CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — In a bid to improve the province’s performance in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda allocated P5 million for the Directly Observed Treatment Short (TB- DOTS) course accreditation of all district hospitals and rural health units (RHUs).
During the meeting of Pineda with the Municipal Health Officers (MHO), City Health Officer (CHO), and directors of District and Provincial Hospitals, she has learned that some of the government hospitals in the province and most RHUs are not TB DOTS certified because of inadequate equipment and facilities.
TB DOTS is a treatment strategy for detection and cure of tuberculosis recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). This approach has five components: political commitment, case detection or sputum smear microscopy, drug supplies and a standardized recording and reporting system that allows assessment of treatment results.
Pineda said the P5 million will be used for the rehabilitation and construction of rural health units and sputum collection area, purchase of medical equipment and medicines and improvement of facilities.
“We want the accreditation the soonest time possible to address the increasing number of TB victims”, Pineda said.
The governor instructed Provincial Health Officer Dr. Marcelo Jaochico to do the inventory of medicines and to make sure there is enough supply for every TB patient.
“The province will supply health centers and RHUs in the province with complete medicines needed for a 6-month medication for tuberculosis,” said Jaochico.
Upon hearing the commitment of Pineda, Director Elenita Gorgolon of Center Health and Development Central Luzon stated that their office will provide necessary equipment such as microscopes.
“They can request for microscopes in CHD since Gov. Pineda will take charge in the improvement of the facilities,” Gorgolon said.
Third District Board Member Monina Laus, Chairman of the Committee on Health, expressed support to the plan of the governor seeing this as an effective approach in fighting tuberculosis.
“If our hospitals and RHUs will be TB DOTS accredited, proper attention and medication will be given to our cabalens with tuberculosis,” said Laus.•
(Jenna V. Lumbang, PIO – Pampanga)
