The Navotas City government on Tuesday resumed providing free cervical cancer screening and chest x-ray.
An initial batch of city residents aged 21 and above underwent visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) screening test conducted in all health centers of Navotas.
“Due to the pandemic, our centers temporarily stopped providing VIA test every Tuesday. We have resumed this service in line with the celebration of the Cervical Cancer Consciousness Month and now that our COVID cases are low,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said. Jun David
Starting May 17, all 11 health centers will accommodate 10-20 Navoteño patients every Tuesday, 1PM-3PM, for the free cervical cancer screening.
The city government, in cooperation with the Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Department of Health, also offered free chest x-ray to boost its active case-finding (ACF) in the community.
To avail of this service, patients must be 15 years old and above, and must register at their respective barangays o health centers. Slots are open on a first come, first served basis.
“Early detection serves a vital role in the effective treatment of a disease. We hope that by providing these services for free, Navoteños will be encouraged to get themselves tested and treated, if need be,” Tiangco said.
In 2019, Navotas received the Best in Tuberculosis Control Program award from the Department of Health-National Capital Region.
Aside from free checkups and medications, the city provides P3,000 livelihood assistance to TB patients who completed their 6-8 months treatment.