History of Medical Technology in the Philippines

Summary

This lecture delves into the rich history of medical technology in the Philippines, highlighting key milestones such as the establishment of the first hospital by the Spanish in 1565, the creation of the Manila Public Health Laboratory post-WWII, and the evolution of medical education. It underscores the influence of foreign powers, the development of professional organizations like PAMET and PASSMETH, and the importance of accreditation and certification in advancing the field. The lecture also emphasizes the role of collaboration, networking, and continuous learning in the growth of medical technology professionals.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The history of medical technology in the Philippines is deeply intertwined with significant events such as the opening of the Swiss Canal and the establishment of U.S. military bases during World War II.
• 👩‍⚕️ The 26th Medical Laboratory of the Sixth U.S. Army Brigade played a crucial role in introducing medical facilities and healthcare teams to the Philippines, laying the foundation for the development of medical technology.
• 📚 The Spanish colonial period marked the establishment of the first hospital, 'Hospital Real', and the creation of educational institutions like the University of Santo Tomas, which later established faculties of pharmacy and medicine.
• 📰 Early scientific and medical journals such as 'Bulletin de Medicina de Manila' and 'Da Revista Farmaceutica de Filipinas' contributed to the dissemination of medical knowledge in the country.
• 🛑 The Philippine-American War disrupted advancements in medicine and healthcare during the Spanish colonial rule, but post-war developments led to the establishment of the Bureau of Government Laboratories.
• 🏛️ The Manila Public Health Laboratory, originally the 26th Medical Laboratory, was reorganized and renamed after World War II, becoming a key institution for medical technology education and training.
• 🎓 The first Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BSMT) program was offered in 1954, marking the formalization of medical technology education in the Philippines.
• 🏛️ The Philippine Union College and Medical Sanitarium in Baisakalokan were pioneers in offering the BSMT program and producing the first graduates in the field.
• 🤝 Professional organizations like the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) and the Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health (PASSMETH) were established to promote collaboration and professional development.
• 📈 The Philippine medical technology field has seen significant growth and development, with various schools offering BSMT and later Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) programs, and the introduction of international certifications like ASCP.
• 📚 The curriculum of BSMT/BMLS has evolved over time, with the inclusion of pharmacology and other subjects to meet the changing demands of the medical technology profession.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lecture?

The main topic of the lecture is the history of medical technology in the Philippines.

What are the learning objectives for the students at the end of the session?

The students should be able to trace the history and development of the medical technology field, familiarize themselves with medical technology practice in the Philippines, and identify medical technology organizations in the country.

What significant event during World War II facilitated the start of medical laboratory practice in the Philippines?

The building of United States bases in the island of Leyte in 1944, which allowed the U.S. military forces to bring their health care team to the Philippines to address health problems of American and Filipino soldiers.

Which laboratory was established by the 26th Medical Laboratory of the Sixth U.S. Army Brigade in Manila?

The 26th Medical Laboratory established the laboratory located at Kirikata Street, Santa Cruz, Manila, which is now known as the Public Health Laboratory, a division of the Manila Health Department.

What was the first hospital established by the Spanish Empire in the Philippines?

The first hospital established by the Spanish Empire was Hospital Real in Cebu in 1565, which was later moved to Manila to cater to military patients.

When was the University of Santo Tomas founded, and what significance does it have in the history of medical technology?

The University of Santo Tomas was founded in 1611 and established the first faculties of pharmacy and medicine in 1871, which is significant in the development of medical technology in the Philippines.

What was the role of the Central Board of Vaccination in the Philippines?

The Central Board of Vaccination, which started in 1806, was responsible for producing and distributing vaccine lymph and had 122 regular vaccinators in Manila and other major towns by 1898.

What significant event happened in 1966 in relation to the medical technology profession in the Philippines?

In 1966, Republic Act 4688, also known as the Clinical Laboratory Act, was approved, which led to the professionalization and regulation of the medical technology field.

When was the first licensure examination for medical technology conducted in the Philippines, and who was the first board topnotcher?

The first licensure examination for medical technology was conducted in 1970, and Maredel P Passage was the first board topnotcher.

