The Loophole

I recently encountered another new poz friend. Having lots to share about our new lives, with me just being the least bit further along, he told me he’d be reporting to the Philippine General Hospital, PGH for short, for his HIV support and treatment. “PGH?” I thought to myself. Even being almost six months into my journey, I never even knew that PGH was one of the treatment centers for HIV. Only the RITM and San Lazaro were familiar to me. It reminded me how much there was left to learn... and all the more for those who are just starting their HIV journey.

So finally, I figured it out. I found a way to give the vital information, without needing to succumb to the threats of the paranoid few who do not wish for me to associate their doctors or treatment centers with HIV and AIDS. Here goes...

In 1994, the Philippines’ Department of Health, or DOH established the National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program, or NASPCP. The NASPCP is under the Infectious Disease Office of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, or NCDPC.

In 1995, the DOH, through the Hospital Management Office and the NASPCP enacted guidelines on the creation of HIV-AIDS Core Teams, or HACTs as the focal point for all HIV related services in the hospital setting, including HIV counseling and testing, treatment of opportunistic infections, universal precautions and infection controls, psychosocial support to people living with HIV and AIDS and clinical management of AIDS through provision of anti-retroviral drugs or ARVs.

What follows is a list of main HIV Treatment Hubs of the NASPCP, as of present, including locations, as well as some contact numbers and contact persons, for your information and needs. I hope this helps.


METRO MANILA

San Lazaro Hospital (SLH), Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan-Abrenica, Medical Specialist II / HACT Leader and Head, HIV/AIDS Pavilion
Tel: (+632) 309-9528 to 29; 740-8301 loc 6000

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco, Head, HIV Research Unit
Tel: (+632) 526-1705; 807-2628 or 38 local 801/208

Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila
Dr. Jodor Lim & Ms. Dominga C. Gomez, HACT, SAGIP / PGH
Telefax: (+632) 554-8400 loc 3238


LUZON

Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), San Fernando, La Union
Dr. Jeisela B. Gaerlan, Medical Specialist II / HACT Leader
Tel: (+6372) 700-3808

Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), Baguio City
Dr. Maria Lorena L. Santos, HACT Leader / Medical Officer II

Cagayan Valley Medical Center, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley

Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center, San Fernando, Pampanga

Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital, Legaspi City, Albay
Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera, Chief of Hospital III
Tel: (+6352) 483-0016; 483-0086; 483-0017


VISAYAS

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Lacson St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Dr. Candido Alam, HACT Leader / Medical Specialist
Tel: (+6334) 435-1591; 433-2697

Vicente Sotto, Sr. Memorial Medical Center, B. Rodriguez St., Cebu City 6000
Dr. Maria Consuelo B. Malaga, HACT Leader
Tel: (+6332) 253-7564

Western Visayas Medical Center, Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, 5000 Iloilo City
Dr. Ray Celis, HACT Leader / Medical Specialist III
Tel: (+6333) 321-2841 to 50


MINDANAO

Zamboanga City Medical Center, Evangelista St., 7000 Zamboanga City
Dr. Jejunee Rivera, HACT Leader / Medical Officer III
Tel: (+6362) 991-0573

Davao Medical Center, J.P. Laurel St., Bajada, 8000 Davao City
Dr. Alicia Layug, HACT Leader
Tel: (+6381) 227-2731


Or visit/inquire at:

Nearest Social Hygiene Clinics (Special STI Clinics) and City or Municipal Health Offices at the local level

Visit http://www2.doh.gov.ph/ for more information.

With my mission accomplished and conscience clear, go ahead, cast your stones.