Iloilo City offers free chest X-Rays across districts for National Lung Month
In line with the celebration of National Lung Month, the Iloilo City Government is conducting free chest X-ray screenings for city residents aged 15 and above across various district gymnasiums from August 24 to 28, 2026.
The initiative aims to promote early detection and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB), which remains most prevalent among individuals aged 24 to 45 years old. The City Health Office (CHO) emphasizes watching out for the four cardinal signs of TB: a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more, loss of appetite, night sweats, and weight loss.
“Libre ang bulong sa TB. TB is curable and preventable if ang aton mga pasyente willing magpakonsulta kag magkadto, magpangayo sang bulig sa aton mga health centers,” said Estrella Fortuna, Nurse IV, TB Program Coordinator of the City Health Office.
This is carried out by the CHO in partnership with the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI). The schedule are as follows:
* Aug 24 – Molo District – Compania Central Gym
* Aug 25 – Jaro District – M.H. Del Pilar Gym
* Aug 26 – La Paz – La Paz District Gym
* Aug 27 – Lapuz – Libertad-Lapuz Gym
* Aug 28 – Mandurriao – PHHC Blk. 22 Gym
City health records gathered from 15 healthcare facilities, including nine district health centers, two standalone clinics, and four hospitals, show strong progress in local TB control efforts. As of the second quarter of 2026, Iloilo City has logged 1,520 notified cases, or 51 percent of its 2,972 target, while maintaining a 95 percent treatment success rate and managing 23 drug-resistant cases. In 2025, the city recorded 2,840 notified cases out of a 3,004 target, achieving a 93 percent treatment success rate with 42 drug-resistant cases.
Health officials emphasize that TB is fully curable with a standard six-month duration of treatment, while TB preventive therapy is also available as a precautionary measure for high-risk individuals.
“So far ang aton mga pumuluyo sa kada distrito is very receptive when it comes sa pag-screen sa ila. Before kami magkadto sa mga barangay, gina meeting gid na sila nga may ara kita libre chest x-ray. And so far sa aton pag health educate, advocacies sang TB program sa aton mga district health centers, ginapaalintun gid naton sa mga pumuluyo kon ano ka importante nga dapat magpabulong gid sila,” added Fortuna.
Iloilo City residents experiencing TB symptoms or seeking preventive care are encouraged to visit their respective district health centers or participate in the scheduled community screenings. (Iloilo City PIO)