What changes were made to the medical technology curriculum in the Philippines in 2006?

In 2006, schools and universities updated their curriculum and changed the name of BSMT (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology) to BMLS (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science) following the release of Memorandum Order Number 14 by the Commission of Higher Education.

What is the importance of professional organizations in the field of medical technology in the Philippines?

Professional organizations, such as the Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health and the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, are important for collaboration, networking, and professional development and advancement in the field of medical technology.

Outlines

00:00

🏥 Early Medical Technology in the Philippines

This paragraph outlines the early history of medical technology in the Philippines, starting from the opening of the Suez Canal which facilitated information dissemination. It highlights the impact of WWII, particularly the establishment of the 26th Medical Laboratory by the U.S. Army in Manila, which later became the Public Health Laboratory. The paragraph also touches on the Spanish influence, including the establishment of the first hospital in 1565 and the founding of the University of Santo Tomas in 1611. It mentions the creation of health and educational institutions, as well as the publication of medical journals, emphasizing the importance of these events in the development of medical technology in the country.

05:01

🛠 Developments in Medical Laboratories and Health Services

The second paragraph delves into the establishment and expansion of health and laboratory services in the Philippines. It discusses the creation of the Board of Health and Charity, the Manila Municipal Laboratory, and the role of General Antonio Luna in pioneering water testing and environmental studies. The paragraph also covers the breakdown of medical advancements due to the Philippine-American War and the subsequent establishment of the Bureau of Government Laboratories. It highlights the reorganization of health services and the impact of WWII on medical laboratory services, including the work of the U.S. Army's medical laboratory unit.

10:03

🎓 Education and Training in Medical Technology

This paragraph focuses on the educational aspect of medical technology in the Philippines. It details the post-WWII reorganization of the Manila Public Health Laboratory and the introduction of training programs for aspiring laboratory workers. The narrative includes the development of a formal syllabus and the establishment of the first school of medical technology by the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital. The paragraph also mentions the expansion of medical technology education with the opening of new schools and the first graduates in the field.

15:05

📚 Expansion of Medical Technology Education and Profession

The fourth paragraph discusses the growth of medical technology education and the profession in the Philippines. It lists the universities that started offering Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and the first graduates from these programs. The paragraph also covers significant milestones such as the approval of the Blood Banking Law, the offering of medical technology as an elective in other universities, and the establishment of professional organizations like the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET).

20:07

🏛 Professional Organizations and Certifications

This paragraph highlights the formation and development of professional organizations in the field of medical technology. It discusses the creation of PAMET and its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the enactment of the Philippine Medical Technology Act, and the first licensure examination. The paragraph also mentions the establishment of the Board of Medical Technology, the recognition of PAMET as the accredited professional organization, and the introduction of international certifications like the ASCP International Certification.

25:08

🌐 International Recognition and Curriculum Updates

The final paragraph emphasizes the international recognition of Philippine medical technology and updates in the field's curriculum. It discusses PAMET's membership in the ASEAN Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists and the accreditation of the Philippine Women's University. The paragraph also covers the change in the name of the degree from BSMT to BMLS, the inclusion of pharmacology in the curriculum, and the graduation of the first batch of BMLS students. It concludes with a reminder to seek God's will in all endeavors and a thank you note to the audience for attending the lecture.

Keywords

💡Medical Technology

Medical Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge and technological advancements in the healthcare sector. In the video, it is the central theme, discussing its history and development in the Philippines. The script mentions various milestones in the field, such as the establishment of the first hospital by the Spanish and the creation of the first faculties of pharmacy and medicine.

💡Swiss Canal

The Swiss Canal is mentioned as the first event that facilitated the dissemination of information from the West to the East, which indirectly contributed to the start of medical laboratory practice in the Philippines. It symbolizes the early exchange of knowledge that laid the groundwork for later medical advancements.

💡26th Medical Laboratory

The 26th Medical Laboratory of the Sixth U.S. Army Brigade is highlighted in the script as a significant entity that brought medical facilities and healthcare professionals to the Philippines during World War II. It was located at Kirikata Street, Santa Cruz, Manila, which is now known as the public health laboratory, a division of the Manila Health Department.

