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Country’s first online compounding pharmacy offers senior citizens more options

Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy, the first online compounding pharmacy in the Philippines, believes in utilizing the latest innovations to enable the elderly and those nearing senior age to have a healthy and graceful experience.

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The country’s population is aging. The number of seniors in the Philippines has more than doubled from 4.5 million 20 years ago to 9.2 million in 2020 to account for 8.5 percent of the population, up from just 5.9 percent previously. This percentage is projected by the Commission on Population and Development (Popcom)  to reach 40 percent by 2035.

An aging population presents challenges, foremost of which are health concerns. The elderly are a vulnerable population, and so preventive healthcare solutions are necessary to ensure healthy aging. Considering the contributions the elderly have given to their family and the country during their prime, it is only fair they age gracefully and live fully as they go through their golden years.

But with physical mobility a concern for many elderly and fear of contracting COVID-19 keeping many from going to their doctors for regular checkups, more accessible and modern options such as telemedicine and virtual consultations are increasingly being adopted. Many are also turning to personalized medications, which are viable and effective options for specific health concerns and wellness goals.

Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy, the first online compounding pharmacy in the Philippines, believes in utilizing the latest innovations to enable the elderly and those nearing senior age to have a healthy and graceful experience. From virtual consultation and prescription to seamless and secure delivery of compounded medications, AIP makes it easier for the elderly to have access to the vitamins, supplements and medicines they need without having to leave the comfort and safety of their homes.

Manage pain and aches 

With age comes more wisdom and the occasional inexplicable pain and aches here and there. More than back and muscle aches, the elderly also become generally more sensitive and at risk of developing skin irritation, among others.

Common diseases associated with aging such as arthritis, diabetes and back pain can also be resolved using compounded medicines. AIP compounds prescription medications common for our elderly which includes Anti-depressant Drugs, Anti- Convulsant Drugs, Anesthetic Drugs and NSAID medications.

For one, AIP compounds Amitriptyline, a type of drug that can treat pain caused by nerve damage. Though initially created to treat anxiety and depression, this drug when used at a low dose can alleviate pain caused by arthritis, chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and back pain.

AIP also compounds Gabapentin, an anti-epileptic medication that diminishes pain transmission in damaged neurons by affecting glutamate receptors. It is best used for pain management caused by chronic neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia and generalized vulvodynia.

Benzocaine offers mild pain control and is generally used for topical anesthesia. It works by blocking nerve signals in the body and provides a temporary numbing effects. Commonly used for pain management for sore throat, cold sores and teething as well as external vaginal itching and burning, benzocaine is not intended for prolonged application time or use.

For skin irritations and discomfort such as sunburn and minor rashes caused by insect bites, AIP can compound Lidocaine and Tetracaine. Lidocaine works by blocking pain signals at the skin’s nerve endings and helps reduce burning and sharp pain in specific overly sensitive skin areas. Tetracaine, is an amino-ester local anesthetic, is commonly used as a topical anesthetic for short procedures on the ears, nose and surface of the eye.

Repair and regulate hormonal imbalance

Growing old does come with a decline in physical and mental well-being due to hormonal changes and aging organs. This does not, however, mean having to live the rest of one’s life in discomfort or pain.

AIP offers specialized medicines for common health and wellness concerns such as irregular gall bladder activity, weakened immune system and overall well-being are available. The pharmacy’s Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) replicates hormones using natural resources to supplement the body with the hormones it lacks and needs. AIP compounds specific hormones based on patient requirements to ensure the compounded solution adapts to the individual’s bodily structure seamlessly.

Pregnenolone, one of the hormones that AIP compounds, may be considered a good brain enhancer. Besides improving memory and clarity of thought, it boosts vision and energy, even sexual enjoyment. Another hormone that AIP recommends for BHRT therapy is melatonin, which monitors circadian rhythm and induces drowsiness – useful for seniors who have difficulty sleeping or having an established sleep schedule.

Restore confidence

Hair thinning or loss is one of the drastic physical changes that comes with aging. Elderly males use hats to hide growing bald patches while women opt for shorter hairstyles, the changes in their crowning glory limiting their options and ultimately resulting in frustration and loss of confidence.

AIP can also compound hair loss treatments such as Minoxidil and Minoxidil combined with Finasteride, compounded formulations for treating hair loss. Minoxidil is an active ingredient used to increase hair density and revive follicles while Finasteride promotes scalp hair growth and prevents hair loss. This combination can come in topical solution or in whatever form the patient prefers.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can also be addressed by compounded medicine. Besides lifestyle changes, AIP compounds duo-mix, which contains two complementary drugs namely Papaverine and Phentolamine mixed into a sterile injection. It is traditionally done via self-injection. Tri-mix, considered to be the most powerful class of anti-ED agent, comprises Papaverine, Phentolamine and Alprostadil. It is administered through penile self-injection and can be used for a vast number of conditions other than ED.

