of molnupiravir in preventing the development of active infection or active disease,” clinical investigator for QMMC Dr. Joel Santiaguel said.

Dr. Benjamin Co, the clinical investigator for Asian Hospital, said molnupiravir “can make a big difference in the way we handle the pandemic” if proven effective in preventing infection among close contacts.

“Imagine a situation wherein you get exposed to somebody who has COVID-19, you’re able to take a medicine for it and you are not going to develop COVID,” he said.

Who may join the trial?

The hospitals will recruit close contacts currently living with a symptomatic COVID-19 patient who tested positive within five days before the trial begins. The patient must be under home quarantine and not hospitalized. There is no age limitation for the COVID-19 patient.

Meanwhile, only close-contact participants aged 18 and above may join the trial. They should have no symptoms of infection, never had COVID-19, and either be unvaccinated or have not received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine within the last 7 days.

“These are patients that got exposed to those who have COVID, and we’re doing a clinical trial in order to demonstrate in humans whether this drug is an effective drug for post-exposure prophylaxis (preventative treatment),” Co said.

Aside from Metro Manila residents, they are also recruiting participants from Laguna, Rizal, Cavite, and Batangas.

What will happen during the trial?

The patient will be taken to the hospital for screening. If qualified, the close contacts will either take molnupiravir or placebo by mouth every 12 hours for 5 days.

They also have to live with the COVID-19 patient for a month.

As of posting, the hospitals are actively seeking participants.

“We are in the lull of surge, so relatively mababa o halos walang makuhang pasyente [so there are relatively less patients and hospitals are almost unable to recruit participants],” Dr. Santiaguel said.

“But if you know someone who has been recently diagnosed to have COVID…then we can look into the household. Ang mga kasama sa bahay, ito ang pwede i-include sa clinical trial [Those living with COVID-19 patients can be included in the trial],” he added.

Those who are interested in joining may contact the Quirino Memorial Medical Center at 0917-841-3314, or the Asian Hospital and Medical Center at 0968-558-3091 or 0927-007-6602.

A recent study on the use of molnupiravir among asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 patients showed the drug can reduce the relative risk of progression to severe disease or death by about 30%.

When the pandemic struck, a recovering cancer patient and his oncologist decided to strike back, holding onto hope that he will stay alive and thrive.

“Rufino” (name was changed upon the request of the patient) is no stranger to life’s adversities, having survived three strokes, on diabetes maintenance therapy, and also battling stage 4 lung cancer in his 70s. After several starts and stops, his oncologist, Dr. Katherine Hernandez says Rufino’s cancer is now “stable.” Years ago, Dr. Hernandez offered him another treatment option after his cancer progressed while undergoing chemotherapy.

She adds that “the results of his immunotherapy treatment are very encouraging because the pulmonary lesions have decreased in size. Already, Rufino’s quality of life has improved and so have his chances of living longer.”

A cancer patient amid a pandemic

Prior to the COVID pandemic, he was responding well to his treatment: his hair grew back, and he even decided to match it with a moustache, plus he was already grocery shopping from a wheelchair. Dr. Hernandez shares “There were no longer the side effects like weakness, fatiguability, alopecia, and others, as he previously experienced. And even as a stroke survivor, he was stronger, and even walking faster than before. He was very happy!”

Then 2020 came and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic upended life as we know it. Rufino, a family man and businessman, is among the many cancer patients whose day-to-day lives were affected by the health crisis. “Madaming challenges, unang-una ‘di ka makalabas. Kahit na pasyal, takot akong bumaba,” Rufino recounts. “We had to enforce strict protocols at home, like we do not allow visitors, and everyone in the household wears a mask. Even in our business, we really made sure to follow safety protocols.”

Despite the anxiety brought about the pandemic, Rufino didn’t let COVID hamper his health progress. Ever the fighter, Rufino, guided by his oncologist pushed through with the treatments despite great constraints. “The threat of COVID-19 is real but what I’ve learned is that us cancer patients have to balance this with continued cancer care and not delaying treatment,” Rufino says.

Dr. Hernandez explains why this is so important: “Any delay or termination of treatment could mean ‘the end of the road’, so to speak. In medical language, no treatment would mean progression of cancer which could eventually lead to early death.”

The importance of implementing innovative, patient-centered strategies cannot be overemphasized given that cancer patients might be at increased risk for COVID-19 infection. To help ensure continued care, the delivery of cancer management needed meaningful adjustments, including changes in treatment protocols that prioritize patient safety, and fostering a health ecosystem that encourages coordination of care.

In Rufino’s case, since the hospital where he was receiving treatment before the pandemic suddenly became overrun with COVID-19 cases, Dr. Hernandez decided to look for a different hospital that would enable them to carry on with the therapy. She adds, “I continued to communicate with him and check his condition via teleconsult. He resumed his infusions in a secondary private hospital. He underwent RT-PCR prior to each treatment and received treatment in the outpatient department chemo unit.”

