Health questions? Txt DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) launched yesterday a project in which the public can access health advisories and information through text messaging.

"Access to information is now at the tip of your fingers. All you have to do is text us," Health Secretary Francisco Duque said.

Through the project, dubbed "DOH Info Service," the public can send a text message to 2960 to ask about health issues such as water contamination; food safety; health advisories during the summer or typhoon months; food-borne illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever; and diseases like dengue and leptospirosis.

"It’s so easy. (The number) 2960 is applicable whether you are a Smart, Globe or Sun subscriber. We have three and not just one source. The texting public will benefit the most out of this campaign," Duque said.

The system will be managed by service provider Mobile Arts in coordination with the three telecommunication companies. The subscriber will be charged P2.50 for each text sent to 2960.

Standard answers have been prepared for basic questions. Mobile Arts will forward to the DOH inquiries that need a more elaborate response.

Duque said the project is an offshoot of a similar program launched by the DOH during the height of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003.

He added that the program was a big help to the DOH in educating the public about the precautionary measures that they could observe to lessen the risk of contracting SARS.

On the other hand, Duque lamented that the national government seems to have allocated a measly P1,200 per person to address the health care needs of 84 million Filipinos for the whole year.

He said the DOH was given only P10 billion under the 2005 General Appropriations Act, which is "really not enough so we are asking Congress to increase our budget (next year) by P3.5 billion. We need more funds."

The DOH is mandated to formulate and implement health-related policies and safeguard the overall health of the Filipinos. At present, the agency manages 72 hospitals nationwide.

Duque, however, admitted that not all of the P10 billion is spent on healthcare services. About 55 percent of this amount goes to paying the salaries of health officials and personnel.

A significant amount is earmarked for maintenance and other operating expenses such as bills for electricity, water and other supplies.