CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD)-Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon) is placing hospitals and health facilities in the region on Code White Alert from December 29 to January 2 for the New Year’s Eve revelry.
“Ito ay taun-taon nating ginagawa dahil sa inaasahang bilang ng mga naputukan sa pagsalubong sa bagong taon. Bagaman paunti-unti na lang ang mga isinusugod sa ospital kumpara noong mga nakaraang taon ay mabuting nakahanda pa rin tayo (We do this every year because of the expected number of fireworks to welcome the New Year. Although there are fewer and fewer people rushed to the hospital compared to previous years, it is good that we are still prepared),” said DOH-Calabarzon Director and OIC Assistant Secretary of Health Ariel I. Valencia.
Valencia said Code White Alert refers to the readiness of medical personnel in hospitals and health offices to provide necessary health services.
DOH-Calabarzon has recorded four cases of fireworks-related injuries from December 21 to 27, two cases or 67 percent higher compared to the period from 2018 to 2022.
It assured the public that all Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Health (DRRM-H) counterparts at local government units and hospitals are on standby and will activate and maintain the functions of the Operation Center/One Hospital Command (OPCEN/OHCC) round-the-clock from December 29 to January 2.
Valencia assured that health emergency response teams and logistics are ready for deployment this New Year.
He reminded the public against food-borne diseases or food poisoning caused by infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and non-infectious agents (chemicals, animal, and plant toxins) this holiday season.
“We have to be wary of the food we eat, lalo na ‘yung mga pagkain na mabilis mapanis, and if we are uncertain when and how the food was prepared. If food poisoning is suspected, visit the nearest hospital,” Valencia added.
Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
The DOH-Calabarzon advised the public to go to the nearest health facility for immediate medical response in case of fireworks-related health emergencies.