The local government had the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) are closely collaborating for the put up the registry of people having rare disease to serve as a basis in the crafting of programs that will provide them with the needed interventions to address their needs.
Dr. Samuel Aquino, head of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO), welcomed the establishment of the BGHMC genetic clinic that will allow the early detection of the illnesses of individuals to ascertain whether or not such diseases are rare.
He said that the PDAO will closely work with the BGHMC genetics clinic for the immediate assessment of individuals afflicted with rare diseases applying for the issuance of their PWD identification cards so that those who deserved to be issued such cards will be immediately given to them to serve its purpose.
The PDAO official claimed that the local government was able to issue some 160 PWD identification card to individuals with rate diseases and that the said number is expected to increase with the assistance of the BGHMC genetics clinic which will issue the required medical certificate to persons that are found to be afflicted with rare illnesses for them to be able to avail of the said cards.
For her part, Dr. Mary Erika Orteza, BGHMC geneticist, announced that the genetics clinic is open every Monday to cater to consultations from individuals on their condition for them to be guided on the appropriate interventions that will allow them to hurdle their difficult situation.
She claimed that individuals suffering from rare diseases can be assessed of their condition in the genetics clinic aside from undergoing tests although the same are not yet available in the said hospital.
Orteza is the lone geneticist in Northern Luzon and is one of the 19 geneticists in the entire country serving the needs of a significant portion of the population that are suffering from rare diseases.
She advised individuals to seek consultations with the genetics clinic once they encounter certain health issues and concerns so that their condition could be immediately assessed and appropriate health interventions could be recommended to assist the said persons in addressing their health problems.
According to her, there are some 157 diseases that are classified to be rare that is why it is important for individuals to have their condition assessed to guide medical experts to come out with the appropriate recommendations to address their current situation considering the availability of technology to ascertain their present health situation.
Orteza disclosed that defects could be detected through ultrasound while the fetus is still in the development stage among other tests that will be conducted that is why it is still best for individuals to seek the appropriate medical examination for experts to come out with conclusions on what kind of rare diseases have afflicted them. By Dexter A. See