Addressing the challenges in the referral system of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) suspect in Llanera, Nueva Ecija /
Candy Rhea B. Magsakay.
- xiv, 89 leaves : color illustrations, maps
Graduate School of Public and Development Management
Tuberculosis has been a perennial public health concern affecting the world and our country. As a result, numerous efforts are being done to decrease its prevalence as well as combat the disease. In the country, the government has been very active in informing the general public about Tuberculosis and the importance of having a healthy lifestyle to prevent acquiring diseases as such. However, the problem with Tuberculosis is not just with the newly diagnosed cases but with the increasing number of retreatment cases we have. These retreatment cases are at rick of developing Multidrug-Resistant forms of Tuberculosis not treated by the regular first line drugs available in the Rural Health Unit. Treatment for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis is costly. In order to identify resistant forms of Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis suspects need to be referred to the Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment Centers in which distance and financial constraint prevent patients from completing the referral process. This paper seeks to solve the problems encountered in the referral system of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis suspect. Support coming from the Local Government Unit plays a vital role in the success of the Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis suspect referral system. Hence, a policy instrument is deemed to be developed supporting the referral system. Situational analysis, Survey Questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion were employed in this study to understand the referral system and its processes, identify the challenges, and make solutions in the problems identified. It is through the efforts made in this research that a Municipal Ordinance was passed into a law and being implemented by the Local Government Unit of Llanera, Nueva Ecija in adopting support to the Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis suspect referral system and its treatment program. Hence, the success of the Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Suspect Referral System is based on the support of stakeholders primarily the Local Government Unit being the lead agency in promoting and supporting the general welfare of the public. It is through a functional referral system that Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis suspects can be identified thereby addressing the burden of this disease in the community.