- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of sickness and death in the Philippines.
- To help address this problem, Novartis Healthcare Philippines, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Philippine Chapter (AACE Philippines), Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation (PCDEF) and Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM) have formed a partnership to enhance the skills of local primary care physicians in the diagnosis and management of T2DM.
Mandaluyong City, July 6, 2017 – Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of sickness and death in the Philippines. To help address this problem, Novartis Healthcare Philippines, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Philippine Chapter (AACE Philippines), Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation (PCDEF) and Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM) have formed a partnership to enhance the skills of local primary care physicians in the diagnosis and management of T2DM.
“An estimated 3.5 million Filipinos are suffering from T2DM patients but only 15% are able to control their blood sugar levels, putting the majority at risk for kidney failure, heart attack and stroke, among other complications. Through our partnership with Novartis, we aim to empower and harness primary care physicians in catching and managing T2DM early thereby reducing complications and improving outcomes,” said PSEDM president Dr. Pepito Dela Peña.
“T2DM is a complex disease that requires coordinated care among healthcare professionals. This partnership highlights the vital role of specialists who will cascade new knowledge to primary care physicians in order that optimal diabetes care can be delivered,” said PCDEF president Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua.
“As the front-liners in the healthcare system, primary care physicians are crucial in the early diagnosis of T2DM. Building their capabilities in diagnosing and managing T2DM will be a big help in enhancing diabetes care in the country,” said AACE Philippines president Dr. Jimmy B. Aragon.
“Continuing medical education or CME, the focal point of this partnership, is a must for all healthcare providers. CME enables us to refine our skills to improve overall patient care, stay current with the latest developments within our specialty, and address real-world challenges that we face day to day,” said AACE Philippines vice president Dr. Reynaldo D. Rosales.
“Novartis is privileged to partner with the PSEDM and AACE Philippines in helping enhance diabetes diagnosis and management in the country. Our goal is to ease the heavy disease burden of T2DM through early diagnosis, optimal management and prevention of complications,” said Ms. Cheryl Maley, President & Managing Director, Novartis Healthcare Philippines.
Under the Exchange in Clinical Experience and Expertise in Diabetes through Novartis partnerships (EXCEED), AACE Philippines, PCDEF and PSEDM will delegate some of its members to develop modules and/or serve as resource speakers during continuing medical education (CME) events for primary care physicians that will be organized by AACE Philippines, PCDEF and PSEDM in partnership with Novartis Healthcare Philippines. Training modules to be developed will focus on early intensification in T2DM management; proper T2DM diagnosis and management, including its complications; and overcoming T2DM challenges in special patient populations (e.g. those with kidney disease, young patients and the elderly).
EXCEED is the Novartis umbrella program dedicated to promoting scientific education on diabetes management among healthcare professionals. The program reinforces Novartis’ commitment to support diabetes awareness advocacy programs of medical societies concerned with diabetes management. It also aims to leverage the expertise of diabetes specialists such as endocrinologists and nephrologists in enhancing the skills and knowledge of internists and general practitioners in optimal T2DM diagnosis and management.
About Novartis
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
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