The Silliman University Medical Center Foundation Inc. will hold its first city-wide fun run called Run for Health on Nov. 3, in celebration of the 14th anniversary of the Medical Center.
Proceeds of the fun run will help provide assistance for Multiple Drug-Resistant patients of SUMC’s TB-DOTS (Tuberculosis Directly-Observed Therapy) program.
According to Roberto D. Montebon, SUMCFI president/administrator, tuberculosis remains to be one of the top 10 causes of morbidity in the country. He said that while the diagnostic test for MDR is free, it is only available in a few centers in the Philippines. Patients from Negros Oriental are normally referred either to Cebu or Manila.
Montebon lamented that one of the reasons that TB patients are not immediately diagnosed is the lack of finances for their travel. He warned that a possible impact of the delay is the risk of spreading the MDR bacteria to the patient’s family and to other people he is exposed. Transmission of TB is airborne.
The Philippines ranks ninth among the 22 countries worldwide identified with the MDR bacteria.
Montebon urged local runners and other health enthusiasts to support the advocacy of the SUMCFI in saving and transforming the lives of MDR patients. “Being partners of this advocacy will help achieve a world free of TB, as well as promote public health and social development,” he said.
Registration at SUMC for the 3K and 6K categories is at P150. The 14K run is pegged at P200, where the finishers will be given meals.
Those who won’t be able to join the run are urged to sponsor at least P1,000 for the MDR patients.
