SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, April 30 (PIA) -- The government sternly advised the public to stay at home. This is why amid the strict implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the entire Caraga region due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte ensured that the medical consultation need of the residents is met.
In partnership with the Surigao del Norte Medical Society, the local government unit of Surigao del Norte launched the “Tawag Konsulta” program where the locals can avail the free medical consultation and advice without going to the hospital or clinic to physically see a doctor.
Using a telephone or mobile phone, patients may dial the hotline numbers where a designated “HEALS 911” agent assists and refers the patient’s concern to the doctor who would provide the appropriate medical advice and prescription.
The doctor then has to forward the online prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration to the nurse coordinator who would also furnish a copy to the pharmacist for dispensing of prescription drugs.
The medicines will be delivered right at the doorstep of the patient, charged to the medical assistance program and social services fund of the province. The Tawag Konsulta services are available 24/7.
Dr. Chrismar Mocorro, officer-in-charge of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital, said the program is most beneficial to the senior citizens, pregnant women, and to those vulnerable individuals who are restricted to go out due to quarantine.
“We are supportive of this program and even before the implementation of the ECQ we do anticipate this kind of challenge wherein the residents will have a hard time in going out to visit a physician for a medical check-up because of limited transport vehicles and fear of getting exposed to the virus. But with Tawag Konsulta, their medical concern is given attention,” said Dr. Mocorro.
The Tawag Konsulta has already served 287 patients and more than thirty patients have also received free medicines, as of April 28.
Dr. Mocorro said that most common illnesses were related to respiratory condition, hyperacidity, cough, hypertension, including prostate enlargement and electrolyte imbalances.
Meanwhile, Charlie Camelion, 44 years old and a resident of Sitio Cayutan, Barangay Cagniog in Surigao City felt a dose of happiness and gratitude from benefiting the free consultation service and appreciated, even more, the provision of free medicine that was delivered to his home.
The local government unit of Del Carmen in Siargao Island also offered a free use of telephone of the Del Carmen Polyclinic among its community members for its ‘Telemed’ or Tawag Konsulta program.
Also, LGU-Mainit though its Municipal Health Office is encouraging the residents to avail of the services by simply contacting them using the hotline number posted in their official Facebook page LGU-Mainit 2020, where schedules and other instructions can be found as well. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
#TawagKonsulta #BeatCOVID19 #LagingHanda
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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