The Davao City Health Office (CHO), in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), celebrated the Diabetes Awareness Week 2023 at the SM City Davao Annex on Monday.
The event was attended by DOH Regional Director Dr. Annabell Yumang, CHO Assistant Department Head for Administration Dr. Ma Rosalita Domingo, Councilor Potpot Villafuerte, doctors and health professionals from the Southern Philippines Medical Center, and around 200 CHO clients and patients from all district health centers in the city.
With the theme “Move more, eat right para iwas diabetes! Sundin ang pinggang pinoy para masigurong portion at variation mo ay wasto,” the campaign aims to raise awareness of the public regarding diabetes and other health issues corollary to the disease.
“Ang atoang pinaka-objective is to increase or raise awareness about diabetes sa atoang population. This is a yearly event. Part na gyud siya sa monthly health event sa atong kalendaryo sa DOH (The objective of this is to increase or raise awareness about diabetes among our population. This is a yearly event. This is part of our monthly health calendar in the DOH),”said CHO Spokesperson Daryl Joyce Guevara.
A series of lectures on the disease, proper diet, preventive methods and others were conducted by medical consultants from the SPMC. Clients who attended Monday’s event were able to ask questions to leading medical professionals in the subject of Diabetes Mellitus during a Q&A session after the lectures.
Around 99 participants availed themselves of free diabetes screening, random blood sugar tests, height and weight taking, and medical consultation.
The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) also distributed herbal medicine, herbal soap and information and education campaign materials.
Guevara reminded Dabawenyos that the CHO offers free screening, check-up, consultations, counselling, and other health services for diabetic and hypertensive patients every Friday. These services are available in every barangay and district health center.
“Kada Biyernes, aduna kitay ginatawag nga Diabetes and Heart Day wherein kini siya na activity or kini na programa open kini sa 20 years and above. Kini na programa dili lang kini para sa atong senior ciizen but open to all, para sa general population (Every Friday, we have what we call Diabetes and Heart Day which is open to all 20 years old and above. This program is not only for senior citizens but open to all, to the general population),” Guevara said.
The health centers also give free medicine for diabetes and heart disease after the patient had been properly assessed and diagnosed. The centers also offer free insulin for diabetic patients.
“Ang tambal is available sa atong health centers and pwede ra gyud siya i-avail sa tanan na na-diagnose as diabetic or hypertensive (Free medicine are available in our health centers and these can be availed by every diagnosed diabetic or hypertensive patient),” she added. CIO