💡Healthcare Team

The term 'healthcare team' is used to describe the group of medical professionals brought to the Philippines by the U.S. military forces to address health issues of American and Filipino soldiers. This team played a crucial role in establishing medical facilities and practices in the country, as referenced in the context of the 26th Medical Laboratory.

💡Public Health Laboratory

The Public Health Laboratory is an institution that evolved from the 26th Medical Laboratory and is now a division of the Manila Health Department. It represents the development of local medical infrastructure and the continuation of medical services beyond military use, as indicated in the script.

💡Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in the script refer to the infrastructure and resources made available to the Philippines through the efforts of foreign military forces, specifically the U.S. Army. These facilities were essential for providing healthcare services and training local civilians in medical technology.

💡Medical Technology Organizations

The script identifies various organizations in the Philippines that are pivotal to the field of medical technology. These include the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) and the Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health (PASSMETH), which play roles in professional development and regulation within the industry.

💡Training Program

A training program for aspiring laboratory workers is mentioned in the script, initiated by Dr. Pio de Roda in 1947. This program aimed to develop local expertise in medical technology and was later formalized with a structured syllabus and certification, reflecting the growth and professionalization of the field.

💡Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BSMT)

BSMT is an academic degree program that trains individuals in the scientific and technical aspects of medical technology. The script discusses its introduction in various educational institutions and its evolution into the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS), indicating the formalization and recognition of the profession.

💡Philippine-american War

The Philippine-American War is a historical event mentioned in the script that had an impact on the development of medical and healthcare practices in the Philippines. It led to the breakdown of advancements made during the Spanish colonial rule and marked a period of change and adaptation in the medical field.

💡Clinical Laboratory Act

The Clinical Laboratory Act, also known as Republic Act 4688, is a piece of legislation mentioned in the script that was approved in 1966. It signifies the formal recognition and regulation of clinical laboratories in the Philippines, impacting the practice of medical technology and ensuring standardization and quality.

Highlights

Introduction to the history of medical technology in the Philippines.

The Swiss Canal and WWII as catalysts for medical laboratory practice in the Philippines.

Establishment of the 26th Medical Laboratory of the Sixth U.S. Army Brigade in Manila.

Training of civilians as healthcare team members by the U.S. Army in 1944.

Spanish colonial influence on early healthcare and educational institutions.

Foundation of the University of Santo Tomas and its faculties of pharmacy and medicine in 1871.

Creation of scientific journals for medicine and the establishment of the Central Board of Vaccination.

Appointment of provincial medical officers and the establishment of the Board of Health and Charity.

General Antonio Luna's role in pioneering water testing, forensics, and environmental studies.

Disruption of medical advancements due to the Philippine-American War.

Formation of the Bureau of Government Laboratories under the American government in 1901.

Post-WWII reorganization of the Manila Public Health Laboratory.

Ineffective initial training program for aspiring laboratory workers and its subsequent improvements.

Establishment of the first school of medical technology in the Philippines by Manila Sanitarium and Hospital.

Development of professional organizations like PAMET and PASSMETH.

Introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology curriculum and its evolution to BMLS.

Professional milestones and recognitions in the field of medical technology.

Current state of medical technology education and professional organizations in the Philippines.

Importance of seeking God's will in all endeavors, as quoted from Proverbs 3:6.

Transcripts

[Music]

