Skip to main content

First in Western Visayas: The Medical City Iloilo launches Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

According to a study, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is currently the 4th leading cause of death in the world and is projected to rank third by 2020.

Marietta B. Cambel, TMC Iloilo Patient Partner; Cris Eden Claire Delfin, TMC Iloilo Nutritionist; Dr. Rhea Anne Celis, TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Champion Doctor; Dr. Felix Ray Villa, TMC Iloilo CEO; Dr. Sheenly Vi Soresca, TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Department Head; and Dr. Donaldo Nicanor Tubang, TMC iloilo Psychiatrist led the ceremonial finger printing of the "Breath of Hope".

COPD Explained

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.

Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production and wheezing
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD.





But no need to be alarmed since COPD is treatable. With proper management, most people with COPD can achieve good symptom control and quality of life, as well as reduced risk of other associated conditions. (www.mayoclinic.org)

Another first for TMCI

To answer the increasing trend of COPD patients, The Medical City Iloilo, Western Visayas' trailblazer in healthcare, is opening the first and only Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in the region that will give Ilonggos and those living in the neighboring provinces a holistic approach to treat chronic lung disease.

“TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program will be another treatment option to patients who are suffering from chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis and bronchietasis, among others. Thus, improving their condition and decreases their chances of hospitalization,” said Dr. Rhea Anne Celis, TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Doctor Champion.

Dr. Rhea Anne Celis, TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Doctor Champion

As the head of TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, Dr. Celis is the only medical professional in Iloilo with this specialization giving the Ilonggos the opportunity, assurance and convenience of availing this program without leaving Iloilo.

The TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

After passing the initial tests upon enrollment, patients will work with a team of expert specialists who will guide them to manage their illness to stay healthy and active long after they complete the program.


The said program has different stages designed to have a comprehensive and holistic approach. These include:

  1. Pre-Rehab and Post-Rehab Assessments (Spirometry and 6-minute Walk Test)
  2. Exercise Program (Upper Ergometer, bike/treadmill, and exercise with Physical Therapist), and 
  3. Patient Education (Nutrition Counseling, Psychological Evaluation, Physical Therapy Assessment and Pulmonary Lecture).
 Iloilo bloggers and media toured around the Cardio-Pulmo and Physical Rehab Departments of TMC Iloilo where the assessment and tests of the Pulmonary Rehab program are being performed.

“Apart from the treatment itself, what’s good about enrolling in TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is that, patients will also be able to receive education, nutritional intervention, and psychosocial support which are also important components of the program”, Dr. Celis noted.


For inquiries about TMC Iloilo Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, call (033) 500-1000 or email info@themedicalcityiloilo.com. Also log on www.themedicalcityiloilo.com for updates.




Popular posts from this blog

Travelers guide to Iloilo transport terminals (Airport, Jeepneys, Buses, RORO. etc)

Being the biggest city on Panay Island and the center of Western Visayas region, Iloilo City is a transportation hub whether by land, sea or air. These numerous transportation terminals facilitate day to day commerce, light & heavy industries, and tourism, among others. As this is a travel blog, this guide is aimed to tourists who want to experience and explore Iloilo and perhaps even beyond. Iloilo International Airport A little more than five years old, the Iloilo International Airpor t is among the most modern and beautiful in the country today. It is situated around 20 kilometers from Iloilo City , straddling the towns of Cabatuan, San Miguel and Sta. Barbara . It has direct links to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro  and Puerto Princesa plus international destinations Hong Kong and Singapore . Among the first hurdles tourists will have to contend is the distance that translates to expensive fare when traveling to and from this airp...
Read more

Connie Carillo Diversified Farm in Bingawan: Helping Sustaining a Healthy Community Through Farm Schools

The area around the town of Bingawan, the edge of the central portion of the province is where it ends and the town of Tapaz, Capiz province begins and is very much another unsung corner of Iloilo with warm, friendly, welcoming people. Bingawan has some rich farming land and farming is at the heart of its village life. The landscapes are gorgeous here; with gentle pastures, to the high mountains. The area offers some beautiful hikes and bike trails across its lovely rolling meadows, woodland and a few working farms. The town would be less touristic than its neighboring towns but is well worth exploring. If you are concerned about how organic can contribute to benefit our shared environment, promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved, then a trip to Connie Carillo Diversified Farm is for you. With the governments’ efforts to improve the knowledge and technical skills of the farmers, the Connie Carillo Diversified Fa...
Read more

St. Joseph Chapel at Festive Walk Iloilo's The Deck

While most malls around the country host Sunday masses in some obscure hallway filled with plastic chairs with a makeshift altar, some malls have built niches or transformed unused spaces into places of worship. And Ilonggos should be proud that one of the newest malls in Iloilo City has actually a chapel located in a prime spot and one that boasts both beauty and serenity.  The St. Joseph Chapel at Festive Walk Iloilo is located in one of its al fresco areas known as The Deck located  at the 3rd level. While this open air area also has a mini plaza and dog park (and soon - cafes and restaurants) it is the chapel that highlights this al fresco part of the mall. Eucharistic mass services are held every Sunday at 11am while first Friday masses at 5pm.  It is open to the public everyday for personal moments of silence and solitude. The Deck and everything in it is open from 10am to 10pm with the entrance located betwee...
Read more