Text by Ehcel S. Hurna

Photo by Joseph A. Bautista

Dr. Nathaniel Orillaza Jr. introduces the OVCR-DIHC initiative called “Conversations Leading to Innovation and Collaboration,” that aims to create a network of innovators and researchers for a Healthy Innovation Ecosystem.

The last leg of a series of lectures and activities for the celebration of the 20th Science and Technology Week focused on the exploration of point-of-care (POC) manufacturing of patient-specific devices for teaching, research, and service for universal healthcare on Nov. 22, 2024, at the Henry Sy Sr. Hall Building, UP Manila. 

Spearheaded by the University of the Philippines Surgical Innovation and Biotechnology (UP SIBOL) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research – Discover and Innovation Hub Committee (OVCR-DIHC), various POC manufacturing information and updates were discussed in depth. 

UP SIBOL Head Philip Fullante provided an introduction on the POC manufacturing in healthcare delivery to the participants for an overview of the session. On the engineering part, virtual surgical planning and in-premise medical additive manufacturing and a peak on the UP SIBOL Anaplastology Studio were shared by Engr. Anjenina U. Durana and Engr. Jason Pechardo.

“POC encompasses a wide range of activities, including medical device production, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, consumables manufacturing, and healthcare technology systems development,” Dr. Fullante said.

Simulation models in the obstetrics and gynecology and orthopedic departments were demonstrated and discussed by Philippine General Hospital doctors Melissa Amosco and Gracia Cielo Balce for a practical point of view. 

Dr. Nathaniel Orillaza Jr. of OVCR-DIHC introduced their initiative called “Conversations Leading to Innovation and Collaboration,” which aims to create a network of innovators and researchers for a Healthy Innovation Ecosystem. Dr. Miguel Sandino Aljibe discussed on a recorded video the future of POC manufacturing in healthcare. 

Vice Chancellor for Research Leslie Michelle Dalmacio and former Vice Chancellor for Research Edward Wang also graced the activity with their presence.

After the lectures, the attendees were given a tour of the UP SIBOL greenhouse laboratory.#