Digital media as public health tool

The role that digital media plays is also crucial. Telemedicine, which was not in widespread use prior to the pandemic, become a convenient tool to help patients receive health care advice while sheltering in place. Even with drawbacks like insufficient infrastructure, socio-cultural resistances, and legal considerations, ever since the pandemic happened, patients like Rufino have experienced the advantages of being able to talk in real time with their doctors in the comfort of their own homes.

Especially during this time of social distancing, social media somehow helps alleviate the loneliness and isolation that so many cancer patients feel. Rufino beams when he says that since the pandemic, he has become hooked on social media particularly messaging and online shopping applications. By connecting online with kin and friends who pray for hope and healing, he stays motivated to keep his eyes on the goal.

“Order din ako nang order ng food! Like other normal people, I search online to buy avocados, bananas, watermelons… Because of social media, kahit pandemic, may nakakausap ako at buhay na buhay ang isip ko. I don’t feel alone,” he shares.

From responsive and coordinated healthcare to teleconsultation and social media kumustahan, maintaining open lines of communication is paramount to the continued delivery of cancer care during an outbreak.

“Constant communication between the medical oncologist and the cancer patient is a very important mechanism to monitor the progress of treatment. And this can be achieved via telemedicine to lessen the hospital visits and hospital exposure,” Dr. Hernandez reiterates.

Keeping the hope from within alive

With or without pandemic, the most crucial lesson in navigating one’s cancer journey is to keep moving forward. Rufino said that his cancer experience enabled him to inspire other patients battling with the disease, sharing with them how he too grappled with his own mortality and ended up having a greater appreciation for life: “Talagang lumalaban ako. Kasama na diyan yung patuloy na pagpapagamot dahil gusto ko pa mabuhay.”

Rufino also wants to inspire other cancer patients to not lose hope. He says this is the reason why he takes time to put forward his story through the help of Hope From Within, an advocacy campaign spearheaded by MSD in the Philippines.

Rufino notes that the welfare of his family and his employees also serves as motivation for him to keep fighting the disease. “Iniisip ko, kung mawala [ako], ano nang mangyayari sa mga tauhan [ko] na may mga pamilya ring nakadepende sa akin.”

“I don’t yearn for what I used to enjoy before the pandemic,” Rufino reveals. “My attitude is to live in the present and look forward to tomorrow. When is my next schedule for infusion? ‘Yun ang priority ko. Lagi din ako nakikinig sa mga doktor.”

Dr. Hernandez describes the case of Rufino as a very encouraging story. “His continuous treatment has made him stronger and more alive. Mang Rufino is the perfect example of a cancer survivor who is full smiles and hope despite being challenged by Covid-19 pandemic.”

This coming December, Rufino will mark another personal milestone as he turns 75 years old. There will be ups and downs along the cancer journey especially during an ongoing pandemic, yet valiantly, he urges patients and their families to keep up the good fight. And it is an advice worth listening to, coming from a cheerful survivor of stage 4 lung cancer who now wears a bigger sized shirt from having regained appetite for food and for life.

For more details on how to reduce the burden of cancer-related mortalities amid the pandemic, visit http://www.hopefromwithin.org/ or like the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Hopefromwithinph/.

Patients

Melissa de Leon shares hopeful tomorrows for Breast Cancer Patients

January 25, 2022

Melissa de Leon-Joseph is known to many as a versatile actress and host of popular TV programs in the early 2000’s. In 2005, her life took a dramatic turn.

Melissa discovered a lump in her breast. Her doctor removed the lump, which turned out benign. The following year, a mass was detected again and she was asked to do a needle biopsy. She shrugged the idea. At that time, she was at the peak of her health, career, and family life. Four months later, in December 2006, a pronouncement from her physician changed everything. She was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer in 2006.

“Siguro if I followed that first doctor, siguro stage 1 or stage 0 lang ako. I felt the world fell on my shoulders. My kids were very little at that time. I couldn’t believe that it was happening to me. I was thinking very much of my children,” Melissa said.

Melissa’s words echo the sentiment of many Filipinas. To the newly diagnosed, cancer may be feared as a sentence of misery, suffering, or even death.

According to the 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) report, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer.

In the Philippines, Globocan 2020 report showed that more than 9,900 Filipinos died of breast cancer making it the 3rd leading cause of death due to cancer and the number one leading site of cancer with more than 27,000 new cases.

Acceptance and getting treatment

Melissa saw the wisdom in heeding her doctor’s advice, getting the right information, and moving forward with treatment.

“It is very important to trust your surgeon. Whatever he recommends, you follow. Once you have decided on a doctor and you know that you can trust him, you really have to submit and listen,” she admitted.

