MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Department of Health Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) has recorded 8,054 tuberculosis cases in the region from Jan. 1 to June 30 this year.

In a virtual forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency on Friday, DOH-CHD-1 medical officer, Dr. Rheuel Bobis, said the number is increasing as there are now more patients visiting hospitals and clinics due to eased restrictions.

He said most of the patients are adults or the elderly as they are prone to low immunity.

“This should not cause alarm as the DOH is implementing strategies, such as the active case findings, contact tracing, and the availability of directly observed treatment strategy (DOTS) facilities,” he added.

Bobis said the DOH, with the local government units (LGUs), has been going to communities encouraging them to have their x-ray or test their phlegm.

“We also do contact tracing to those exposed to a tuberculosis patient and give them treatment to prevent them from acquiring the disease,” he said.

Bobis said the hospitals and rural health units or health centers in the LGUs have DOTS clinics that have sufficient medicine.

“We ensure that the supply of medicine is always available and enough for the six-month treatment of the patients,” he added. (PNA)