DAVAO Doctors Hospital (DDH) acquired a new state-of-the-art medical facility, Fibroscan Touch 502, which can detect the liver stiffness, severity of scarring and amount of fats deposited in it.
DDH, a homegrown medical firm, revealed on Friday morning, March 3, fatty liver disease has become one of the world’s alarming global common chronic diseases.
DDH Clinical Head of Endoscopy Unit and Liver Center Doctor Marilyn Arguillas, a gastroenterologist, said the increasing number of people diagnosed with liver disease is triggered by the unhealthy lifestyle practiced by more people including Dabawenyos.
“Healthcare is among the top issues here, just like illegal drugs. If this continues, the burden of the Philippine healthcare system will become terrible. We have to do something,” she said.
The P8-million new facility, the first in Mindanao, is seen as a game changer in diagnosing and managing chronic liver diseases.
Prior the acquisition of the upgraded medical facility, DDH has already bought a Fibroscan in May 2011. The hospital has invested a total of P20-million for its Fibroscan facility.
Examination with Fibroscan or Vibration-Controlled Transient Elatography, Arguillas explained, is an intelligent solution using state of the art fibrosis and steatosis quantificantion with most advanced non-invasive technology.
The new Fibroscan with Controlled Attenuation Parameter, unlike the first equipment, can measure liver fat.
On an average some 120 to 130 patients in Mindanao are using Fibroscan in DDH every month.
“It is not painful, you’ll just feel a slight vibration over your skin radiating from the ergonomic probe. It can be repeated to monitor one’s liver health without any side effects,” she said.
Prices for availing the procedure varies depending on the person’s body size. Those with normal Body Mass Index, patients will be charged with P3,800 while those obese and overweight will be charged with P4,000.
DDH Chief Finance Officer Paul Richard Camangian, for his part said, the new facility is part of the hospital’s rebuilding strategy and strengthen its position as the premium hospital in the country.
For 2016, DDH capital spending reached P300 million.
Alarming liver diseases in the Philippines
Arguillas said liver disease affects a significant number of Filipinos.
Research showed 16.l7 percent of Filipinos suffers from Hepatitis B. Other liver diseases include Hepatitis C and fatty livers.
Fatty Liver disease is classified in two types: Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
“But majority now have non-alcoholic fatty disease, these are those diabetic, overweight, obese and has metabolic syndrome. Some slim individuals are also positive with fatty liver disease,” she said.
According to University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital data, 12 percent of their patients are diagnosed with NAFLD. The figure is still an underestimation as only UP-GPH patients are included.