DOH on alert for possible disease outbreaks

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is on heightened alert for possible outbreaks of water and food-borne diseases in areas devastated by Tropical Storm Paeng.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said all DOH units were placed on heightened surveillance against possible outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne illnesses as well as influenza-like illnesses.

“With the help of our local government, we will ensure that health services are unhampered and that our health care facilities are always ready to provide services to patients seeking care,” Vergeire said in mixed English and Filipino.

The DOH previously mobilized over P31 million worth of drugs and medical supplies to regions affected by Paeng.

Over P72.8 million worth of medical commodities are also on standby for mobilization if necessary, Vergeire said.

“Before the storm made landfall the DOH already made preparations because we know many will be affected by Paeng, so millions worth of resources and other commodities were pre-positioned for easy deployment for those in need,” she noted.

Vergeire said the DOH also deployed human resources for health (HRH) to 633 evacuation centers nationwide to ensure the continued provision of essential health care services in typhoon-affected areas.

The HRH is tasked with the conduct of screening and triage of evacuees in evacuation centers, as well as the provision of health, nutrition, medical and psychosocial services.

Rapid health assessments have also been conducted to assess the condition of affected populations.

DOH regional hospitals have been placed on high alert to prepare for immediate deployment or augmentation, as well as to anticipate possible increases in hospital admissions.

All health facilities, including cold chain facilities and equipment, have been placed under close monitoring to ensure continued operations and all health emergency management teams and health emergency personnel in affected areas have also been deployed to actively monitor, report and respond to incidents in their respective areas of responsibility.