good day class for today's topic we will

be talking about the history of medical

technology in the philippines

at the end of this learning session

the student must be able to trace the

history and development of the medical

technology field

you will be able to familiarize the

medical technology practice here in the

philippines and you will also be able to

identify the medical technology

organizations

in the philippines

what could have been the most important

event that triggered the start of

medical laboratory practice here in the

philippines

the first event is the opening of the

swiss canal facilitated the

dissemination of information from the

west to the east

and the second one is

in 1944

during the world war ii

united states bases were built in the

island of leyte

this made possible for the u.s military

forces to bring in members of their

health care team in the philippines to

resolve health problems of the american

and filipino soldiers

medical facilities were made available

to the philippines which includes the

26th

medical laboratory of the sixth

u.s army brigade

the said laboratory was located at

kirikati street santa cruz manila

now known as the public health

laboratory

a division of the manila health

department

remember this class this will always go

out in the board examination

the laboratory was located at where

kirikata street

santa cruz manila

who brought the medical facilities as

well as the health care team here in the

philippines

the 26th

medical laboratory of the sixth u.s army

brigade

in february 1944 philippines started

training civilians to become members of

the healthcare team

the sixth u.s army brigade left the

laboratory in june 1945.

the laboratory was endorsed to the

national department of health but the

department did not seem to be interested

in pursuing the objectives of the

laboratory

but even before the outbreak of the

world war ii class

the spanish empire established manila as

their capital in the late 16th century

the first hospital the spaniards

established in

1565 is called hospital real in cebu

which was then moved to manila to cater

to military patients

of course as how we were taught in our

philippine history

members of religious orders who came

into the country

alongside the other spanish occupiers

they establish health institutions for

the poor and educational institutions

for the elite

in

1578 the franciscans built the san

lazaro hospital for the poor and the

lepers

in 1596

the hospital di san juan di dios was

founded for poor spaniards

in 1641

the hospital di san jose was also

founded in cavite

by the way class as a disclaimer i will

not be

asking you to memorize dates what's

important is that you know the series of

events okay

the dominicans founded the university of

santo tomas in 1611

which in 1871 established the first

faculties of pharmacy and medicine

with the establishment of both health

and educational institutions there are

also journals that were created for

science and medicine that has been

published that includes bulletin de

medicina de manila

da revista pharmaceutica de filipinas

and chronicas de ciancias medicas

the central board of vaccination which

started producing and distributing

vaccine lymph in 1806 had 122 regular

vaccinators in manila and other major

towns by 1898.

in 1876 provincial medical officers were

appointed to provide health care

services throughout the country

this was followed by the establishment

of the board of health and charity in

1883 which was later expanded in 1886.

in 1887 the spanish authorities

established laboratorio municipal de

manila

which is used to examine the food water

and clinical samples

although this was already an established

laboratory it was not

really used during outbreaks and even

plagues

philippine war hero general antonio luna

by the way if for those who don't know

him you may watch general luna you can

find it in netflix to help reinforce

your knowledge about

philippine history

yes

so he was employed as a chemical expert

in this laboratory and pioneered water

testing

forensics and environmental studies

however class the advancements in

medicine and healthcare during the

spanish colonial rule

broke down because of the

philippine-american war which lasted

from 1899 to 1902

after the fall of manila the spanish

military hospital was converted into the

first reserve hospital in 1898

by lieutenant colonel henry lippincut

who was also a chief surgeon of the

division of the pacific and 8th army

corps

this hospital had a diagnostic

laboratory but was not fully used

because

the director of

this hospital who is operating

the diagnostic lab contracted typhoid

fever

the successor director of this

laboratory who is richard p strong

he made use of the laboratory to perform

autopsies and to examine blood

feces and urine along with other

laboratory

services during the reign of the u.s

government at

1901

with the help of the philippine

commission they were able to build

bureau of government laboratories under

the philippine commission act number 156

this bureau was located in kaliheran

hermita manila

it contains a science library a chemical

section and a serum laboratory for the

production of vaccines

the first bureau director of

bureau of government laboratories was

paul freyr

paul freyr class

provided adequate supplies and equipment

to the bureau

so this

laboratory is composed of two stories

with

two wings so the other wing is called

the biological wing

so it has microscope

tables by the window while the other one

is the general laboratory work which is

used to

filter distill and

heat water

unfortunately the building was destroyed

during world war ii

and

the national institutes of health of the

university of the philippines manila

occupies

this area

currently

at the end of the philippine-american

war the civilian board of health

established by the americans was changed

into the bureau of health

in 1915 it was reorganized into the

philippine health service but later on

reverted to the bureau of health by

1933.

