MANILA — Testing for mpox (formerly called monkeypox) is free in government hospitals, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.
During a House panel on appropriations hearing on the 2025 proposed budget for DOH, Iloilo 1First District Rep. Janette Garin asked Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa if mpox testing is free for the public.
“As of now, tama po (that’s right). And I have asked PhilHealth to actually create already a benefit package for mpox testing because we will run out of the test kits pretty soon and we will have to procure additional test kits,” Herbosa said.
The lawmaker then asked if the testing can be done in government hospitals.
“In this new war, although this is milder than COVID, ‘yong mata natin para makita ‘yong kalaban natin and that is testing ay nilalagay sa gobyernong ospital at ibinibigay na libre ng DOH at ng BBM administration. Can you confirm that?” Garin asked.
“I confirm,” Herbosa answered.
Furthermore, the Health secretary also advised that the mpox virus can be avoided through frequent handwashing.
“Higher risk kapag longer ang exposure at more intimate yung skin to skin contact but also, ang advisory namin is frequent hand washing so kung may na-touch ka at hindi ka sure, just wash your hands and the mpox virus will actually be deactivated by soap and water,” he noted.
Herbosa also clarified that the virus cannot be contracted through minimal skin contact in crowded places or on train rides.
The DOH on Sunday recorded three more new cases of mpox, bringing the total number of active cases to eight. The country has currently logged 17 cases since July 2022.
DOH said that the common symptoms of mpox include skin rash or mucosal lesions that can last from two to four weeks.
The rash can also be accompanied by a fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. (Dianne Sampang © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
