Red Cross joins partnership to boost healthcare for elderly cancer patients
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to expand its healthcare program as it partnered with three organizations to strengthen services for cancer-stricken elderly patients through intensive training.
PRC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Society for Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), the Philippine Cancer Society and the Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine (PCGM) to work on delivering an Advanced Training Course on Geriatric Oncology for clinicians in the Philippines.
“This partnership is important for PRC, but it is important for the elderly battling cancer. By doing this, we will be able to educate people on how to provide quality care for the cancer-stricken geriatric population,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said during the ceremonial signing last March 28.
Under the partnership, the four-team partnership will marry geriatrics and oncology to organize a series of courses highlighting the relevance of age and differing biology, the impact of physiological reserve on treatment options, and the selection of best treatments for the specific needs of patients.
Present during the signing ceremony were Gordon, PRC Deputy Secretary General Dr. Susan Mercado, Philippine Cancer Society Executive Director Dr. Rachael Marie Rosario, SIOG Board Member and Past President Dr. Etienne Brain and PCGM Dr. Edwin Fortuno.