The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed PHP31 million worth of emergency medicines and logistics to flood-affected regions as part of its ongoing disaster response.
In the Presidential Communications Office’s virtual press briefing on Tuesday, DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said the prepositioned supplies are currently being utilized in local government units across Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.
The department also has PHP180 million worth of additional emergency supplies on standby, ready for deployment as needed.
Among the medicines and supplies are antibiotics for infections such as co-trimoxazole and amoxicillin, paracetamol and mefenamic acid for fever and pain, skin ointments for common flood-related skin diseases like fungal infections (alipunga), as well as lagundi-based tablets for coughs and colds, and oral rehydration salts (Oresol) for diarrhea.
Evacuees are also receiving hygiene kits, breastfeeding kits, drinking water containers, and chlorine tablets to purify contaminated water.
Domingo reminded the public to boil water for at least two minutes if chlorine tablets are unavailable to prevent waterborne illnesses.
“Kung tayo man po ay napalusong sa baha kasama po ang ating mga kasamahan sa gobiyerno kasama po ang mga rescuers, andito po ang DOH at mga LGU (local government unit) doctors, puwede po namin kayo resetahan ng prophylaxis para hindi kayo magkaroon ng leptospirosis (If we happen to wade through floodwaters together with our fellow government workers and rescuers, the DOH and LGU doctors are here and can prescribe you prophylaxis to prevent leptospirosis),” he said.
Domingo warned that symptoms of leptospirosis typically appear two weeks after exposure and resemble flu-like illnesses such as fever and muscle pain. More severe signs include jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, and darkened stool as it can affect the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, and even the brain.
The Metro Manila Development Authority and other groups involved in clearing operations are also advised to wear boots and take precautionary medication even if they did not encounter floods, as even soil or mud can contain leptospirosis bacteria.
In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, DOH officials and local government doctors are continuously monitoring evacuation centers to ensure the health and well-being of displaced residents.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa personally visited Marikina on Monday morning, specifically Nangka Elementary School, where 502 families or 2,407 individuals are currently staying, and H. Bautista Elementary School, which houses 603 families or 3,880 evacuees.
He assessed the other needs of the evacuees, including the condition of WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities and the nutritional value of the meals being served, in addition to the emergency commodities already provided by the agency.
The DOH has already distributed essential medicines such as doxycycline (for leptospirosis prevention), maintenance drugs for diabetes and hypertension, antibiotics, cough medicine, first-aid kits, vitamins, and facemasks.
“Coughs and colds are the most common illnesses we’re seeing in these evacuation sites,” Herbosa said.
He advised them to practice frequent handwashing and wear facemasks to prevent the spread of infection.
The DOH said it continues to work closely with LGUs and other government agencies to ensure the safety and health of evacuees as the country responds to severe weather events and their aftermath.
Marcos has issued a firm directive to prepare for all aspects of emergency response this rainy season, especially in flood-prone areas. (PNA)
