Purpose and Policy Development
- The Department of Health partnered with the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) and other entities.
- Developed a "Comprehensive and Unified Policy for TB Control in the Philippines" to harmonize TB control efforts nationally.
Core Strategy and Components
- The policy adopts the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) strategy consisting of five components:
- Direct sputum smear examination as the primary diagnostic tool for TB case finding.
- Standardized chemotherapy treatment per NTP guidelines.
- Standardized recording and reporting of TB cases to be implemented in all health centers.
- Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) to ensure patient adherence to therapy.
- Strong political commitment for continuous and comprehensive NTP implementation.
Stakeholders and Institutional Involvement
- The policy was ratified by heads of various government agencies and private sector organizations at the First Philippine Tuberculosis Summit Conference on March 7, 2003.
- Agencies instructed include DOH, Department of Education, DILG, Department of National Defense, DOJ-Bureau of Corrections, DSWD, Department of Agriculture, DAR, DOST, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Labor and Employment, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, NEDA, NCIP, GSIS, SSS, and Employees Compensation Commission.
- Private groups involved include:
- Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (52 members)
- Philippine Medical Association
- Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
- Employers Confederation of the Philippines
- Association of Health Maintenance Organizations of the Philippines
Implementation and Dissemination
- These government agencies and private organizations are mandated to collaborate for the dissemination and training on the policy.
- Implementation is to commence immediately as instructed by the Executive Order signed by the President and countersigned by the Executive Secretary.
Legal and Administrative Directives
- The Executive Order conveys the President's directive for a unified and comprehensive TB control program.
- Establishes a multisectoral approach involving both government and private sectors to fight TB effectively.
Emphasis on Sustainability
- Political commitment is emphasized to ensure sustained implementation and progress of the NTP activities.
- The policy framework integrates diagnosis, treatment, case monitoring, and reporting to improve TB control outcomes nationwide.