MANILA Mayor Joseph E. Estrada reminded his constituents to take care of their lungs as the city government of Manila launched a health program for the eradication of tuberculosis (TB) at the AmaDome, Baseco Compound in Tondo.
Addressing the more than 1,000 participants, Estrada said the local government, through the Manila Health Department (MHD), is implementing the “Project Heal, Healthy and Active Lungs.”
“We are bringing this program to Baseco to make you aware about the importance of having your lungs checked on a regular basis,” Estrada said in a message read for him by MHD chief Dr. Benjamin Yson.
Citing the 2017 report from the city health department, the mayor said it has cured around 5,930 TB patients, or about 90 percent of all the reported cases in the locality.
Contrary to previous years, when deaths were prevalent due to the unavailability of drugs and modalities to cure this dreaded disease, it is now remediable with the advances made in the medical treatment.
“There are medicines for this, which the MHD can provide,” the local chief executive said. “What you need is to consult with doctors early on.”
TB patients need to go to the nearest health center and take the prescribed medicines without any lapse for effective recovery, he added.
Estrada reiterated the project was meant to create public awareness on the steps to prevent this illness.
The mayor called for Manileños to cooperate with the MHD personnel and advised the patients to follow the medical advice to keep them healthy.
“TB is contagious. Consult the doctor so you will not spread tuberculosis to others and deaths can be prevented. Do it now,” he said.