Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
A bit of good to bring in the new year. Starting January 2016, hypertensive and diabetic patients may now avail of maintenance medicines for free.
DOH (Department of Health) Secretary Janette Garin announced in a December 12 press conference that beginning January 2016, patients may avail of free maintenance medicines from their respective regional rural health units (RHU). To avail of the maintenance medicines, patients first need to consult with their nearest health centers or primary health care facility for assessment and screening, they then need to register with the DOH’s Hypertension and Diabetes Club at their RHU.
Secretary Garin explained that the RHU will turn over the list of patients registered with the club so the DOH can create a nationwide database, which is essential to “…help facilitate risk assessment of community members and ensure regular follow-up of diagnosed hypertensive and diabetic patients.”
Aside from having access to DOH-approved drugs for hypertension (Losartan, Amlodipine, Metroprolol) and diabetes (Metformin), members of the Hypertension and Diabetes Club can participate in activities organized by the DOH that promote a healthy lifestyle, which may lower blood pressure and control blood-sugar levels.
