DOH tells hospitals: Prepare for El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — As the country continues to prepare for the El Niño phenomenon which is seen to affect most areas nationwide starting this June, the Department of Health (DOH) advised all hospitals and health care facilities to adopt measures to help mitigate its ill effects.

In Department Circular 2023-0183, the DOH said it is imperative for all health care facilities to be prepared for the weather phenomenon to ensure continued service to the public.

“We are advising all government and private hospitals and health facilities to take necessary measures to prepare and ensure resilience in time of El Niño,” said the DOH.

“Hospitals and other health facilities shall prepare their respective institutions to maintain service continuity.”

Signed by DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, the circular said “all health care facilities must maintain an adequate amount of water supply, including safe drinking water that is good for at least 72 hours.”

The DOH also advised all hospitals to coordinate with local water concessionaires to ensure their water reserve allocations; account or procure water storage equipment that are filled up to maximum levels; repair all potential sources of water wastage, such as leaking pipes and faucets and orient all hospital staff members on proper water management strategies.

“Orient hospital staff and initiate applicable water management strategies on storage, reusing and sourcing alternative water sources, reduction of water loss, engineering or piping fixtures preventive maintenance and securing emergency water sources,” the health department said.

It also advised hospitals to anticipate intermittent power supply interruptions by inspecting and maintaining their electrical system in the facility; ensure backup power generation good for at least 48 hours and opt to use equipment with energy saving features.

“Energy saving strategies may also be adopted, such as efficient ventilation, use of daylight and other illumination controls and use renewable energy,” the DOH said.

At the same time, the DOH also advised health care facilities to be prepared for an increase in consultation involving infectious, dermatologic, food and waterborne or systemic illnesses, diseases or disorders brought by prolonged exposure to hot weather, water unavailability or poor water quality.

The DOH said hospitals should orient, update or train relevant staff members on the detection and case management of these illnesses, diseases or disorders while ensuring ample resources, medicines, supplies and equipment such as oral rehydration solutions, antibiotics, anti-spasmodics, paracetamol, intravenous fluids and other essential commodities.