Cancer patients undergo different treatment options. Every patient’s treatment program varies depending on the type of cancer and the patient’s medical history. Depending on the status of the patient, medical oncologists may shift from one type of treatment to another, over the course of a patient’s journey.

Melissa underwent a mastectomy and six sessions of chemotherapy intended for stage 4 cancer patients because her cancer diagnosis was an aggressive type. In the middle of her treatment, the mass was tested again. She went to three hospitals for a biopsy.

The results revealed that her cancer was not as aggressive as previously reported and that she wouldn’t have to go through the additional and costly treatment after chemotherapy.

“The biggest challenges for me were not knowing exactly what is it that I will encounter, and the expenses. I didn’t know that it was going to be very expensive. I also had to deal with a wrong diagnosis,” she recalled. “There is also the challenge of accepting that I have no more breasts. I was able to go through it because my husband was very supportive and it was ok with him, as long as I am well and ok. He assured me that it doesn’t matter, and it will not make me less of a woman.”

Celebrating life after cancer

“There’s life after cancer. It’s been 15 years. I still believe that the best is yet to come. In this life we are journeying, we must be able to know who we should hang on to. The

important thing for me is knowing who our strength is and where we are getting it from. Surviving or conquering this journey is something that I can and will continue to talk about. I don’t think I will be able to get through it well if not because of my spiritual relationship with our Lord,” Melissa expressed.

Melissa thanked her husband, her family, friends, and all the people who prayed for her during her fight with cancer.

“I believe in the power of prayer. Whenever I go out with my bandana, somebody would approach me and say, ‘Melissa, I’m praying for you. This is so wonderful. There are people who are very much concerned. You need that when you’re going through something. Just a message of encouragement is very precious,” she added.

To help other women who are battling breast cancer and their families, Melissa started Project Pink Cancer Support Group.

“The mission of Project Pink is to be able to provide emotional, spiritual, and psychological support to the patients, caregivers, and their families. We help them go through government assistance. We hope to multiply effective cancer treatment. So that stigma that happens to the person will be overcome. Spread the good news that there’s life after cancer,” Melissa explained.

When her cancer treatment ended, Melissa opened a new chapter in her life – a life filled with hope and happiness by sharing her journey and inspiring others with her spirituality.

Health Awareness

Mom-of-three pediatrician shares tips in keeping family healthy amid COVID-19

January 25, 2022

Parents nowadays tend to be more careful when it comes to decisions regarding their family’s health, in Tagalog, maselan.

And no one is more maselan than a mom who also happens to be a pediatrician. Dr. Ma. Delta Aguilar is a mother to three kids aged 15, 12, and 10. She is the Vice-Chair for COVID Patient Services and a consultant of the Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases of the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

Dr. Aguilar reminded parents to consult health experts to quell their worries about their family’s health concerns. She also shared practical tips and advice on ensuring her children’s health and safety during these challenging times.

Vaccination – a vital protection for kids

“I always make it a point to educate the parents about the importance of vaccinations,” said Dr. Aguilar. “I tell them that vaccines are vital to protect their children from severe illnesses, especially those vaccine-preventable diseases.”

According to the World Health Organization, vaccines are the most effective life-saving public health interventions in history. [1]

Fear and hesitancy about vaccinations also start at home, so Dr. Aguilar tells parents to help their children understand how vaccines work.

“My kids remain calm and at ease during their vaccinations because I took time to explain to them what to expect and how this will keep them healthy and strong,” shared Dr. Aguilar. “I’m sure other parents will find a way how to make their vaccination trip a pleasant experience.”

Filipino parents also have the habit of threatening their children with an injection to discipline them. Dr. Aguilar cautioned parents against doing this as it may develop childhood trauma and long-term fear and hesitancy.

“We should not mention, oh, pag hindi ka mabait, dadalhin kita sa doctor para ma-injectionan ka!” quipped Dr. Aguilar.

Dr. Aguilar also encouraged parents to keep records of their child’s immunization history. If local community restrictions have held parents back and have caused them to miss out on their child’s jab schedule, she advised parents to talk to their pediatrician about catching up and picking up from where they left off.

“As a pediatrician, I do not blame the mom for the delay, but I always tell them that we can catch up,” she shared. “I understand that there are a lot of restrictions during the pandemic, and moms have a lot of other things on their minds. So I encourage them to catch up and provide them a timeframe when they can get their child vaccinated.”

Additionally, Dr. Aguilar advised parents should protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated themselves.

Staying strong and healthy in quarantine the “pedia mom” way

As the new school year started, children continued to take their classes online at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While this is a critical way to practice physical distancing, it can be disruptive to one’s daily routine, especially for children. In addition, if you’re a parent with a child studying at home, keeping them calm and occupied is an added challenge.

