I know how difficult and emotionally gruesome it is to be diagnosed with Hepatitis B. What makes it even worse is the limited knowledge and information known to many and the stigma associated w/ the disease.
Fear no more because we have the resources and knowledge we need. We have first line of treatment available in PH and access to laboratories and various test.
How about local employment?
"Currently, many job applicants who are Hepatitis B surfgface antigen (HBsAg) positive are declared unfit for work
without appropriate medical evaluation and counseling. These individuals are otherwise healthy and can be gainfully
employed. Becaise the workplace is part of the larger community of Filipinos fighting the Hepatitis B epidemic,
strategies need to be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of Hepatitis B in the workplace and eliminatre
discrimination against Hepatitis B positive workers."
Source: DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT, DEPARTMENT ADVISORY NO. 05 Series of 2010 entitled: GUIDELINES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A WORKPLACE POLICY AND PROGRAM ON HEPATITIS B
Hepatology Society of the Philippines Policy Statements:
POLICY STATEMENTS
Policy Statement 1
A positive Hepatitis B surface antigen result should not be a basis to discriminate, restrict, or disqualify a job applicant from being gainfully employed. A Hepatitis B positive applicant should not be declared unfit to work and denied employment without appropriate medical evaluation and counseling.
Policy Statement 2
Hepatitis B screening in the pre-employment setting should NOT be made mandatory. Screening for hepatitis
B should be performed only if applying for occupations known to be at high risk for transmission of hepatitis B in the workplace. No screening is recommended for low risk occupations.
As indicated above, no one should be deprived of work just because of Hepa B positivity. You have the full support of DOLE and HSP together with DOH to achieve your dream of landing a job. Luckily, one of the author of the said policy/ guidelines happened to be my gastro physician whose clinic is based in NKTI and New Era Hospital. Just in case you need help and support with your Hepatitis B condition, screening, treatment as well as guidance on work he may be able to help you. Just send me a message for clinic hours and schedules.
God bless everyone!