ILIGAN CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA) - As part of renewed efforts to end tuberculosis (TB), the Iligan City Health Office (CHO) is expanding its TB services to push more patients to undergo directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS).

Dr. Ardel Padayhag of CHO announced in a virtual presser that they will be launching the "After 5 Hub sa TB-DOTS" on December 1 to cater to patients who cannot come to the TB DOTS center due to time constraints.

"Kaning 'After 5 Hub' ang pasabot ani open ang TB DOTS taman alas otso sa gabii to cater those patients nga dili kaya sa ilang oras kay gatrabaho sila," she said.

[This 'After 5 Hub' means TB DOTS is open until 8:00 pm to cater to those patients who do not have enough time because they are working.]

Padayhag called on the public to take advantage of the TB DOTS service hours extension.

"Kini serbisyo ni para sa presumptive TB, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy. It will open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, so that is 12 hours of service para sa katawhan," she added.

[This service is for presumptive TB, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy. It will be open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, so that is 12 hours of service for the people.]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB which is caused by bacteria that most often affect the lungs is one of the top 10 causes of death.

Though TB is present in all age groups, it is curable and preventable if diagnosed immediately.

In the city, the Philippine Business for Social Progress recently turned over GeneXpert machines to Barangays Hinaplanon and Tomas Cabili for rapid TB detection.

With the GeneXpert machines, Padayhag said TB can now be easily diagnosed. (APB/PIA-ICIC)