The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Sunday that it deployed 91 additional health workers to assist individuals in need of healthcare in the Bicol region following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine.”
According to the health agency, a total of 39 doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals have been airlifted to the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH), while 52 more personnel will travel by land to join their colleagues at the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center (BRGHGC) in Cabusao, Camarines Sur.
The DOH also noted that ambulances equipped with standard medical supplies, medicines, and equipment will accompany a convoy of passenger buses provided by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The health workers include members of the WHO-recognized Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMAT) from various hospitals, including the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital in Pampanga, the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium in Manila, and the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City.
Additionally, health staff from East Avenue Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, Tondo Medical Center, and Valenzuela Medical Center have also been dispatched.
“Disaster response systems for health are working and in place. The DOH joins the conveyor belt of aid directed by President Marcos Jr. to Bicol and other areas where it is needed. We are serious when we say, ‘bawat buhay mahalaga’ – wala talagang maiiwan,” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.
Meanwhile, DOH Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated on Sunday that an increase in leptospirosis cases is anticipated due to the tropical storm.
He mentioned that while current leptospirosis numbers have decreased, they could rise again in the coming days as many individuals have been exposed to floodwaters.
“In the next two weeks, the DOH will be monitoring the situation as we anticipate leptospirosis cases to increase due to flooding not only in Bicol but nationwide,” he said during a radio interview at Super Radyo dzBB.
