CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health is extending its campaign against tuberculosis (TB) up to the jail facilities.
The DOH has turned over P2.1 million to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology for the construction of isolation cells for inmates with TB.
Inmates affected with TB will have access to proper treatment and monitoring of their health conditions with this facility.
Integrated Provincial Health Office chief, Dr. Cristina Giango, said that they already have implemented some programs against TB at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) which is under the Capitol supervision.
Giango said they already have identified isolation cells for inmates with TB.
She reported that last year, only 12 inmates have TB but are already cured.
But still the DOH has extended P1 million to the Province of Cebu for the implementation of the national TB program.
The Provincial Board yesterday passed the resolution sponsored by Board Members Peter John Calderon and Wilfredo Caminero authorizing acting Governor Agnes Magpale to execute and sign the memorandum of agreement between the Province and DOH.
Giango said that the DOH has already extended P600,000 while the additional P400,000 was covered by the said MOA to be signed soon.
The DOH has committed to attain the Millennium Development Goal targets in reducing infectious disease such as AIDS, TB and malaria by 2015.
In line with the Philippine Plan of Action to Control Tuberculosis (PhilPACT) to ensure provision of quality basic TB services and in support to the health service delivery at the provincial level.
The DOH has issued Department Order No. 2011-0199 that provides the guidelines for the Utilization of sub-alloted funds to the CHD for the improvement of warehouse and External Quality Control Laboratory.
Giango also reiterated the call of DOH for patients suspected to have TB to visit health centers to avail of free check-ups and medicines.
The DOH has urged tuberculosis (TB) patients to avail of the free treatment offered by the government. (FREEMAN)