Advancements in the National TB Program (NTP)
- The Department of Health's NTP has improved the quality and reach of TB control measures.
- There has been a concerted effort to enhance TB management nationwide.
Collaboration and Policy Development
- The Department of Health partnered with the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) and other government and private sectors.
- A "Comprehensive and Unified Policy for TB Control" was developed to harmonize efforts.
Core Components of the TB Control Policy
- The policy adopts the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy based on five key elements.
- Direct sputum smear examination is mandated as the initial diagnostic tool for case identification.
- Standardized chemotherapy must follow the guidelines set by the NTP.
- Recording and reporting of TB cases shall adhere to standardized protocols under the NTP across all health centers.
- Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) ensures patients comply with their medication regimens.
- Political commitment is emphasized to guarantee sustained and comprehensive implementation.
Ratification and Endorsement
- Policy was ratified on March 7, 2003, at the First Philippine Tuberculosis Summit Conference.
- Key stakeholders and organization heads endorsed the unified TB control policy.
Government Agencies Directed to Implement the Policy
- The President instructed multiple government agencies to enforce the policy, including:
- Department of Health
- Department of Education
- Department of Interior and Local Government
- Department of National Defense
- Department of Justice - Bureau of Corrections
- Department of Social Welfare and Development
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Agrarian Reform
- Department of Science and Technology
- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
- Department of Labor and Employment
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
- National Economic and Development Authority
- National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
- Government Service Insurance System
- Social Security System
- Employees Compensation Commission
Engagement of Private Sector Organizations
- The Order enjoins private organizations to collaborate in policy dissemination and training, including:
- 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
Mandate for Training and Dissemination
- The policy directs immediate dissemination and training activities on TB control.
- Collaboration between government and private sectors is essential for effective implementation.
Overall Objective
- To institute a comprehensive, unified TB control policy in the Philippines.
- To harmonize efforts across government and private sectors for better TB management.
- To ensure sustainability, standardization, and compliance in TB diagnosis and treatment nationwide.