DOH Mimaropa enhances Palawan’s program for Diabetes, Hypertension

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/521455270384/doh-mimaropa-enhances-palawan-s-program-for-diabetes-hypertension
• Sunday, February 14, 2016

By Lyndon Plantilla (LP/LBR/PIA4B)

QUEZON CITY, February 14 (PIA) --- The Department of Health – Mimaropa recently urged diabetics and hypertensives of Palawan to work with their municipal health centers and rural health units for their long-term treatment.

“I encourage those with diabetes and hypertension to register at their nearest health center to become members of the DOH Hypertension and Diabetes Clubs to be able to avail of the free maintenance medicines that will be provided to all patients,” said Director Eduardo C. Janairo who led the turn-over of 105 Blood Pressure apparatuses (one per municipal health office) and 287 glucometers (one per rural health unit) to their local counterparts in Palawan.

Among the drugs that will be available are Losartan, Amlodipine, Metroprolol for hypertension and Metformin for diabetes. Insulin on the other hand will be provided for patients with severe diabetic conditions.

“Primary health care facilities must be well-equipped and integrated with essential devices for effective monitoring and assessment in the community level," said Director Janairo

Before people can be enrolled into the DOH Hypertension and Diabetic Club programs, they must be assessed and screened in health centers. Barangay health workers will conduct the diagnosis in regional health units (RHUs) before enrollment in either clubs.

RHUs will furnish the DOH central office with the list of members of the Hypertension and Diabetes Club for a database record. Under the system, risk assessment for community members can be done and regular follow-up of diagnosed hypertensive and diabetic patients can be achieved.

Complications can be prevented when blood pressures and sugar levels are regulated or sustained within normal values.