Dr. Aguilar admitted that she also struggled to keep her kids physically and mentally active during the strict implementation of the community quarantine. Still, she found creative ways to solve this.

“I play board games with the kids, like monopoly. And whoever loses will do 20 jumping jacks or run around the house a few times. I even bought badminton gear and a bicycle to get them to do some physical activities,” she related.

As a mom and pediatrician, Dr. Aguilar also shared practical and straightforward tips to keep children physically and psychologically healthy during lockdowns.

Ensure a balanced diet. It may not be easy to have kids eat vegetables but make sure to inject them into your daily meals.
Engage in physical activities. Bring the kids to a local park or open area in the community, if allowed. Remember to follow your local health protocols strictly.
Observe proper hygiene. Teach your kids to wash their hands regularly and use face masks and face shields when necessary.
Schedule a time for the kids to connect with relatives and friends, even virtually.
Support their emotional and mental well-being through activities such as prayer and meditation.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have changed the way we do many things, but it hasn’t changed the importance of checking in on your child’s — and your own — overall health and wellness.

Call your pediatrician today and ask about the 2021 Childhood Immunization Schedule to protect your kids from vaccine-preventable diseases! For more information, you may visit https://www.facebook.com/CallTheShotsPH/.

Patients

Empowering cancer patients during a health crisis

December 28, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled almost every nation around the world. We’ve witnessed economies slowing down, businesses struggling to survive, and healthcare systems overwhelmed by the unprecedented impact of the pandemic. The impact on individuals is likewise all-encompassing. Very few can say their economic, social, mental and physical well-being were not affected in any way. How much more for the vulnerable? One of the most high-risk groups during the pandemic are the cancer patients.

Those with active cancer are classified as immune-compromised. The risk among cancer patients is based on the type of cancer they have, the type and timing of treatment, underlying health conditions, and the age of the patient.

COVID-19 has also abruptly and radically changed the landscape of cancer care delivery in the country. Most cancer institutes of hospitals scaled down their operations to allow sufficient time for proper patient screening and to comply with social distancing guidelines. At the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Cancer Institute alone, patient visits to the Medical Oncology Clinic went down by 90% when it re-opened last April 2020.

The missed consultations and treatments may also mean missed opportunities for many patients who would otherwise have a better chance of adding years to life and life to years.

Ensuring the safety and continuity of cancer care amidst the current pandemic and proactive assistance are needed to guide and support patients and caregivers. This includes sharing information on what hospitals and clinics are ready to receive patients for consultation, testing or treatment, how to contact their medical oncologists, and where to seek support throughout their journey.

Hope from Within, an advocacy group dedicated to promoting cancer awareness, together with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), compiled an infographic which summarizes the list of hospitals nationwide currently accepting cancer inquiries.

Cancer Care Hospitals during COVID

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Here are some questions cancer patients, along with their companion or family, can ask:

How will my treatment regimen be, moving forward? Do we continue, or can we reschedule?
How many cycles away am I from completion?
What will be the effects of delaying my therapy?
What again are my treatment goals? Does delaying therapy still meet those goals?
Is telehealth (health consultations through telecommunications) an option for me?

When Visiting Hospitals

It is still advisable to limit physical contact and practice social distancing even during the GCQ period, since cancer patients are immuno-compromised, making them more vulnerable or high-risk to get infected by the virus. It is highly recommended to call your oncologists prior to your scheduled check-ups/ treatment appointment to lessen hospital visits. If you are required to go to a hospital, please be extra careful and take preventive measures as well to protect yourself:

Wear a mask and your personal protective equipment or PPE.
Always handwash and sanitize. If possible, you may bring your own hygiene kit which includes alcohol, liquid handwash or soap, pocket tissue or wet wipes to avoid further contact with any object in the hospital.
Avoid the crowd.
Follow and keep in mind hospital measures.
Avoid public transportation. As much as possible, have your own service or if you are having a hard time, you may want to check out Cancer Coalition Facebook page for scheduled services. They offer services to cancer patients around the Metro for now.

Resources for Access to Cancer Treatment

Access to cancer treatment is a major challenge that is encountered by all cancer patients. But we do not let their hope subside especially during this tough time. Cancer patients in need of support may seek financial assistance by reaching out to the following:

Department of Health (DOH) Medical Assistance Program for Cancer
Office of the President (for guarantee letters)
Office of the Vice-President (guarantee letters up to Php 5k)
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP)
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (DSWD AICS)
Legislative funds for healthcare (for guarantee letters if in public hospital)
Local Government Units (mayor’s guarantee letters)
SSS, GSIS, and Pag-IBIG loans
Foundations & Private Organizations

Everyone is also highly enjoined to sign the DOH’s Cancer Assistance Fund to Support the National Integrated Cancer Control Act to make quality cancer care accessible to more Filipinos.
Get the right support you need throughout your cancer journey in this time of pandemic. Visit Hope From Within website at https://hopefromwithin.org/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Hopefromwithinph.

