While people should not let their guard down against the Covid-19, two groups urged the public to also be mindful of non-Covid-19 cases, especially cardiovascular diseases (CVD), diabetes, and hypertension.
Representatives of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI), and the Philippine Alliance for Patient Organization (PAPO) noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the top causes of deaths in the country.
Patients must consult with their doctors even amid the pandemic, they said. PAPO representative Leyden Florido said some persons with diabetes fear seeking medical consultations because they worry about contracting Covid-19.
PHAPI introduced the “Kumusta Dok” initiative, which aims to increase awareness of the risk factors, signs and symptoms of NCDs.
The initiative also seeks to encourage patients to communicate with their doctors.
“PHAPI doctors and facilities had to adapt and find new ways to continue serving the patients,” PHAPI Corporate Secretary Richard Lirio said.
Pulmonologist Patrick Moral said while they see telehealth to remain in demand, there will still be medical consultations done in the hospitals.
Moral also emphasized the need for health literacy and advised patients to avoid disinformation.
“Not everything you see online is vetted or reviewed,” he said.
Cardiologist Helen Ong-Garcia said telemedicine will continue, urging patients to have a healthy lifestyle to help them manage NCDs. – PNA