the university of the philippines

college of public health formally opened

its certificate in public health program

in june of 1927 with the aim to provide

proper training to the philippine health

services medical officers

on december 8 1941

japan attacked the whole of manila

through aerial assault and deployment of

troops just 10 hours after bombing pearl

harbor

it was the beginning of the second world

war that resulted in massive casualties

amid this turmoil the medical laboratory

unit of the u.s army provided medical

services with available laboratory

supplies

supplemental laboratory examinations and

epidemiological and sanitary

investigations

it was also tasked to perform routine

water analysis

examination of food supplies

distribution of special reagents and

solutions

culture media and investigation of

epidemics and episodics

the unit also performs special

serological

bacteriological pathological and

chemical examinations

post-mortem exams

and preservation of pathological

specimens of value to the u.s army

medical department

the world war ended in september 1945

and barely a month after

the laboratory was formally reorganized

by dr alfredo pio de roda

and assisted by dr mariano ecaciano who

was

then the manila city health officer

the laboratory was later named manila

public health laboratory

so what was this laboratory again this

was the first laboratory established

where again kirikata street santa cruz

manila

now known as

the manila public health laboratory it's

impossible if you still

forget that

a training program for individuals

aspiring to become laboratory workers

was offered in 1947 by dr pio de roda in

collaboration with dr prudentia santa

anna

trainees were mostly high school

graduates and paramedical graduates

the training proved to be ineffective

because the trainees were never

motivated and there was no program that

was supposed to last for a definite

period and no certificates were issued

to trainees

later on dr santa anna was asked to

prepare a six-month formal syllabus for

the training program with certificate

for the trainees upon completion

the training program ended in 1954 when

the bureau of private education approved

a four-year course in bachelor of

science in medical technology in the

same year the manila sanitarium and

hospital opened the first school of

medical technology in the philippines

under the leadership of mrs wilia

hedrick

who is the wife of dr alvin hedrick

soon after

manila sanitarium hospital started its

medical internship and residency

training program which was affiliated

with loma linda university in california

in 1954 the philippine union college in

baisaka

city now known as adventist university

of the philippines absorbed

the manila sanitarium and hospitals

school of medical technology

what was left with msh was the facility

for its clinical division

wait there's more

the five-year curriculum leading to the

degree of bachelor of science in medical

technology was approved by the bureau of

private education in 1954

the school produced its first graduate

dr jesse umali

who later graduated as a doctor of

medicine at the far eastern university

and became a successful

ob gynecologist in the u.s

in the summer of 1955

two more students from the philippine

union college graduated the medical

technology course that would be avelino

oliva and adoration yotoch

kindly prepare your notebook and your

pen

to write this down some other

significant events in the history of

medical technology in the philippines

the philippine national red cross was

created last 1947.

1954

the philippine union college and medical

sanitarium in baisakalokan

offered the first four-year bs medical

technology

1956

philippine union college has its first

graduate dr jesse o'malley on that same

year republic act 1517

or otherwise known as the blood banking

law was approved

1957 university of santo tomas offered

medical technology as an elective to

fourth and fifth year bs pharmacy

students and without the 12-month

internship training

1960

centro escolar university

offered bs medical technology and turned

out its first batch of graduates in

1962 consisting of only eight graduates

that's eight graduates only

1961

far eastern university offered bs

medical technology under the college of

medicine and turned out its first batch

of graduates in 1963.