Innovation

MSD celebrates World Immunization Week with medical societies and top pharmacy chain

December 28, 2021

In fighting burdensome diseases, it is crucial to ensure that Filipino patients get quality and accessible healthcare. Collaborative interventions are needed to address priority healthcare areas, such as diabetes management and immunization.

In celebration of World Health Organization’s World Immunization Week, the country’s leading pharmacy chain, Mercury Drug Corporation, partnered with the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM), the Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA), and global healthcare company MSD in the Philippines to facilitate a series of diabetes care and immunization lectures at selected Get Well at Mercury Drug – Diabetes Care specialty corners. The lectures highlighted the importance of vaccination for persons living with diabetes.

“Mercury Drug’s foremost priority is the health of Filipinos and knowing that diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in the country, we partnered with PPhA, PSEDM and MSD for the Get Well at Mercury Drug Diabetes Care program, which was launched in August 2018. Our vision is to improve diabetes care for Filipino patients through an inter-professional collaborative approach,” said Annie Tejada, Mercury Drug district manager.

The patient-centered program aims to ensure continuity of care at the pharmacy level and address all relevant areas in diabetes care – including vaccination.

Value of Pneumonia Vaccination in Diabetes Care

Vaccination is crucial in diabetes management, given that it is harder for the immune system of patients with diabetes to fight infections.

“We should be proactive in ensuring that we comply with the vaccine recommendations of our doctors. In the Philippines, though, there’s generally a lack of awareness about the benefits and importance of vaccination, not only for diabetics, but also for the general population,” emphasized Dr. Jeremy Robles, president of PSEDM.

For instance, pneumonia is one of the infections that can be prevented by vaccination. Fighting pneumonia can be burdensome, costly, and critical. According to Dr. Aurora Macaballug, board member of PSEDM, the cost of vaccination is minimal compared to pneumonia medication and hospitalization which can escalate to up to PhP250,000 per patient.

Even for non-diabetic individuals, protection from pneumonia through vaccination is equally critical, since the disease factors in as one of the leading causes of deaths in the country, according to the Department of Health (DOH). In fact, the department includes pneumonia vaccination in its Expanded Program on Immunization.

“If a person aged 50 and above has never received any pneumonia vaccine, it’s time to get vaccinated. If a patient has a risk factor like diabetes and heart disease, even if the patient is not yet 50 years old, immunization is needed,” said Dr. Joel Santiaguel, pulmonologist at the Philippine General Hospital.

Promoting patient compliance

Medication adherence, or the taking of medications correctly as prescribed by the doctor, is another integral aspect of diabetes care and management that many patients usually take for granted.

Miriam Soriano, aged 71 and diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, tells of a common occurrence among diabetic patients given that they have to take several types of medicines per day. “Yung isang manugang ko nga para di makalimutan uminom ng gamot, lahat iniinom niya ng sabay-sabay,” she lamented. (My daughter in-law takes all her medicines in one go so she will not forget it.)

The PPhA asserts the important role of pharmacists in guiding diabetes patients. “Pharmacists not only help ensure that patients have the right knowledge about drugs, but they also guide them in preventing possible complications that can arise from drug interactions or non-adherence. Pharmacists can also check for complications, administer screening tests, and make referrals to other members of the diabetes care team,” explained Dr. Yolanda Robles, president of PPhA.

“In the future, pharmacists would actually be able to administer adult vaccines under The New Pharmacy Law. In the meantime, we’re calling on the pharmacists to also educate patients about vaccination,” she said.

Mercury Drug, in partnership with PPhA, are working together to empower and equip pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to provide better counseling and support to patients.

The first “Get Well at Mercury Drug – Diabetes Care” was launched at Glorietta 3 last year and has since been followed by a total of 18 branches located in Trinoma, Q Plaza Cainta, Shangri-La Plaza, Taguig BGC 32nd St., QC Retiro Mayon, Kalookan Monumento, San Juan Greenhills Shoppesville, QC Robinsons Galleria, Taguig Market Market, QC Ever Gotesco Commonwealth, Nueva Ecija Cabanatuan City Zulueta, Pampanga San Fernando City San Jose JASA, Cebu City ACC Corporate Center, Cebu Consolacion National Highway, Cebu Osmena Avila, Cagayan T. Neri, and Cagayan Limketkai. More specialty corners will be launched in other parts of the country this 2019.

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Dr. Jeremy Robles, President of PSEDM, opened the World Immunization Week activities at Mercury Drug Ayala Corporate Center Cebu through a Diabetes 101 lecture that was also streamed live in Mercury Drug’s Facebook Page.

