The Department of Health has given those suffering from hypertension and diabetes an early Christmas gift.
Beginning January 2016, free medication will be available for all those with diabetes and hypertension.
All they need to do is go to the nearest DOH regional health unit (RHU) to get their free medicine. According to DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin, all that is required is for those in need of these essential medications to register with the DOH Hypertension and Diabetes club in their RHUs.
How to become part of the club
All a patient needs to do is to consult at the nearest health center or primary health care facility for assessment, screening, and management. Once diagnosed, the patient can already be signed up as part of the club.
Barangay health workers (BHWs) in the RHUs are responsible for diagnosing using their Blood Pressure Apparatus and Glucometer sets to measure sugar levels.
Then, the RHUs in the regional offices of the DOH will be responsible for providing the list of the patients that will be joining the club to be added to the database at the Central Office.
The program was initially launched in Pampanga last Dec. 9, Interaksyon.com reports.
“This intervention will help facilitate risk assessment of community members and ensure regular follow-up of diagnosed hypertensive and diabetic patients… Patients needing them that will be in our data base will be receiving the medicines starting January 2016,” Garin said.
Free medication and other benefits
These diagnosed patients can avail of DOH drugs for hypertension (Losartan, Amlodipine, Metroprolol) and diabetes (Metformin) for free.
Those most impoverished patients in need of insulin medicine for their diabetes will also be given access.
Aside from free medicine, patients will also be included in the RHU’s activities which aim to promote healthy lifestyles to help further keep their blood pressure and sugar levels in check.
The DOH aims to keep the members of the club active in order to prevent further worsening of their illnesses.
This program will first be available to those seeking preventive check-ups in RHUs located in impoverished parts of the community.
However, those seeking medical help in private health facilities may also join the club to avail of this free maintenance medication.
Presently, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) does not provide free medication for patient with hypertension and diabetes.
So this landmark step in health care is a big leap for the DOH in achieving the goals of their “Universal Health Care Program or “Kalusugang Pangkalahatan” Health Agenda to the Filipino people.
Fighting a lifetime battle
Once this program is in full swing, it is expected to bring many benefits to those living with these chronic illnesses because not only will they have access to the necessary medication but they will also be empowered to live a healthy lifestyle and to say goodbye to unhealthy habits such as smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, and unhealthy diet which often lead to hypertension and diabetes.
Early detection and care using efficient and sustainable health care interventions are integral to managing these conditions.
“In order to fight it, it is important to practice healthy lifestyle choices early,” said Health secretary Garin.
Read: Gestational Diabetes: Risks on Mother and Baby
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