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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH assures 'uninterrupted' healthcare services despite El Niño threat

DOH assures 'uninterrupted' healthcare services despite El Niño threat

Hospitals nationwide remain up and running, says Herbosa

Published Mar 11, 2024 07:18 am

The Department of Health (DOH) assured the public and President Marcos Jr. that hospitals nationwide will remain operational despite the challenges caused by the El Niño.

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In a statement, DOH officials reaffirmed their commitment to providing uninterrupted healthcare services while emphasizing their collaboration with other government agencies to address potential disruptions.

"We are ready for El Niño. Our hospitals will stay up and running despite anticipated power and water challenges. There are contingency plans in place,” DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said on Sunday, March 11.

Meanwhile, DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau-Response Division Dr. Juan Javier Garchitorena provided a report to the presidential Task Force El Niño, detailing the coordination efforts with partner agencies to prioritize healthcare facilities facing water and energy security issues.

“We have endorsed to partner national government agencies a list of health facilities with issues on water and energy security for guidance and possible agreement on the prioritization of these facilities in cases of water shortage and power outage,” Garchitorena said.

The DOH's proactive measures align with President Marcos' directive for a "whole-of-government approach" to mitigate El Niño's impact, the DOH said.

Moreover, Executive Order No. 53, signed on Jan. 19, 2024, directs the government to develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan for El Niño and La Niña, with Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. leading the task force, supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum.

The DOH noted that other key officials designated to the task force include Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Secretary of Agriculture Francis Tiu Laurel Jr., Herbosa, and Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Arsenio M. Balisacan.

As El Niño peaks, the DOH said that it continues to collaborate with healthcare facilities nationwide to enhance preparedness and ensure the resilience of the healthcare system in facing environmental challenges.

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