Officials of PSEDM, PPhA, Mercury Drug, MSD in the Philippines, and PayMaya unite for the celebration of World Immunization Week held from April 24 to 30 through a week-long free lecture series focusing on the importance of vaccination in the continuity of holistic diabetes care

Doctors express support for World Immunization Week by providing free lectures on the importance of vaccination in diabetes care and management. Photo shows (L-R) Dr. Mia Fojas, immediate past president, PSEDM; Dr. Yolanda Robles, president, PPhA; and Corazon Lim, vice president for merchandising, Mercury Drug Corporation.

According to Dr. Joel Santiaguel, pulmonologist at PGH, patients with diabetes have weakened immune systems and are more prone to infection. Regardless of age, they need immunization against pneumonia

Dr. Aurora Macaballug estimated that medication and hospitalization for pneumonia could reach up to PhP250,000. The cost of vaccination is way more affordable

Pharmacists at the Get Well at Mercury Drug Diabetes Care provide free pharmacy counseling to help patients understand the benefits of medical adherence

To complement the Diabetes and Exercise lecture of Dr. Elaine Cunanan at Mercury Drug Q Plaza, a calorie-burning Zumba session was also held in the area

Our People

Empathy: A force that moves MSD forward

December 28, 2021

Against a backdrop of unprecedented health crisis, societal shifts, and global economic uncertainty, a foundational value stands out. That is empathy.

Empathy, which is the ability to experience and relate to the thoughts, emotions, or experience of others, is all the more essential to enabling any organization to survive in the midst of a pandemic. It fosters connectedness, concern, and effective collaboration among teams –despite the physical distance.

But with or without pandemic, understanding other people’s emotions is a key skill in the workplace. It can enable us to resolve conflicts, strengthen commitment to our profession, and to improve our relationships with co-workers, partners, and customers.

For healthcare company, MSD in the Philippines, demonstrating empathy takes root from its values, and permeates as part of its culture. In an interview with Marese de Vera, MSD Human Resource Leader, and Mike Blanch, MSD Market Access and Corporate Affairs Director, we explore exemplary approaches to fostering empathy in the organization and why it drives engagement and innovation.

Defining empathy at MSD

“Empathy plays a big role in how we look after our employees, their families and the patients that we serve. Our leaders and employees have empathy or malasakit sa kapwa. This is the driving force for our employees to help those in need, and to make a difference in all our patients’ lives,” said Ms. de Vera.

Empathy enables MSD to attend to their employees’ evolving needs. In return, MSD employees are able to take care of their families, serve their clients and support their community. They are able to thrive despite unprecedented challenges.

Listening is key

“The stance of the whole organization is to listen first. And that’s where empathy starts. The only way to find solution is by listening first”, related Mr. Blanch. By listening, MSD demonstrates meaningful connection with patients and patient advocates worldwide.

During the pandemic, MSD actively listened to the needs of its employees through daily check-ins, team meetings, and virtual town hall meetings with the Managing Director, where employees get updates about the COVID-19 situation, guidance on business operations, and employee support. At the end of these sessions, employees are invited to raise questions or concerns, and get responses from the country leadership team. The company also conducted surveys to better understand and manage new employee concerns such as connectivity issues, challenges for employees whose children suddenly shifted to homeschooling or distance learning. These surveys aided the company to come up with the right initiatives to address their employees’ needs.

MSD values the perspectives of their employees. By actively listening, the company was able to create a diverse workforce and nurture a sense of belonging. Employees are comfortable to express their ideas and concerns.

“When our employees know they are crucial to our mission, not only will they thrive, but our company will, too,” Ms. de Vera added.

Helping employees navigate uncertainties

On top of adapting to the sudden shift from face-to-face work to remote and digital workplace, the pandemic brought uncertainties in terms of health and wellness, safety, finances and job security. All of these things affected the wellbeing of employees.

Christine Zuñiga, Innovative Customer Solutions Lead, shared how MSD helped employees transition by ensuring that no one is left behind.

“Our leaders asked us to support and hold the hands of our colleagues – especially in terms of how we can transition seamlessly to our digital channels and tools.” said Ms. Zuniga.

From a manager’s point-of-view, Anna Lisa Cordial, Senior District Manager, noted that achieving targets became challenging. For 21 years, she has been used to personal interactions in the field. Due to the pandemic, from personally interacting with team members and clients, to doing collaborations remotely, her team faced challenges to deliver as usual.

“MSD has always emphasized work-life balance to avoid digital burnout. The company initiated activities that aim to support its people and improve engagement with customers”, shared Ms. Cordial. “I made a conscious effort to reach out to my team and our customers. I tried to put myself in their shoes and see the situation from their perspective.”

Understanding employees’ needs

Employees appreciate how MSD has shown compassion when they experienced personal struggles regardless of their tenure.

