The Makati City local government announced that the city's yellow card holders and their dependents can receive free thyroid function testing starting on Monday, May 27, to mark International Thyroid Awareness Week.
The local government announced it on Sunday, May 26, stating that card holders can avail of the thyroid testing in selected laboratories in the city.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay said interested beneficiaries are required to have a check-up first at the city's health centers to obtain a request form.
After getting the form, beneficiaries can visit the following laboratories for blood extraction from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. only:
- Makati Health Department Central Laboratory
- Kasilawan Health Center Satellite Laboratory
- Palanan Primary Care Facility Satellite Laboratory
- Bangkal Health Center Satellite Laboratory
Binay also reminded them to make regular check-ups a habit to ensure the condition of their health.
Thyroid function testing aims to determine if someone's thyroid gland is working normally. It also reveals if the thyroid is producing the right amount of thyroid hormones.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that World Thyroid Day is celebrated every May 25 to inform the public of the importance of having early consultations to avoid and treat its complications.
International Thyroid Awareness Week is celebrated every last week of May, it added.
“Suportahan ang mga programa na nagbibigay ng tamang impormasyon sa publiko tungkol sa thyroid diseases. Thyroid ay alagaan upang sakit at komplikasyon ay maiwasan. Kumunsulta sa usaping Thyroid sa pinakamalapit na Primary Care Providers sa lugar ninyo (Support programs that provide accurate information to the public about thyroid diseases. Take care of your thyroid to prevent disease and complications. Consult with the nearest Primary Care Providers in your area regarding thyroid issues),” the DOH stated.