Battling COVID-19 requires attacking it on all fronts—from healthcare workers on the ground to policymakers and government units and, of course, with the cooperation of the whole community. However, behind the scenes, local scientists and researchers have also been a huge helping hand in this pandemic. Their innovations in technology have and are continuously enabling cost-effective and evidence-based care for Filipino patients.
This week’s special topic episode of the University of the Philippines’ (UP) “Stop COVID Deaths” webinar series, titled “LAGING HANDA: World Class Filipino COVID-19 Innovations”, is shining the spotlight on the brilliant minds of local scientists who have produced, invented, and are constantly researching ways on how to innovate equipment that can help better protect frontliners, utilize technology that can make patient care more efficient, and bring health care closer to homes through teleconsultation services.
The webinar will be held on tomorrow, Friday, 30 July, at 12:00 noon. To register, visit this link bit.ly/StopCOVIDDeathsWebinar63 or head over to TVUP’s Facebook and Youtube accounts for the livestream.
Four scientists will talk about their local inventions: Dr. Edward Wang, head of UP SIBOL in the UP Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH), will share his team’s journey in the development of SaniPod, a no-touch self-contained disinfection cubicle that adds an extra layer of protection against COVID-19.
He will be followed by Dr. Samuel Arsenio Grozman of the UP PGH’s Department of Orthopedics. He will present his Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), a device that protects its user against airborne contaminants.
Dr. Nathaniel Orillaza Jr’s myBESHIE, or My Bot Ensuring Safety and Health in Isolated Environments, will also be shared and discussed. It is a telepresence device that allows health care providers to interact with isolated patients remotely.
Lastly, Dr. Abundio Balgos, President and CEO of The Health Centrum Hospital and Wellness Center, will talk about GINHAWA, an alternative and compact ventilator very much needed by many COVID patients.
Dr. April Llaneta, Dr. Kimberly Mae Ong, Dr. Mark Anthony Sandoval, and Dr. Camilo Roa, Jr. will further discuss these products’ benefits.
The opening remarks will be delivered by Dr. Raul Destura of the UP Philippine Genome Center, while UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla will give the closing synthesis.