CEBU CITY – Tuberculosis or TB remains to be the top communicable disease in Region 7, the Department of Health-Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) said.
The DOH-CVCHD said there are close to 27,000 cases of TB in Central Visayas with the province of Cebu having the most.
As the month of August is considered National Lung Month, the DOH-CVCHD will intensify its campaign against TB, said Dr. Ronald Jarvik Buscato, regional program manager of the DOH-CVCHD communicable disease section.
Because of the stigma brought about by the disease, there are patients who are hesitant to visit health centers to help treat the infection, Buscato said.
Through the DOH program TB DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy), patients can avail of free services and medicines for TB in local government units.
“Medicines are free when you go to health centers. There are also private hospitals for diagnosing then they will be referred to health centers. They will have an option to avail of free medicines from DOH or LGU or they can buy their preferred medicines,” said Buscato.
Buscato reminded the public that having a strong immune system will help prevent acquiring TB. Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking are the best ways to avoid the infection, Buscato added.
“Maintain good nutrition and keep away from bad vices like smoking. Smoking restructures the lungs that makes one prone to TB and other diseases,” Buscato said.