To help strengthen its workforce following an influx of leptospirosis patients due to the onslaught of Typhoon Carina, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Friday, Aug. 9, dispatched a nursing team and volunteers to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).
In a statement, PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard “Dick” Gordon confirmed that 15 medical personnel from PRC’s Health Services and Quezon City Chapter will be on duty 24/7 in NKTI until Aug. 23.
To assist the patients’ relatives, a PRC welfare desk has also been set up in the area.
Meanwhile, Gordon assured NKTI of PRC's all-out support to NKTI Director Rose Marie Liquete.
Gordon also said that the PRC is ready to deploy Medical Tents with Hospital Beds “once the situation or the number of patients further escalates.”
Citing data from the Department of Health (DOH), 67 leptospirosis cases were recorded nationwide from July 14 to 27.
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PRC noted that the NKTI converted its gymnasium into a leptospirosis ward and is “now facing a shortage of medical staff.”
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang advised the public to use proper protection, such as boots and gloves, if they need to wade in contaminated water or floodwater and cannot avoid it.
“There are people who have no choice but to wade in floodwater,” Pang said. “In this case, go to your nearest health center or PRC Chapter and immediately take prophylaxis (an agent used to prevent leptospirosis),” she added.
Since July, the PRC has engaged in health promotion efforts reaching 10,000 individuals, provided health consultations to 1,000 people, and distributed 360 medications along with 5,000 doses of Doxycycline to communities affected by Typhoon Carina in Mega Manila, and Regions I, III, and IV.
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