TB VAN. Natalya Bogach Program Officer of the Global Fund Country Team (2nd from left) and Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development Assistant Regional Director Dr. Ma. Sophia S. Pulmones (second from right) cut the ribbon to mark the official launching of the tuberculosis mobile van services (TB van) during the second day of the DOHealth Festival at the SM City Iloilo on Thursday (July 6, 2023). The van is expected to expand the TB active case findings. (PNA photo by PGLena)
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Health regional office in Western Visayas is a recipient of a Tuberculosis mobile van (TB van) to expand the active case findings (ACF), especially in areas where access to health services is difficult.
The TB van, a donation from the Philippine Business for Social Progress and Global Fund, was officially launched Thursday afternoon to highlight the second day of the DOHealth Festival at the SM City Iloilo.
The van is equipped with digital X-ray machines with artificial intelligence for the timely release of results and an electrocardiogram (ECG). It can store various types of specimens.
Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, chief of the DOH-Western Visayas infectious, environmental, and occupational health section, said the donation is the answer to one of the needed strategies for the TB active case-finding challenges such as in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), workplaces whose office hours will not allow time for consultation, and establishments with work time that is different from clinic hours of health centers.
ACF is defined as systematic screening for active TB, outside of health facilities. ACF aims to give prompt initiation of treatment to rapidly render the patient non-infectious.
“With active case findings we are the ones looking for active TB cases, especially those with symptoms like cough of more than two weeks and close contacts of diagnosed TB patients,” Natalaray said in dialect.
Western Visayas recorded 31,162 TB cases as of 2022 and the medical officer said the transmission is there even with the free medicines and testing provided by the government.
“Only by finding and treating as many Filipinos with TB can we set ourselves on track toward our goal of TB-free Philippines,” she said in her message during the launching program.
She also called on local government units to prioritize the implementation of the tuberculosis program in their localities.
Natalaray added that medical solutions could not address the infection alone but the socio-economic implications and behavioral patterns that influence testing and treatment must also be analyzed.
Robinson Canzon, medical technologist IV and regional coordinator for the tuberculosis program said in a separate interview, that services of the TB van will be free.
He added that an additional van is also arriving. Of the two vans, one will be deployed in Negros Occidental and the other one in Panay and local government units can request to avail of the services.
Meantime, the DOHealth Festival served over 1,000 clients since July 5.
Dr. Mae Ann Sta. Lucia, DOH-6 Local Health Support Division officer-in-charge, during the festival's opening, said through the event they hoped to “educate the people for them to make healthier lifestyle choices and take proactive steps towards improving their overall well-being.”
“Health festivals can play a crucial role in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. By targeting underserved communities and providing accessible information and resources, these events aim to bridge the gap in the health care knowledge and access, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to improve their health,” she said. (PNA)
