AHMOPI in anti-TB campaign

The Association of Health Maintenance Organizations of the Philippines Inc., led by its president, Jesus Quiazon who is also president and chief executive officer of Philam Healthcare Systems, took part in the campaign for a TB-free Philippines.

Quiazon led the AHMOPI contingent during the observance of World TB Day held at the Philippine Tuberculosis Society grounds in Quezon City last Friday.

The event culminated with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) where the participating entities vowed to actively participate in the development of a comprehensive and integrated policy for TB control in the Philippines. In joining the anti-TB drive, AHMOPI noted TB as a major health problem in the country killing at least 70 people a day. The Philippines ranks 3rd in the Western Pacific in TB case notification.

AHMOPI also noted that the level of public awareness remains insufficient and that to help control the disease, the campaign needs the support of a wide range of partners, not only the public but also the private sector.

The country faces a health problem where TB is becoming almost impossible to cure in the future due to careless TB treatment practices spawning TB bacteria that are resistant to effective drugs.

The current policies and practices of various agencies and organizations involved in TB control differ, resulting in the ineffective use of limited resources.