All AIP compounded medications come in customizable dosages, forms, combinations and formulations and therefore can easily be adjusted to meet specific patient needs. This also minimizes side effects and risks of drug abuse and addiction. Allergies and sensitivities are considered per patient and can be discussed with a doctor over AIP’s website.

Give grandparents the golden years they deserve and visit Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy’s ecommerce platform for compound medications fit for their needs. Get to know more about compounding medicines and how personalized medicines can benefit elderly health.

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Omega Healthcare recognized

Omega Healthcare is the only RCM service provider to earn both the Leader and Star Performer distinctions

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Omega Healthcare, an AI-driven healthcare solutions company, has been recognized as a “Leader” and “Star Performer” in the Everest Group Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Operations PEAK Matrix Assessment, 2026, maintaining its position as a “Leader” in the evaluation since 2017.

Omega Healthcare is the only RCM service provider to earn both the Leader and Star Performer distinctions in the report, which assessed 34 RCM operations service providers. The Star Performer designation is given to companies that demonstrate the most improvement over time on the PEAK Matrix. Everest Group’s team of analysts led a comprehensive analysis of the RCM services market, including client reference checks and interactions with the service providers evaluated.

“Against a backdrop of persistent margin pressures, rising denial rates, and evolving reimbursement dynamics, healthcare providers are making revenue cycle performance a strategic priority, driving demand for more intelligent, technology-enabled operating models that enhance efficiency and financial resilience,” said Aastha Malik, Practice Director, Everest Group.

“Omega Healthcare is well-positioned in this evolving landscape, integrating its large coding talent pool with digital platforms and analytics-led solutions to deliver scalable and performance-driven RCM operations. Its investments in gen AI and agentic AI across RCM processes, supported by a strong partner ecosystem, reflect a shift toward more intelligent and automated workflows. These capabilities underpin its recognition as a Leader and Star Performer in Everest Group’s Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Intelligent Operations PEAK Matrix Assessment 2026.”

Omega Healthcare was honored as a Star Performer due to double-digit revenue growth, expansion into larger provider segments, with increased deal scale, and strong buyer feedback across cost savings, domain expertise, innovation, value addition, and AI/technology expertise.

According to Everest Group, leaders have demonstrated comprehensive support of healthcare providers by operationalizing gen AI, automation, and advanced analytics across key RCM workflows.

Everest Group cited Omega Healthcare for several key strengths, including:

  • Integrated delivery model: Clients benefit from a fully integrated delivery model that combines Omega Healthcare’s global workforce with the Omega Digital Platform and WhiteSpace Health analytics to deliver scalable, technology-enabled RCM operations. This seamless integration helps healthcare organizations drive workflow automation and data-driven performance management across the entire revenue cycle.
  • Advanced technology enablement: Omega Healthcare’s use of gen AI and agentic AI in workflows such as denials, appeals, coding, and A/R follow-up helps clients resolve claims faster, reduce manual errors, and enhance process consistency. Its strategic technology partnerships help clients scale AI beyond pilots, delivering more reliable and impactful outcomes across enterprise operations.
  • Enterprise growth and domain expertise: Clients highlighted Omega Healthcare’s deep domain expertise, strong understanding of clinical workflows, and ability to flex resources to meet evolving operational needs. The company has continued to expand its presence among large health systems, strengthening its position to support end-to-end engagements and deliver sustained results for complex provider organizations.

“We are honored and proud to be the only RCM provider recognized in the report as both a Leader and Star Performer by Everest Group,” said Omega Healthcare CEO and Co-Founder Anurag Mehta. “This achievement is a direct reflection of the relationships and strategic partnerships we’ve built with our customers and the broader ecosystem. As healthcare organizations navigate persistent financial pressures, regulatory change and the proliferation of AI, we remain fully committed to leveraging the strength of our purpose-built AI-powered solutions to bring intelligence into action for our customers. We are constantly co-creating novel solutions with our customers across different parts of the RCM continuum. This relationship helps ensure Omega Healthcare owns outcomes and consistently delivers breakthrough results.”

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For every parent who wants to be present: AXA reinforces importance of early health preparedness

Even the most loving preparation can leave one crucial question unanswered: What happens when the parent who protects the family suddenly needs protection too? 

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Preparing for a child often begins long before birth. Parents plan for the crib, the diapers, the milk, the clothes, every necessity mapped out before the baby even arrives. 

