MMDA field workers to receive free TB screening, chest X-rays

To ensure the welfare of its frontline workers, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will give free tuberculosis screening and chest X-ray to its field personnel.

In partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos  said that the program also aims to provide full treatment until recovery to those suffering from the disease.

“We want to ensure the well-being of our field personnel who are also our frontline workers. It is our way of extending help to them as they perform their duty while risking their health,” Abalos declared.

A mobile X-ray van from the USAID’s TB Platform Active Case Finding Team will be parked outside the agency’s main office in Makati to check up a total of 2,500 field personnel made up of street sweepers and traffic enforcers who are highly susceptible to the ailment due to exposure to  dust, toxins, vehicular smoke, and other emissions.

“Through these diagnostic tests, we can prevent exposure and reduce risk of transmission of infection. It will benefit not only our workers, but also their family, especially since TB and COVID-19 both target the persons' respiratory system,” Abalos said.

Meanwhile, MMDA Health and Environmental Protection Office Head Dr. Loida Alzona said that those who will be detected with TB will be endorsed to the Makati City government for free treatment and medication.

“Traffic enforcers, street sweepers and other field personnel are prone to have lung diseases such as tuberculosis because of their long exposure to pollution,” she shared. “Those who are smoking are even more vulnerable to TB as smoking weakens the lungs,” Alzona added.

Earlier, MMDA rolled out COVID-19 vaccines for its manpower.

Photos from the Metro Manila Development Authority

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