New Jersey hospital launches medical program for Pinoys

A hospital in New Jersey has recently launched a medical program aimed at Filipino-Americans — the first of its kind in the United States, an online report said.
The report on NJ.com said the program, launched by the Holy Name Medical Center, will cater to the state's population of more than 10,000 Filipinos.
Dr. Ray Villongco, an internal medicine specialist, said the program will have a “keen understanding of Filipino dietary and health habits" as it will add Filipino dishes to the hospital menu.
Aside from serving Filipino dishes, the hospital will also provide Filipino newspapers and TV shows in patient rooms. It will also translate patient guides into Filipino and make available 20 Filipino-American physicians.
Health screenings for diabetes, hepatitis B, and body mass were already carried out within the Teaneck, Bergenfield, and Jersey City communities as part of the Holy Name's new initiative, the report said.
"I want more Filipinos to get screened and live a healthier lifestyle," Villongco told NJ.com.
Kyung Hee Choi, vice president of Asian Health Services at Holy Name, explained on NJ.com that the health program would benefit Filipinos unable to afford healthcare due to lack of insurance, the language barrier, and high business costs.
"We do have a lot of people who are in need of our service," Choi said. "Health care costs are very high, and on top of that, navigating the US healthcare system is tough."
Veronica Lavarro, the program manager, said this was "just the beginning" of the hospital's specialized health program. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

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