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Official Publication of the Philippine Information Agency Bicol Regional Office, in cooperation with the RIAC-REDIRAS - RDC Bicol



Thursday, April 14, 2016

DOH Bicol offers free medicines for hypertension, diabetes

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr 14 (PIA) -- Free medicines for hypertension and diabetes are now available at public health units and offices in Bicol.

Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo, Department of Health (DOH) Bicol director, has announced the availability of medicines for hypertension and diabetes in all rural health units (RHUs) including city health offices (CHOs) in the region.

Arevalo said the provision of free medicines is in line with the initiative of the DOH in upgrading its facilities and services in delivering the universal health care program or “pangkalahatang kalusugan.

Available medicines for hypertension are Losartan, Amlodepine and Metoprolol and Metformin for diabetes.

“The four essential medicines known as the “4 molecules” namely Losartan, Amlodepine, Metoprolol and Metformin are needed to control the blood pressure and blood sugar of people suffering from hypertension and diabetes mellitus, respectively,” Arevalo said.

This strategy, Arevalo added, will ensure the regular follow-up of diagnosed hypertensive and diabetec patients in the community relative to facilitating risk assessment of community members.

“This in effect will result to more treatment of compliant patients preventing disability and possible deaths,” he noted.

To avail of the medicine, patients with hypertension or diabetes must be duly assessed, diagnosed and managed by the servicing RHU and CHO.

The patients must be enlisted in the registry of hypertensive and/or diabetec patients and become a member of the Hypertension and/or Diabetes Club of the RHU or CHO where they consulted. They will also be taught and encouraged to practice healthy lifestyle to help in their recovery.

“These strategies are done to ensure the prevention of complications related to the two most modifiable illnesses in the country and globally today,” Arevalo said.(MAL/SAA/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571460619177/doh-bicol-offers-free-medicines-for-hypertension-diabetes#sthash.U85jnxBo.dpuf

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