Ms. Zuñiga related how MSD leaders and colleagues showered her with much support and encouragement during her personal COVID-19 battle.

“The kindness and empathy I received during that difficult period extinguished my fears and anxieties. When someone is kind to you, you want to emulate that person… to pay it forward,” expressed Ms. Zuniga. “I’m very thankful to be in an environment that cultivates compassion and kindness.”

Carolyn Bayabos, a Tender Operations Specialist and relatively new in MSD, conveyed the same appreciation for MSD. In 2020, her nephew underwent a critical surgery. In 2021, she tested positive for Covid-19. Through it all, her manager and MSD leaders showed compassion and empathy by allowing her to take time off and attend to her personal needs.

“They are not just concerned about my work and output,” emphasized Ms. Bayabos. “They genuinely care about me and my family. The company understands what I’m going through. I truly appreciate the support of my colleagues and MSD. It gave me hope and allowed me to carry on.”

MSD aims to provide the best health care solutions to patients. The same applies to their employees. MSD walks the talk in ensuring that their employees also have access to the best healthcare benefits. “If not for MSD, I will not have the best treatment option for cancer. When you work for a company that relates to your situation, not just as an employee, but as a person, as a woman, as a mother, your determination to stay is heightened,” shared Ms. Cordial who is a breast cancer survivor. “I am grateful for MSD’s support that has allowed me to enjoy this second life.”

Empathy brings innovation

For more than 100 years globally, and for over 25 years in the Philippines, MSD has been an innovator in the health care industry. While scientific and technical expertise are required to pursue medical breakthroughs, MSD credits empathy for driving innovation.

“Every great innovation has come from a place of empathy. Empathy is the core of an innovation culture. Without it, we are unable to create anything truly new,” said Mr. Blanch.

MSD continues to innovate across all major therapeutic areas. Mr. Blanch cites two examples—in vaccines and oncology.

To ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines, the company partnered with government and nongovernmental organizations to build sustainable and effective vaccination delivery programs that reliably reach people. Among their landmark initiatives are “Bakunado si Lolo at Lola, Iwas Pulmonya”, a campaign that aims to educate senior citizens and caregivers on the value of immunization; “Back to BakUNA”, a school-based immunization (SBI) that underscores the safety and efficacy of vaccines and its crucial role in disease prevention, and “Sa Aking Paglaki, Walang HPV”, a program which helped introduce HPV vaccination as part of the SBI Program in LGUs.

In the area of Oncology, MSD spearheads Hope from Within, a multi-stakeholder cancer advocacy, that aims to renew hope that cancer need not be a death sentence anymore by promoting early detection of cancer, increasing access to cancer care, and spread knowledge of innovative treatment options that improve survivorship. In terms of cancer treatment, MSD worked closely with patient advocates to push forward the landmark National Integrated Cancer Control Act.

“MSD is committed to delivering breakthrough innovations to extend and improve the lives of people with cancer worldwide,” emphasized Mr. Blanch.

Empathy delivers progress

Empathetic leaders realize that the bottom line of any business is only reached through and with people. Therefore, they have an attitude of openness towards and understanding of the feelings and emotions of their team members.

“When we meet as a leadership team, we ask, what can we do to address our employees’ concerns, and how will we implement these initiatives?” We take a top-down and bottom-up approach, so it allows us to understand employees’ concern and this process is very fluid,” remarked Ms. de Vera. “It’s difficult to lead when you don’t know the pulse of the employees.”

By learning about the needs of their employees, leaders are better equipped to enable a culture of innovation and high performance.

“The reason why the leadership has a strong sense of listening to people we work with is because of empathy. We want to fully understand what our customers, what our employees are feeling. That’s the only way to come up with innovative approaches, innovative medicines. The only way for employees to trust you is through listening to them,” commented Mr. Blanch.

By prioritizing the well-being of its people, MSD, with its empowered employees, continues to serve the Filipino patients amidst the pandemic, and is well-positioned to continue innovating and delivering progress for health care, in the years to come.

Our People

Advancing patient-centered healthcare in the COVID-19 era

December 28, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has challenged nearly everything about healthcare delivery, especially the experiences of patients and their families.

Although the methods of delivery have changed as hospitals and doctors pivoted to virtual care, the universal commitment to patient-centered healthcare should not.

This was emphasized by Dr. Beaver Tamesis in a one-on-one Zoom interview withThe STAR.

According to the amiable doctor, a medical practitioner’s commitment to deliver on the promise of patient centeredness should not waver — especially in the midst of the pandemic.

“It’s important for patients to be in complete control when it comes to making decisions about their own health, care and treatment,” says Dr. Tamesis. “And as medical practitioners, our patients’ welfare comes first. It’s our duty to inform (them about their illness and the available treatments available in the market), advise and support them every step of the way.”

Medical practitioners must always put patients’ welfare first.

