Amid the recorded 102,000 tuberculosis (TB) cases in Metro Manila, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that it is currently prioritizing budget allocations for 2027 to ensure that testing and medications remain free and accessible to all Filipinos.

DOH Spokesperson Usec. Albert Domingo confirmed that the agency is in the midst of budget planning, with a specific focus on scaling up the procurement of TB supplies to match the estimated number of infected individuals nationwide.

Expanding PhilHealth Benefits

To alleviate the financial burden on patients, Domingo revealed that the DOH is working with PhilHealth to "calibrate" and increase benefit packages for tuberculosis.

"Yung PhilHealth, tinitimpla rin natin yung benefit packages, tinataasan din yan para talagang walang dahilan na matakot sa gastos man o sa mga availability ng mga gamot at mga testing supplies sa ating mga kababayan," Domingo said in an interview with Dos Por Dos.

While the individual cost of TB tablets is not excessively high, the DOH noted that the six-month daily regimen can significantly drain a family’s budget if paid out-of-pocket. By providing these through government health centers, the DOH aims to ensure no patient stops treatment due to financial constraints.

“Hindi siya mahal na mahal, pero isipin natin na 6 buwan 'yan, araw-araw. So kakain rin sa budget natin 'yan.”

“Ang tulong natin sa DOH is at least man lang yung mga gastos medikal, masasagot ng gobyerno.”

On Mask Mandates and Home Safety

Despite the surge in cases within the capital region, the DOH clarified that there is no mandatory face mask policy for the general public in Metro Manila.

Instead, the department is issuing the following voluntary guidelines:

• Initial Treatment Phase: Patients are advised to wear masks (preferably N95) inside the home during the first two weeks of their medication.

• Post-Two Weeks: Once a patient has consistently taken their medicine for 14 days, they are generally no longer contagious and may stop wearing a mask at home.

• Community Settings: Masking remains a personal choice and is not required for the general population.

Usec. Domingo reiterated that the government's primary goal is to remove the barriers to treatment. He urged those experiencing symptoms—such as a cough lasting more than two weeks—to set aside hiya (shame) and seek help.

He further emphasized that early detection through free X-rays and GeneExpert tests is the key to stopping the spread.