Bicol – The Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD-5) has received a significant boost in its tuberculosis (TB) detection capabilities with the introduction of a new mobile van clinic, funded by a non-governmental organization. This addition will enable more comprehensive screening and diagnosis of TB and other respiratory diseases across the region's six provinces.
According to Philippines News Agency, the local health support division chief at DOH-Bicol, the mobile van, the first of its kind for TB in Bicol, was donated by the Philippine Business for Social Progress as part of their support for the National TB Control Program. The van, valued at approximately PHP8 million, is equipped with an X-ray machine, an electrocardiogram (ECG), a refrigerator for sputum collection, a hand washing area, and a fire extinguisher.
The new facility arrives at a critical time as DOH-Bicol reported a total of 7,113 TB cases in the first quarter of 2024 across the six provinces. TB, a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, is highly contagious but both preventable and curable.
Dr. Alcala-Arellano also noted that the van would serve various local government units upon request, emphasizing the goal to detect and treat TB cases early to prevent complications. Additionally, DOH-Bicol offers a free six-month medication regimen for confirmed cases through GeneXpert testing, further supporting the region's health infrastructure.