DOH-7, PBSP sign MOA on TB program

CEBU, Philippines —  A mobile van set to help revolutionize tuberculosis healthcare delivery in Central Visayas was recently turned over under the partnership of the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), through its Advancing Client-centered Care and Expanding Sustainable Services for tuberculosis (ACCESS TB).

Aligned with the health department Action Agenda 2, “Ligtas, dekalidad at mapagkalingang serbisyo”, a ceremonial turnover and signing of a memorandum of agreement took place recently that aims to make TB consultations more accessible and efficient for communities in need. 

DOH-CVCHD said that with a primary focus on delivering free chest x-rays, specimen collection and transportation, electrocardiograms (ECG), and other essential primary care services, the initiative aims to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare in various cities and municipalities across Central Visayas.

Ronald Jarvik Buscato, DOH-7 head of Communicable Diseases Section in a press conference held recently, cited that in 2023, Region-7 recorded a total of 36,758 cases of tuberculosis.

Of the said figure, 86 percent of the patients have completed their six months treatment.

DOH-7 regional director Jaime Bernadas said that despite the fact that tuberculosis treatment is made free (medicines and consultations) by the government, still the remaining 14 percent of the patients did not complete their medications.

He said this is a cause of concern as these patients may develop a TB disease that is drug-resistant that may take longer to be cured.

Bernadas explained that TB is highly contagious but if the patient religiously takes his or her medicines for two weeks, he or she can no longer infect others.

Bernadas also advised those who have cough, which is among the symptoms of TB, to immediately seek treatment as there is no such thing as just a “normal cough”.

TB is a disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually infects the lungs.

The Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for Tuberculosis (PAAP-TB) 2023-2035 aims to achieve TB elimination in the Philippines by integrating TB elimination commitments into the mandates, policies, and work programs of government agencies represented in the TB National Coordinating Committee (NCC). (CEBU NEWS)