Erap orders Manila hospitals: Be on alert for Zika, dengue

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the six city-run hospitals to be on alert for the Zika and dengue viruses.

Estrada allocated an additional P60 million in funding to boost the capability response of the city hospitals against Zika, dengue and other diseases.

“We have to ensure the safety of Manileños. Hospitals and health centers in the city should always be prepared for any health emergency,” he said.

The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern.

Estrada’s order came after China confirmed its first case of Zika last week.

The mosquito-borne disease has been linked to severe birth defects, mostly in Latin America.

The Department of Health reported that 200,415 dengue cases were recorded in the Philippines last year, with 25,208 of the cases coming from the National Capital Region.

Dr. Regina Bagsic, overall coordinator of the six government hospitals in the city, said Estrada increased the hospitals’ budget by P100 million last year.

Bagsic said the budget was used for the renovation of the hospitals and acquisition of hospital equipment.

“Unlike in the past, we don’t refer the patients to other hospitals for laboratory tests and other medical services,” she said.