A cardiologist by training, Dr. Tamesis joined an international pharmaceutical company in 1995 hoping that his passion for healing people could help not only the firm in its business of selling products that heal, “but the Filipino nation who could benefit from them.”

“I am and will always be a doctor by heart,” he says with an impish grin.

Yes, Dr. Tamesis may not be out there in his PPE trying to save someone’s life, but many lives have been impacted through the decisions, policies and programs he has implemented since he assumed the country leadership of Merck Sharpe and Dohme (MSD) in the Philippines in 2013.

“Working for an organization as big as MSD has allowed me to take on bigger challenges and to reshape paradigms,” shares Dr. Tamesis. “We are committed to the Filipino patient.”

Upholding the company’scommitment to continue “inventing for life,” Dr. Tamesis helps steer the company in pushing for innovations to provide accessible quality healthcare among Filipinos, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.

“Every day, our vaccines — for pneumonia and HPV — and medicines save and touch lives,” he enthuses.

Cancer advocacy

During the COVID-19 outbreak, hospitals were busy attending to COVID-19 patients, leaving those that needed other forms of medical care (like cancer) on the backburner.

Cognizant of the fact that cancer remains one of the greatest healthcare challenges for Filipinos, MSD in the Philippines, through its cancer advocacy campaign Hope from Within, took the initiative to inform and remind the public that, with or without the pandemic, cancer care — most importantly access to proper information and quality care — should continue to be prioritized.

This is simply because the moment a cancer patient stops treatment, the chances of getting the virus are higher because his/her immune system is already compromised.

If implemented right and funded properly, the National Integrated Cancer Control Act will give better support to cancer patients — from diagnosis, to getting access to treatment options, to getting post-cancer care.

“We also hold a series of discussions on cancer care to inform/remind the patients and public on the importance of early diagnosis and the continuum of care,” adds. Dr. Tamesis.

Dr. Beaver Tamesis, president and managing director, MSD in the Philippines

An initiative of Hope from Within, a multi-stakeholder cancer advocacy campaign spearheaded by MSD in the Philippines, “Tita Hope Talks” gathers experts and stakeholders to discuss their perspective and provide insights on various issues surrounding cancer care. It is hosted by broadcast journalist and health advocate Niña Corpus.

“Through this, we make sure that cancer patients and their families are aware of all the new cancer treatments available in the market,” adds Dr. Tamesis. “It’s important that we get people to recognize that there are ways to get treatment, there are ways to avoid the nasty side effects of the more common or older cancer drugs and, at the same time, there are ways to find the financing for this particular treatment.”

While the cost of healthcare in the country remains a top concern for a great number of Filipinos, “Tita Hope Talks” sheds light on the continuous progress in providing Filipino patients better access to cancer care.

The signing of the Republic Act No. 11215, otherwise known as the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), aims to augment cancer survival by strengthening essential programs throughout the whole cancer care scope.

“Getting this NICCA Law funded properly is also part of ouradvocacy,” shares Dr. Tamesis. “Hopefully, we get that similar snowball effect as when we first got the NICCA Law passed in 2019.”

If implemented right and funded properly, the NICCA will give better support to cancer patients — from diagnosis, to getting access to treatment options, to getting post cancer care.

Vaccines save lives

Before this pandemic, there were more than 100 infectious diseases to think about. But right now, there seems to be only one disease — COVID-19. Everyone avoids going to the hospital to get medical attention for fear of contracting the dreaded virus.

“And because of that, the pandemic has also slowed down government’s immunization programs for kids,” notes Dr. Tamesis. “Moms were very afraid to bring their kids tobarangayhealth centers for fear of contracting COVID-19. Fortunately, the pediatric group of doctors working with us fully agree that we have to continue the immunization programs.”

Dialogues with mommy groups were also held just to reiterate that vaccination efforts shouldn’t stop because of COVID.

“We continue to get the LGUs and doctors’ commitment to vaccinate kids against HPV and cervical cancer; and thelolosandlolasagainst pneumonia.”

An oral pill for COVID-19?

With the pandemic thrusting healthcare into the spotlight, MSD is contributing towards finding a solution for COVID-19. In fact, it recently announced the clinical trial of Molnupiravir, an antiviral pill that is being evaluated for treatment of COVID-19.

Molnupiravir is an antiviral pill that is being evaluated for treatment of COVID-19.

“Molnupiravir is being developed by MSD in collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics,” shares Dr. Tamesis. “Its mechanism of action is to insert itself into the SARS-COVID-2 virus. And so, when a patient is given Molnupiravir early in the course of the disease, it can kill the virus within five days.” And patients could potentially reduce the risk of developing complications and undergoing hospitalization.

A clinical trial for Molnupiravir is currently underway to find out if it’s effective or safe as a treatment for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 without the need for hospitalization.