Doctors urge public to continue going to check-ups amid COVID-19

Doctors have reminded the public to continue seeking check-ups for their ailments, whether COVID-19 related or not, amid fears of some people to visit hospitals due to the pandemic.

In a 24 Oras report by Saleema Refran on Friday, the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) said they found a decrease in the number of people going to hospitals for consultations.

"Baka 'yung iba hindi na magpakonsulta agad. Baka 'pag panahon na magkonsulta sila, malala na 'yung sakit nila kasi pinut off nila ito dahil ayaw nilang magpa-checkup," PCP nephrologist Dr. Maaliddin Biruar said.

The Asian Breast Cancer made the same observation.

"Limang libo po ang average na namamatay dahil sa breast cancer sa mga babae dito sa Pilipinas. Ngayon po nagkaroon tayo ng COVID natatakot na 'yung mga babae at nagkaroon ng isa pang dahilan na hindi sila magpunta sa doktor," Dr. Norman San Agustin said.

Chronic conditions that needed regular treatment or consultation include cancer, kidney disease, lupus and cardiovascular diseases.

"'Yung mga kasong nakita namin po dito magmula noong nagbukas kami ng June 4, ay naku garantisadong mapapaiyak po kayo, mga advanced cancer po kalat na kalat," Dr. San Agustin said.

The Department of Health (DOH) has launched "Telemedicine" where patients could have consultation with doctors through video or telephone calls.

Local government units, meanwhile, should track their residents with ailments but do not have access to the Telemedicine program, according to the PCP.

"Sana i-equip natin. Siguro 'yung mga [Barangay Health Worker] puwedeng tumulong para man lang at least ma-triage 'yung mga pasyente, makita kung sino 'yung may mga sakit o wala," Biruar said. —Jamil Santos/LDF, GMA News