Upon orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Health launched a Patient Appointment System (PAS) to ensure a faster delivery of drugs for people affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Under the PAS, persons affected by HIV can secure appointments to get free anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs and free HIV screening on specific dates, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a Malacanang press briefing on Thursday.

“Ang bilin po ng Pangulong Marcos, padaliin ang pagbibigay ng serbisyong ito sa pamamagitan ng mas mabilis na proseso sa mga pangunahing ospital na puntahan ng mga taong namumuhay na may HIV,” Herbosa said.

The PAS was activated at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila on Wednesday, following its first installment at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital last week, he said.

The system ensures continuing care for HIV-affected people, even as 57 people tested positive for the virus every day from January to March, Herbosa said.

“Sa sistemang ito, masisiguro din natin na regular na ang pagkonsulta ng mga persons living with HIV at regular na ding makukuha ang libreng maintenance ARV drugs para ma-manage ang kanilang kondisyon,” he said.

People can access ARVs and screening for free at least 172 treatment hubs and 114 primary HIV care facilities across the country, where they can also schedule confirmatory tests.

“Importante po na alam natin ang HIV status ng isang tao para mabigyan agad siya ng gamot at hindi na lumala ang HIV sakaling reactive po ang pasyente,” the DOH secretary said, stressing the need for  tests.

Herbosa noted that, despite still not having a definite cure, HIV can be managed.

“Hindi na po death sentence ang HIV sa panahon ngayon. Kailangan lang po kumonsulta para magpa-test, screening, at maintenance. Maintenance lang ang katapat niyan, para na lang siyang high blood or diabetes na basta mayroon kang gamot, tuluy-tuloy po ang magagawa.”

He said the DOH also offers counseling, where people can gain knowledge on living long lives despite having HIV. | PND