BAGUIO CITY, July 10 -- The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) has opened its first adolescent-friendly facility to provide specialized care for patients ages 10 to 19 with acute and chronic illnesses, including those transitioning to adult health care.

Dr. Avegail Cardinal, an adolescent medicine specialist at BGHMC, said Friday the hospital is seeing a growing demand for services tailored to adolescents.

"The growing demand among our youth patients is no longer limited to acute illnesses such as pneumonia and dengue," Cardinal said during a press conference.

"We are seeing an increasing number of patients with chronic illnesses involving the heart and kidneys, those undergoing dialysis, patients with diabetes, as well...