ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — The Iligan City Health Office, in collaboration with the Department of Health, launched an annual TB-HIV Mobile Caravan, providing free chest X-rays, HIV testing, medical consultations, and medications.
The initiative targeted sikad (foot-powered tricycle) drivers, waste collectors, and city employees who work on the frontlines, as they are at higher risk of exposure to communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB).
Jimmy Lucot, a sikad driver since 2017, is grateful for the free check-up. Accessing healthcare has always been difficult for him. Due to long hours of pedaling and a limited income, he never had the opportunity to get a check-up.
“Magpasalamat ko kay naay libreng check-up. Gusto nako mihibaw-an kung unsa ang resulta. Dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa amoa,” he said.
(I am grateful for the free check-up. I want to know the results. This is a great help to us.)
Eduard Ballesteros, a sikad driver since 2011, also appreciated the service, particularly as he had been struggling with a persistent cough from long hours of work. Given his daily earnings of P200 to P300, he found the free service beneficial.
Dr. Ardel Castañeda-Padayhag, city medical coordinator for the National Tuberculosis Control Program, stressed the importance of early detection and treatment.
She urged individuals experiencing symptoms like persistent cough, fever, back pain, or weight loss to seek early diagnosis and treatment at a health center. She also reminded patients on treatment to complete their medication to fully eliminate the infection and prevent its spread.
Padayhag noted a shift in public perception, with more people seeking X-rays and consultations voluntarily. She said efforts have led to a decline in cases as more people are seeking medical help without fear of stigma.
“Sa una, magtago-tago sila. Karon, educated na sila. Na-aware na sila nga ang TB matambalan ug maayo, so they can go back sa usual nilang work schedule,” she said.
(Before, they would hide. Now, they are educated. They are aware that TB can be treated properly, so they can go back to their usual work schedule.)
She said 20 out of 100 individuals tested positive for TB during a recent screening in Barangay Suarez, and those diagnosed received free treatment.
The mobile caravan, which began on March 24, is serving various groups, including the Saray Sikad Association, Tubod Sikad Association, and employees from the City Social Work and Development Office, City Environment and Management Office, and City General Services Office. Members of the Tibanga Sikad Association and Santiago Sikad Association are scheduled for March 27, with the Villaverde Sikad Association on March 28. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
