PRESIDENT'S CORNER

October 19, 2016

Hello Everyone,

This is the maiden issue of the President’s Corner. The concept of which, is to animate the MMLM Leadership’s intrinsic values and goals and translate these into successes and outcomes. For instance, it has always been MMLM’s dream to sustain its Annual Medical-Legal Missions. Now there’s good news!

After a year and a half of preparation, MMLM finally launches the soft opening of the Monthly Wellness and Mobile Clinic. The Clinic takes place every last Saturday of the month. Here are the core paradigms of this Clinic:

1. NURSE-LED. Yes, you heard it right, Nurses run this monthly clinic. Its main objective is health promotion/education and provides continuity of plan of care especially those who are chronically ill with Hypertension, Diabetes, Tuberculosis, etc. This is not a new concept as it is an accepted and ongoing practice in the US and Europe. The Philippine Medical/Health Infrastructure may seem not ready of this idea. But with bourgeoning discrepancy in accessible, quality health services, the Philippines should look into alternatives. According to DOH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, the present doctor to patient ratio in the Philippines is 1:33,000. Establishment of nurse-led clinics in the Philippines may not bridge the present gap, but can surely improve quality of care especially in chronically ill patients through health promotion and education;

2. MOBILE. The Wellness and Mobile Clinic is a constellation of different programs such as mass feeding, Zumba classes, Nurse advisement, laboratory screening and mentorship. All these components are PORTABLE. Meaning, we can bring these services where it is needed. Our current targets are schools and churches although any entity can request these services.

3. TELEHEALTH. Soon, patients will have the ability to interface with Medical Specialists, Nurses, Lawyers, etc. in the confines of their homes. The concept is very similar to face time or Skype where people see one another and interact. We are earnestly praying for this.

4. PATIENT-CENTERED. MMLM’s treatment plans are aligned with the Standards of Care and current medical/nursing trends in the rural setting. We are working closely with the Regional DOH and the Local Government Units aimed at streamlining our processes to re-align with LGU and National Government goals.

5. INTEGRATIVE. That health is wealth is a matter of choice. The promotion of healthy choices for patients is at the core of this paradigm. By introducing pharmacological (medicines), non- pharmacological (Zumba, exercise) and alternative resources (acupuncture, Tai-Chi), we now envision a holistic approach to health.

On another note, October is Cancer Awareness Month. Shout out to all cancer survivors and their families for the strides we have all taken. And to all families left behind, our prayers go out to all of you.

Till the next commentary. God bless.

Cherry

President