Filipino pharma MedEthix bags two Asia health awards
Philippine pharmaceutical company MedEthix Inc. received international recognition for its pioneering women's health initiative, the MedEthix Endometriosis Masterclass (MEM), at this year's Healthcare Asia Pharma Awards held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The program took home two major honors — Most Differentiated Service of the Year and Hospital Partnership of the Year — for its continuing medical education (CME) efforts that aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis among Filipino women.
Endometriosis, a condition marked by chronic pelvic pain and infertility, remains underdiagnosed due to lingering misconceptions and limited medical exposure. On average, proper diagnosis can take as long as six and a half years. Many women in the Philippines seek medical help only after severe symptoms or fertility issues emerge.
Launched in 2021, the MEM is a partnership between MedEthix and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rizal Medical Center (RMC), specifically its Section of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Unlike traditional CME programs, MEM combines lectures with real-time patient diagnosis, allowing sonologists to develop practical skills through hands-on experience with actual cases.
"We're truly honored to be recognized by Healthcare Asia," said Monaliza Salian, MedEthix President and CEO. "Since establishing our Women's Health division in 2015, we've been committed to advancing reproductive health for Filipino women, particularly for often overlooked conditions like endometriosis."
The masterclass is held twice a year, gathering 16 doctors and 16 patients for an intensive two-day training. Participants are carefully chosen from underserved areas to help address gaps in specialized care. The program is led by Dr. Nelinda Catherine Pangilinan, a respected sonologist and current chair of the Ultrasound Committee of the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOFOG), alongside a faculty of former PSUOG presidents.
By using real-life cases, the MEM gives trainees a deeper, more practical understanding of endometriosis — going beyond textbooks to hands-on diagnosis and outpatient care. MedEthix aims to eventually train all 600-plus members of the Philippine Society for Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (PSUOG), expanding access to early diagnosis and proper treatment nationwide.
Founded in 2009 by Monaliza and Vasant Salian, MedEthix is part of the Salian Group of Companies and partnered with Ayala Healthcare Holdings in 2019. The company is committed to providing humane, affordable healthcare solutions in support of the country's universal healthcare goals.
