The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) is one of the leading specialized hospitals in the Philippines dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. To ensure that every Filipino, regardless of economic status or health condition, receives comprehensive care, the PHC offers a wide range of assistance and support programs. These programs are designed to address not only the physical aspects of heart health but also the emotional, social, financial, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. They are essential in promoting holistic well-being and easing the burdens that often come with serious medical conditions, especially heart disease.
Knowing about these programs is important because they provide life-saving support that many patients may not be aware is available. They can help reduce the cost of treatment, offer emotional and mental health assistance, and guide patients and families through recovery and rehabilitation. Access to these services can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and treatment outcome. By being informed, individuals can take full advantage of the resources offered by the PHC to manage their health more effectively. Let’s take a closer look at these programs by checking this list below.
Types of PHC Assistance and Support Programs
PHC offers a variety of programs designed to support patients physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually during their healthcare journey. These programs are grouped into different categories and for different types of help needed.
- Social Support Services: These programs focus on helping patients and their families with financial, social, and emotional needs related to medical treatment. They provide quick assistance for hospital bills, social assessments, and access to government aid, ensuring that all patients have access to financial aid and social support to focus on recovery without added worries.
- Cardiac Care and Rehabilitation: PHC offers specialized programs for heart patients that support recovery, emotional readiness, lifestyle improvement, and ongoing rehabilitation. These services aim to improve heart health holistically—physically and mentally. They also provide tailored care from pre-surgery education to long-term lifestyle changes for better heart health.
- Preventive and Screening Services: Focused on early detection and prevention of heart disease and related conditions, these programs offer free screenings, consultations, and health education to the community. Preventive care also helps catch health risks early, empowering patients to take control of their heart health before serious issues develop.
- Volunteer and Youth Programs: PHC’s volunteer programs provide skill development and meaningful work experiences for youth, supporting their growth while helping the hospital community. It also helps the volunteering youth gain valuable skills, build confidence, and contribute to patient care with guidance and support.
- Spiritual Care Services: PHC offers spiritual support through chapel services and chaplaincy, helping patients and families find comfort and strength during hospital stays. Spiritual care also complements medical treatment by addressing emotional and faith needs, fostering holistic healing and peace of mind.
List of PHC Assistance and Support Programs
Some of the actual assistance and support programs offered at the PHC include:
1. Social Service Assistance
Provider: Social Services Division
This program helps both outpatient and inpatient clients get financial or social support during medical treatment. Assistance includes interviews and assessments to determine eligibility. It is available on weekdays, with extended hours for emergency cases.
Purpose: To provide immediate social and financial support to patients in need, especially during hospitalization or medical emergencies.
Features and benefits:
- Free assistance for qualified patients
- Open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (regular patients)
- Emergency Room services available Monday to Friday (7:00 AM – 8:00 PM) and weekends/holidays (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Quick service processing (from 2 to 30 minutes per step)
- Psychosocial interview and needs assessment included
- Accepts outpatient, inpatient, and emergency patients
- Accessible through contact number: (02) 925-2401 local 5111–5116
2. Cardiac Health Education, Enhancement and Restoration Service (CHEERS)
Provider: PHC – Behavior Medicine Section
CHEERS helps heart surgery patients prepare mentally and emotionally before their operation. It focuses on reducing stress, building confidence, and improving understanding of the procedure. The program promotes a holistic approach to patient care by connecting mind and body wellness.
Purpose: To support heart surgery patients by improving their emotional readiness and coping skills before the procedure.
Features and benefits:
- Pre-surgery stress management
- Clear education on diagnosis and treatment
- Stronger motivation and responsibility for recovery
- Patient-centered, holistic care approach
- Available via local numbers 3717 and 3721
3. Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP)
Provider: PHC – Behavior Medicine Section
Launched in August 1993, this program focuses on improving patient care by addressing both emotional and mental health needs. It applies behavioral medicine, understanding how thoughts and emotions impact physical health. The CLP Section is located on the 7th floor of the Medical Arts Building and can be reached at local numbers 3717 or 3721.
Purpose: To support patients’ mental well-being as part of a holistic approach to healthcare.
Features and benefits:
- Psychiatric consultation for patients with medical conditions
- Assessment for depression, anxiety, and emotional stress
- Support in managing unexplained physical symptoms
- Guidance on medication for mental health issues
- Help in determining patient competency and disposition
- Evaluation for psychiatric referral or transfer
- Emotional support for patients during hospitalization
- Training for PHC fellows, nurses, and aspiring CLP specialists
4. Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CCReP)
Provider: PHC – Cardiac Rehabilitation Section
The CCReP helps heart patients recover and improve their health through guided rehabilitation. It has been supporting heart patients in the Philippines since 1975. The program is divided into three phases, each tailored to a patient’s recovery stage.
Purpose: To support faster recovery and promote a healthy, active lifestyle for heart patients.
Features and benefits:
- Three-phase rehab: In-patient, early recovery, and maintenance
- Personalized programs for each stage of healing
- On-site facilities: indoor oval track, group exercise rooms, and consultation spaces
- Health education for patients and families
- Physical fitness testing via Human Performance Laboratory
- Support group sessions for added emotional care
- Located at the 8th floor of the Medical Arts Building
- Contact: Local 3800 to 3801 for inquiries
5. Project H.O.P.E. (Health Optimization through Prevention and Exercise)
Provider: PHC – Cardiac Rehabilitation Section
Project H.O.P.E. is a rehab program for individuals with heart failure. It combines guided exercise sessions with health education. Sessions are held twice weekly.