the university of the philippines also

started offering bs hygiene

immaculate conception college now known

as the university of immaculate

conception in davao city offered bs

medical technology so this is the first

medical technology school in mindanao

1962

university of santo tomas formally

offered bs medical technology

while the university of san agustin

offered bs medical technology which is

the first

med tech school in the visayas

1963

an organizational meeting headed by

chrysanto g almario was held at the

public health laboratory in manila which

was attended by professionals and

members of the academe from the allied

medical profession

1964

asiation of medical technologists or

pamet had its first national convention

at far eastern university medical

auditorium

1966

republic act

4688 or otherwise known as the clinical

laboratory act was approved

pamit was registered at the securities

and exchange commission

last 1969 together with the approval of

the republic act 5527

the philippine medical technology act

was enacted into law

1970

the board of medical technology was

created poor swan to republic act 5527

the first licensure examination for

medical technology was then conducted

and maredel p passage was the first

board top notcher

on that same year 1970 philippine

asiation of schools of medical

technology or hygiene

or otherwise known as pass meth was also

created

pamette was registered with the

international asiation of medical

laboratory technologists

1971

guidelines on clinical internship

program was drafted reviewed and

finalized and a curriculum was designed

with reference to united states

laboratory

courses during

1972 former president ferdinand e marcos

declared the third week of september as

medical technology week

it was also the same year during the

declaration of martial law

and the philippine society for

microbiology and infectious diseases was

also formally organized here in the

philippines

1973 presidential decree 223 was

approved creating the professional

regulations commission

so that was the prc

palmett was also officially recognized

as the only accredited professional

organization of registered medical

technologists in the philippines

angelina jose was elected as the first

female president of pamet

usd graduate school offered master of

science in medical technology which is

the first graduate school to offer msmt

so that was 1975.

pioneer educational review center is

also the first review center for medical

technology established

1978

medical services of america tapped bsmt

graduates to undergo a six-month

on-the-job respiratory therapy training

program and produced the first batch of

filipino respiratory therapists in the

philippines

1983

the philippine blood coordinating

council or the pbcc

which is the professional society

specializing in blood banking was

created

professor lina c sumera of the u p

college of public health was awarded as

the first most outstanding medical

technologists

kindly write this down also

1985

palmett gained membership in the asean

association of medical laboratory

technologists

during the year 1988 philippine women's

university submitted for pasco

accreditation

pasco class stands for

philippine accrediting association of

schools

colleges and universities

the philippine women's university is the

first medical technology school to

undergo pasco accreditation

the olongapo zambales chapter was also

awarded by pamet as the first most

outstanding chapter that's olongapo and

zambales chapter

1989 during the third acmlt in singapore

then palmett president carmen sita

asedera was also elected

to the aamlt presidency

1999

the philippine council for quality

assurance in clinical laboratories was

organized

during that same year the eighth

acmlt in brunei darussalam

norma chang was elected president of

aamlt

on the year 2002 philippine society of

medical technology students or fismets

was organized

2004

philippine women's university started

offering certificate in phlebotomy which

is the first

test the certified

short-term course on phlebotomy

test this stands for

technical education and skills

development authority

on 2005 american society of clinical

pathology board of registry introduced

ascp

international certification in the

philippines so as you can see from my

name class you can see there that i am

mls ascp certified so that means

i am a medical laboratory scientist from

the american society of clinical

pathology

so i passed the certification

examination

for

mls

also on that same year 2005

axe review center was awarded by the

philippine marketing excellence awards

as the nation's most outstanding medical

review

center

2006

schools and universities updated their

curriculum and changed the name of bsmt

to bmls

so instead of bachelor of science in

medical technology they changed it to

bachelor of medical laboratory science

following the release of memorandum

order number 14

of the commission of higher education

rationalizing the medical technology

education in the philippines

pharmacology

is also then included in the bsmt bmls

curriculum

and last 2010 the first batch of bmls

students graduated

professional organizations are

assemblages of professionals within a

particular specialization or

professional field that come together

for the purpose of collaboration

networking and professional development

or advancement

in the field of medical technology class

we have actually

two professional organizations one is

philippine asiation of schools of

medical technology and public health

and the other one is

philippine asiation of medical

technologists

we will tackle this more on our

professional organization's lecture for

pmls one for now i just want to

introduce to you the different

precedents

for

passmeth and pamet

the current pass meth president is still

mr dean bernard yu ebuen

well the new and current president for

palmett is mr romell f sacetta you will

get to know more about them soon in our

next topics for pmls one

before we end this lecture topic i would

want to remind you to always seek

god's will in all you do that's proverbs

chapter 3 verse 6.

again i would want to thank all of you

for taking this time and for listening

to my lecture today

have a great day ahead and god bless you

always