Laarnie Miguel

Dear Maam Miguel,

Good Day!

As stipulated on House Bill No. 8615, entitled: An Act Strengthening the Fight to End Tuberculosis,
Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 10767 or the “Comprehensive Tuberculosis Plan Act: that
seeks to strengthen and expand efforts to eliminate tuberculosis in the country, on Section 19:
Convergence of service suggest that all LGU through their Local Social Welfare and Development
Offices shall cover all indirect cost borne out of accessing TB treatment including, transportation,
accommodation or hallway house and meals among others.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “Although basic TB services are available free of
charge, TB patients continue to suffer from a heavy financial burden. Generally, face medical expenses,
costs of seeking and staying in care, and income loss equivalent to more than 50% of annual income. Loss
of income and direct expenses trigger a downward spiral whereby the patient is less able to complete
treatment, more likely to have repeat episodes, and more likely to develop drug resistance resulting in
more expensive and arduous treatment”.
To further support this claim, on a systematic qualitative review conducted by Munro SA et al entitled
“Patient Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment” they identified eight (8) major themes that contributes to
patients’ adherence to treatment, one of these is financial burden. Although TB treatment in our country is
free, the hidden cost behind it may contribute to financial constraints. Failure to accepts patients’ reasons
for nonadherence may contribute to difficulties in patients’ compliance on treatment and returning to
following missed appointments.
With wholehearted encouragement, our office would like to refer all patients undergoing TB treatment for
financial assistance throughout their treatment for their adherence.

Hereby with you in endeavor in making Calayan TB free.

MARK JAY U. EQUILA