| FIXED DOSE COMBINATION (FDC) FOR THE NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS PROGRAM (NTP) |
| Page 4 of Health Programs and Projects |
| The Philippines is one of twenty-two countries with the burden of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB). The Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) strategy was implemented in 1996 to improve the treatment of diagnosed PTB patients. This resulted to the more than 90% of the affected population having access to the program. However, the availability of anti-TB drugs, its effectivity and the compliance of patients taking them led to the introduction of a better anti-TB drug preparation, the Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) drugs. |
| The MHO of Mangaldan, Pangasinan, Dr. Rivera reports on the situation of the NTP in her community. |
| Drs. Quinto, Mejia, Casabar, Bernabe, Rivera and Dy, MHOs of Mapandan, Malasiqui, San Jacinto, Calasiao, Mangaldan and Villasis towns, respectively, during the introduction of the use of the FDC at Lenox Hotel, Dagupan City last June 2004. |
| Mr. Ernesto V. Beltran, Regioanl Manager of Philhealth, Inc, discussing to the group the feasibility of putting up NTP-DOTS Centers at the RHUs as part of the socialized health financing package for the people. |
| The MHO of Calasiao, Dr. de Vera, with Mrs. Quinto, a DOH Representative; Mrs. Laforteza, Calasiao PHN and Mrs. Bernabe, from the Provincial Health Office. |
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