MANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Sunday directed the city’s six government hospitals and 59 health centers to prepare for any untoward incidents during the celebration of Christmas up to the welcoming of the New Year.
He also called on parents to give “closer care” for their children and keep them away from firecrackers and the injuries they cause. Estrada also advised those with unstable medical conditions “to avoid intake of too much fatty foods,” and to those who celebrate with wines and liquor to “drink responsibly.”
“This is a time for peaceful, joyful and meaningful celebration for all the families, so everybody must strive to make sure that no untoward incidents will happen to any member of the family,” the mayor said.
“But in case there will be an emergency, our hospitals and health centers are fully prepared and equipped to respond. We have enough doctors, nurses, medicines, and facilities and equipment to give immediate cure and care for our patients,” he added.
Dr. Regina Bagsic, overall coordinator of the six Manila hospitals, said they have intensified preparations for the holidays.
“Our hospitals are ready to handle firecracker injuries. We have stockpiled our supplies. We have enough medical personnel, including doctors, and other emergency teams on standby,” Bagsic said.
The Sta. Ana Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital are manned by about 600 doctors.