Yet even the most loving preparation can leave one crucial question unanswered: What happens when the parent who protects the family suddenly needs protection too? 

For many Filipino families, that reality is closer than most realize.  About one in five Filipinos may develop cancer before the age of 75. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that neoplasms, which include various types of cancer, ranked as the country’s second leading cause of death. The toll is made heavier by late diagnosis, with many cases discovered only when the window for early intervention has passed.

This June, as the country observes National Cancer Survivor Day, AXA Philippines unveils the third short film of its Everyday Protectors campaign, one that reflects what many Filipino families quietly carry – the weight of serious illness, and the love that refuses to let it win.

AXA’s health film portrays the story of Lina, a mother whose world shifts on the same day it expands. As her daughter takes her first breath, Lina also receives a cancer diagnosis, turning the happiest moment of her life into one filled with fear and uncertainty. Yet despite the difficult road ahead, Lina finds strength in the moments she hopes to witness like first steps, birthdays, and the everyday memories that make parenthood meaningful.

The film reveals how Lina shows up for every milestone despite her illness, a quiet testament to what Filipino parents do every day: protect the people they love, no matter the cost to themselves. But Lina’s story also carries another truth which is that everyday protectors should not have to face their hardest battles alone. 

AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, understands that a serious illness is as much a financial challenge as it is a personal one. From preventive healthcare benefits to comprehensive critical illness coverage, AXA offers a wide range of health insurance plans so families get the care they need: Global Health Access (GHA) delivers access to worldwide premium medical services; Health Care Access provides comprehensive medical insurance with cashless access to doctors and hospitals nationwide; while AXA’s superior critical illness plan, Health Max Elite, provides the most extensive coverage that spans the full care journey, from pre-early to late stage protection, covering over 150 critical illnesses, including select mental health conditions and non-listed cases requiring ICU confinement and life-saving surgery.

By helping reduce the financial strain that too often forces families to choose between care and everything else, AXA gives everyday protectors the room they need to focus on healing and being present.

AXA’s Emma app, where you can easily access and manage your insurance policy anytime, anywhere, just got a refreshed look with enhanced features designed to take charge of your health with ease. From accessing mental wellness support through Mind You to filing reimbursements and tracking claims in real time, Emma by AXA helps you maximize your health benefits with greater convenience. Log in today and make the most of the tools designed to support your health and well-being every step of the way.

One name to cover all your insurance needs, discover how AXA can provide complete protection for health, car, travel, and SMEs here.

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Sun Life appoints Bianca Ilibasic as Managing Director, Sun Life Global Solutions

She will lead SLGS across India and the Philippines, providing strategic direction to multi-functional teams spanning Technology, Operations, Analytics, Actuarial, HR, Finance, and Risk & Compliance.

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Sun Life has appointed Bianca Ilibasic as the Managing Director for its global capability centre, Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS). She previously served as Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Sun Life Asia.

In her new role, Bianca will lead SLGS across India and the Philippines, providing strategic direction to multi-functional teams spanning Technology, Operations, Analytics, Actuarial, HR, Finance, and Risk & Compliance. Her mandate is to further scale SLGS as a high-impact, enterprise capability supporting Sun Life across 28 markets.

During her time in Asia, Bianca advanced straight-through processing, accelerated digital adoption, and shaped a forward-looking AI roadmap to drive business growth — strengthening shared platforms and enabling scalable outcomes.

Commenting on the appointment, Laura Money, EVP and Chief Information and Technology Innovation Officer, Sun Life, said, “Over the past four years, Bianca has been a driving force behind operational excellence and digital transformation, leading with clarity, courage, and a deep commitment to our Purpose. Advancing our AI roadmap and scaling impact across common platforms, Bianca has been consistently delivering results while building strong, empowered teams. She is a visionary, insights driven leader who brings energy, heart, and ambition to everything she does, and I could not be more thrilled to see her step into this role.”

Reflecting on the opportunity, Bianca added: “I am excited to begin this new chapter. Sun Life Global Solutions is more than a capability centre — excellence, innovation, and dedication are consistently demonstrated via brilliant, passionate teams across India and the Philippines who support our Purpose and our Clients every single day. What excites me most is the opportunity to build on our foundation and deepen partnerships, accelerate transformation, and relentlessly focus on outcomes that truly matter to our Clients.”

Bianca’s appointment marks a defining moment for SLGS, strengthening its role as both a strategic engine for enterprise value and a platform where empowered teams can shape what’s next for Sun Life. We look forward to everything Bianca and the SLGS team will achieve together.

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