CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Department of Health (DOH) has teamed up with the city government of Calamba to launch an intensified campaign against tuberculosis (TB).
The joint effort was launched on Thursday, coinciding with the celebration of National Lung Month.
During the ceremonies, Dr. Evamarie Torio, Infectious Disease Cluster Head of the DOH Center for Health Development-Calabarzon, said that despite the emergence of other infectious diseases, tuberculosis should not be underestimated.
“Our goal is to spread awareness of the importance of lung health. We want to make known our dedication to the fight against tuberculosis,” Torio said.
National Lung Month is observed every August to encourage Filipinos to be active in keeping the body healthy and preventing lung diseases.
With the theme, “Tayo na at Magbayanihan, TB ay Tuldukan,” Torio is hopeful that all TB patients can be treated and its spread can be contained.
“The stigma against TB must be fought. Preventing TB will not be effective if we are ashamed of it,” she added.
Torio noted that the support of the local government of Calamba is evident in the National Tuberculosis and Control Program, following the enactment of the Comprehensive TB ordinance.
For her part, Laguna (2nd District) Rep. Ruth Hernandez urged the public to cooperate with health authorities to make the city tuberculosis-free.
“It is important to promote the health of the people so that they can be productive individuals in social progress,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hernandez is pushing for the construction of a tertiary government hospital to be known as the Laguna Regional Hospital in order to strengthen the province’s healthcare system.
She revealed that Laguna is the only province in Calabarzon without a DOH-run hospital despite having the second-highest population after Cavite.
"We need the financial support of the national government. The provincial government will provide the property where it will be located,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez called on the public to avail of free medical services for women such as human papillomavirus vaccine, mammogram, pap smear, and ultrasound procedures at the recently-launched Laguna Women's Health and Wellness Center located in the town of Bay. (PNA)
