FAQS

Yes. TB can be cured and prevented. It can be cured completely by taking the prescribed medicine and attending check-ups for at least 6-8 months. This treatment is called the Directly-Observed Treatment, Short-Course (DOTS) or Tutok-Gamutan. DOTS is approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and available in all Southeast Asian countries.

TB treatment is affordable in public hospitals, clinics, and health centers under the National Tuberculosis Control Program.

All Filipinos can get tested and treated at any PTSI center. PTSI currently operates 8 chest clinics and dispensaries and 2 multidrug-resistant TB centers across the country.

PTSI accepts appointments, walk-ins, and referrals.

TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings. You cannot get TB just by shaking hands, touching linens and clothes, and kissing with an infected person. However, it can spread more easily in crowded places with no fresh air and sunlight.

Not everyone with TB is infectious. People with latent TB and TB outside the lungs (extrapulmonary TB), as well as children with TB, cannot spread it.

Anyone can get TB. When a healthy person is infected with the TB bacteria, it may start out as TB infection or latent TB. Latent TB does not cause symptoms and cannot be spread. When a person with a weak immune system is infected with TB, it may lead to TB disease or active TB. Active TB causes symptoms, is contagious, and can lead to death.

People most at risk for TB include those with HIV, weakened immune systems, and diabetes. Other vulnerable people are the elderly, smokers, and close contacts of TB patients, such as family members and health workers.

If a patient stops taking their medicine before the treatment period ends, the TB bacteria in their body can become stronger and more resistant to drugs. This may lead to MDR-TB, which is harder to treat.

A person with TB must take all their medications as prescribed by their doctor. They should never stop treatment early. Patients must inform their doctor if they cannot take their medications or have plans that could disrupt their treatment, such as travel.

Healthcare providers can help prevent MDR-TB by quickly diagnosing cases, following recommended treatment guidelines, monitoring their patients, and making sure treatment is completed.

Avoid exposure to known MDR-TB patients in crowded places such as hospitals and prisons. If you work in places where there are likely to be TB patients, consult with infection control or health experts so you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself. This could include using personal respiratory protective equipment.

BCG (short for bacillus Calmette-Guerin) is a TB vaccine given to infants and small children. It can protect against severe extra-pulmonary TB, such as TB meningitis and miliary TB (TB of the bloodstream) in childhood. However, it cannot completely protect against pulmonary TB, the main form of TB affecting the lungs.

PTSI is the Philippines' pioneer non-government organization dedicated to tuberculosis prevention, treatment, and research. Founded in 1910, we have been serving Filipinos for over a century through chest clinics, dispensaries, training programs, and advocacy initiatives.

PTSI envisions a TB-free Philippines. Our mission is to provide quality TB care, promote prevention and education, support research, and collaborate with communities and government agencies to reduce the burden of tuberculosis in the country.

PTSI's National Office is located at the Quezon Institute Compound, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City. We also operate chest clinics and dispensaries in various locations across the Philippines.

PTSI welcomes partnerships with government agencies, private organizations, healthcare institutions, and community groups. You can reach out through our Partnerships page or contact us directly to discuss collaboration opportunities in TB control and patient support.

PTSI offers a comprehensive range of TB services including diagnosis, treatment, DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course), chest X-ray, laboratory services, sputum microscopy, drug susceptibility testing, and patient counseling and support.

PTSI supports affordable TB care in partnership with the National Tuberculosis Control Program. Many TB diagnostic and treatment services are provided at low cost or free of charge for eligible patients. Contact your nearest PTSI center for specific details.

Yes, PTSI centers accept walk-in patients, appointments, and referrals. Our clinics operate during regular hours, and patients can visit for consultation, screening, and follow-up care. We recommend checking the operating hours of your preferred clinic.

Yes, PTSI provides diagnostic services such as sputum microscopy, chest X-ray, and other laboratory examinations needed for TB screening and monitoring. These services are available at select PTSI centers and clinics.

PTSI offers training programs for healthcare workers, community volunteers, and partner organizations on TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, DOTS implementation, infection control, and patient education. These programs help strengthen local TB control capacity.

PTSI training programs are open to physicians, nurses, midwives, barangay health workers, community volunteers, and other individuals involved in TB care and prevention. Specific training eligibility may vary depending on the program.

You can contact PTSI's Training Unit at 0956-524-5904 or email ptsi.training@philtbsociety.org for information on upcoming training schedules, registration requirements, and fees.

Yes, PTSI can develop and conduct customized training programs tailored to the needs of healthcare facilities, local government units, and partner organizations. Contact the Training Unit to discuss your specific training requirements.