BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Screening of possible tuberculosis (TB) patients even in remote areas in the Cordillera region is now possible with the donation of a mobile tuberculosis clinic to the Department of Health regional office (DOH-CAR).

Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Program Director Arnyl Araneta led the turnover of the TB van to DOH-CAR director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Dr. Ryan Guinaran, who represented Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas on February 15 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. 

The mobile van was donated by PBSP through its ACCESS (Advance Client-Centered Care and Expanding Sustainable Service) for the TB Project. 

It features the latest technology, using artificial intelligence to detect possible TB cases.

Araneta stressed that with the Philippines ranking fourth in the world in terms of TB-related deaths, there is an urgent need to screen and immediately treat TB patients. 

She affirmed PBSP’s continuing support in looking for and screening TB patients, not only in Cordillera but also in other parts of the country.  

Pangilinan assured that the mobile TB clinic would serve its purpose of delivering services to the people.

“This mobile TB van is powered by the latest technology sweeping the world today – the use of artificial intelligence. This allows it to help detect TB, along with some other respiratory conditions that are of concern to our constituents,” Pangilinan said. 

“We, at the DOH-CHD-CAR, commit to utilizing this van to its fullest potential. And so, to our kakailiyan ditoy Cordillera,  this van will be going around the region to bring TB services closer to you,” she added.

Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira, DOH-CAR disease prevention and control cluster head, shared that screening of possible TB cases remains a health concern in Cordillera with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, access issues and limited resources at the local government unit level.

 “Ending TB means finding TB and successfully treating it, and finding TB begins with screening,” Pira said. (CCD/PIA CAR)