Unilab, in partnership with Mercury Drug Corporation, recently provided free bone scanning and blood screening services for residents of Pampanga. The event took place at the Mercury Drug Drive Thru in Sto. Cristo, Angeles City.
Preventive Healthcare Initiative
The company stated that the project aims to bring preventive healthcare closer to communities where early detection can make a significant difference. Marlon Carpizo, Unilab Customer Team Head for Mercury, expressed gratitude to Mercury Drug for enabling the outreach through its nationwide network of stores.
"We provide free bone scanning and blood screening because these are not common services that are offered to our valued consumers. We are grateful to our long time partner, Mercury Drug, which has the widest network of stores nationwide, for enabling us to reach out to them," said Carpizo.
Customer Experience and Impact
Ronaldo Rañada, President of Mercury Drug Trinity, Regional Corporation, Luzon Area, emphasized that the services aim to ease the burden on customers, especially those facing financial constraints. "We hope that through this activity, our customers will be able to appreciate the importance of health; that prevention is better than cure by understanding potential health risks and taking proactive steps to protect their well-being," he said.
Mario Lazatin, a patient who availed of the free service, shared his positive experience: "Maganda naman yung experience para may baseline kung ano yung bone density. May mga nag-iisip kung bakit nagiging brittle yung bones nila at a certain age. Akala nila habang tumatanda, mahulog ka lang sa kama fracture femoral neck na o kaya Colles’ fracture." He noted that the screening helped him understand his bone health and the importance of monitoring conditions before symptoms become serious.
Health Conditions Addressed
Blood screening can identify conditions such as anemia, while bone screening can detect low bone density and osteoporosis, according to Unilab. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment and preventive measures, helping patients maintain health and avoid complications.
Dr. Maria Venielle Bonus-Bungay, a general physician, advised individuals to get screened if they experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, and other related concerns. She noted that anemia remains one of the most common blood disorders, often resulting from iron deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, chronic illnesses, or other underlying causes.
For bone-related conditions, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are prevalent. Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases fracture risk, while osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness that may affect mobility and daily activities. These conditions are commonly observed among women aged 40 and above, as well as adults with frequent fatigue and dizziness.
Women's Health and Supplements
Leia Anchetta, women’s health advocate and Biofemme Operations Manager, affirmed that women face increased risks of bone and blood-related disorders over time, underscoring the need for regular health monitoring. Bone density mass decreases, leading to porous, brittle, and weak bones. Supplements such as Calciumade, containing Calcium and Vitamin D, can help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Hemarate FA with Folic Acid addresses both anemia and folate deficiency. Both are products of Biofemme, a subsidiary of Unilab, and are available at all Mercury Drugstores.
Future Plans
Unilab said it will hold free bone and blood screening events in other Mercury Drugstores across the country, expanding access to preventive healthcare services.
