ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The City Health Office (CHO) here in partnership with Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Maranao People Development Center, Inc. (MARADECA) started the Tuberculosis (TB) Caravan to intensify case finding and medication in the city.

Some 900 people are targeted to be tested through the digital chest x-ray and GenExpert. These include market vendors, jeepney drivers, porters, government employees under the City Environmental Management Office and City General Services Office, and private employees of Granexport Corporation.

Dr. Ardel Castañeda-Padayhag, Medical Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis Control Program of CHO said that TB is preventable. Hence, she encouraged those with TB symptoms like night sweats, coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood, to get tested for them to be treated immediately.

“Tuberculosis is preventable. First is if you are going to start treatment, after two weeks of treatment dili naka makatakod although ang tambal is up to six months [it is no longer contagious although the treatment is up to six months],” she said.

The said caravan will also be held at Iligan City Public Market in Hinaplanon (March 29 and 30), Granexport Corporation and Port area (March 31), and Iligan City Public Plaza (April 1).

TB patients may also get their medicines through their barangay health centers. (LELA/ PIA Lanao del Norte)