ILOILO—Despite a rising number of dengue cases across the province, hospitals in Iloilo are managing the situation effectively, according to Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr.
Defensor recently inspected four provincial hospitals to assess the number of dengue patients currently admitted. He noted a significant decrease in dengue admissions compared to 2023.
The hospitals under review include Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan, Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Janiuay, Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao, and Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital in Calinog.
The Department of Health (DOH) Western Visayas recently issued new guidelines related to hospital admissions for dengue patients in response to the increasing cases in the region. The new guidelines aim to address overcrowding in tertiary and district hospitals.
Defensor’s monitoring showed a reduction of over 50 percent in hospital admissions: from 17 to 11 in Cabatuan, 26 to 11 in Janiuay, 11 to 8 in Lambunao, and 40 to 33 in Calinog.
Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, Medical Officer IV and head of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases unit at DOH Western Visayas, explained that not all dengue cases require hospitalization. The decision depends on the classification of the hospital and whether the patient exhibits warning signs.
According to the new guidelines, patients showing warning signs, as assessed by a doctor, should be admitted to the hospital for case management. Warning signs include abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums and nose, vomiting blood, and fatigue.
Patients without symptoms can be managed as outpatients or treated at home, but they must have regular check-ups at their local Rural Health Unit (RHU).
For those experiencing severe symptoms, the guidelines advise adequate fluid intake as prescribed by doctors and monitoring for any bodily changes, such as urination every six hours.
Defensor stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and preparedness, focusing on three critical areas: availability of IV fluids, dengue test kits, and hospital beds.
The province is currently under a state of calamity due to the surge in dengue cases, which has activated a calamity fund of P13.6 million to purchase medical supplies.
Defensor also underscored the role of community involvement in dengue prevention, urging everyone to adhere to preventive measures and seek medical advice promptly.