Purpose: To support heart failure patients in improving their health through regular exercise and better lifestyle choices.
Features and benefits:
- Designed for heart failure patients
- Includes supervised exercise routines
- Offers health education lectures
- Promotes better heart health and recovery
- Conducted twice a week for consistent support
6. Lifestyle Clinic
Provider: PHC – Cardiac Rehabilitation Section
This program helps identify health risks early and supports preventing illness. It evaluates your physical fitness and offers personalized advice on exercise and staying active. The goal is to improve your overall health through lifestyle changes.
Purpose: To prevent or reduce health risks by promoting healthier habits and physical activity.
Features and benefits:
- Identifies and addresses health risk factors
- Assesses physical fitness levels
- Provides tailored exercise and activity guidance
- Supports healthier lifestyle choices
- Helps improve long-term well-being
7. Out-Patient Social Service Assistance
Provider: Social Services Frontline Team
This program offers support to out-patients and their families through social service assistance. It helps assess social and financial needs to provide the right aid. The service is available weekdays and Saturdays, with a quick processing time.
Purpose: To assist patients and their families by evaluating their social and financial situation for proper support.
Features and benefits:
- Supports out-patients and relatives
- Requires basic documents like residence certificate and social case study
- Includes assessment of family income and property
- Accepts employment and pension certificates if applicable
- Provides clear service timelines: about 1.5 hours for out-patient assistance
- Available Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM
- Contact line for inquiries: (+632) 925-2401 locals 5111-5116
8. People’s Day Program
Provider: Preventive Cardiology Division
People’s Day Program is a monthly health service for the first 100 patients focusing on heart health screening and education. It offers free tests, medical consultations, and diet counseling to prevent cardiovascular diseases. The program is held every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN.
Purpose: To provide early detection, education, and preventive care for cardiovascular diseases to the community.
Features and benefits:
- Free registration and screening tests (blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI)
- Educational talks on heart disease risks and healthy nutrition
- ECG and medical consultation with heart specialists
- Personalized diet counseling and health advice
- Referrals to specialized clinics for further care
- Scheduled follow-ups and continuous support
9. Frontline Service for Patients with Cardiovascular Risks
Provider: Preventive Cardiology Division
This service offers free consultation and check-ups for patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other heart-related risk factors. Patients undergo basic exams, lab tests, and receive medical advice. The process takes about 40 minutes and is available twice a week.
Purpose: To help manage and reduce cardiovascular risks through early detection, education, and treatment.
Features and benefits:
- Free consultation and exams
- Health education tailored to each patient
- Quick and efficient process (40 minutes)
- Available twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 AM to 12 NN)
- Easy access with referrals from clinics or community programs
- Professional care by specialists and trained doctors
10. Heart Volunteers Program
Provider: Frontline Service
This program supports out-of-school youth who are high school graduates or have some college education. Participants undergo training and are assigned to units for volunteer work. The program helps develop skills and provides allowances during the service period.
Purpose: To empower youth through volunteer work and skill development.
Features and benefits:
- Open to out-of-school youth with high school diploma or higher
- Free of charge
- Provides training and orientation
- Assigns volunteers to units with supervision
- Allows volunteers to receive monthly allowances
- Certificate of Completion after finishing the program
11. PHC Malasakit Center
Provider: Department of Health (DOH) and partner agencies and PHC
Malasakit Centers are one-stop help desks inside public hospitals like the PHC that assist Filipinos with medical and financial needs. They connect patients to government programs that provide financial aid, medicines, and hospital services. Social workers help assess and process the assistance quickly and easily.
Purpose: To provide fast and easy medical and financial assistance for indigent and financially challenged patients.
Features and benefits:
- Access to PhilHealth benefits and claims assistance
- Financial help for hospital bills, medicines, lab tests, and medical devices
- Support for transport, food, burial, and assistive devices from DSWD
- Single center to coordinate aid from multiple government agencies
12. PHC Pastoral Services
Provider: PHC Medical Center
PHC offers spiritual support through its ecumenical chapel and Catholic Hospital Chaplain. Daily masses are held for patients, staff, and visitors. Pastoral care, including bedside communion and counseling, is available anytime upon request.
Purpose: To provide spiritual care and comfort to patients and their families during hospital stays.
Features and benefits:
- Ecumenical chapel located on the ground floor
- Daily masses (Mon-Fri at 7:15 a.m., Sunday at 8:00 a.m.)
- Bedside communion available upon request
- Chaplain and assistants conduct daily pastoral visits
- On-call spiritual counseling and support
13. Medicine Discount Approval
Provider: PHC Administrator’s Office
This service grants a 20% discount on medicines for government employees and their dependents. Just present a few documents to get approval. The process is quick and takes only around 5 minutes.
Purpose: To help government employees and their families save on medicine costs.
Features and benefits:
- 20% discount on medicines
- Fast processing (around 5 minutes)
- Available on weekdays
- Easy requirements
Video: Getting to Know the Philippine Heart Center
The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) is one of the top hospitals in the country for heart care. It helps Filipinos through treatment, health education, research, and community programs. Whether you need a check-up, heart surgery, or health advice, PHC offers expert care with a strong commitment to helping people. No matter your background, the center provides affordable services so more Filipinos can get the heart care they need. Watch this video from Signify to learn more:
Contact Information
For more information or for inquiries and other concerns regarding the PHC and its programs and services, you may reach out to them via the following:
- Location: East Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Website: www.phc.gov.ph
- Phone: (+632) 8925-2401 to 50