NCDs in PH
EVERY year, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cancer, claim the lives of many Filipinos not only in the metropolis but in other parts of the Philippines.
On average, Filipino families spend approximately P150,000 per patient for cancer treatment, which is, without doubt, bad news to poverty-stricken people.
That’s why we commend the administration for seeking an allocation of P2 billion in the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) for the prevention, treatment and control of NCDs.
Reports said that a total of 18,695 cancer patients would benefit from the allotment of some P1.024 billion under the Prevention and Control of NCDs in the proposed 2024 NEP.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the amount would cover the procurement of 61 different cancer commodities, such as Trastuzumab 600 mg/5mL.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said P1.7 billion would be allocated for prevention and control of these diseases.
In the country, aside from cancer, the other major NCDs include diabetes, stroke, heart attack, asthma, and cardiovascular/chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
DBM said the remaining P682.71 million of the P1.7 billion under the Prevention and Control of NCD Initiatives would benefit around 124,246 mental health patients.
The administration of President Marcos is on the right track in seeking the allocation of some P2 billion in the 2024 NEP.
