photo: MMDA
Medical teams sent by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the feast of Jesus Nazareno attended to 120 patients since the start of their deployment in Manila on Jan. 7.
Based on the data by the MMDA, 97 of the patients were for the monitoring of blood pressure while 14 others were for minor medical assistance.
On the other hand, a total of nine patients were attended to after suffering deep wounds, including three patients who sought medical assistance from MMDA medical teams on Thursday morning, Jan. 9, or after the start of the procession.
MMDA chairperson Don Artes earlier ordered the deployment of medical teams as early as Jan. 7 in anticipation of the medical assistance as Jesus Nazareno devotees started to flock in Manila.
The MMDA set up a Mobile Command Center and the First Aid Station as the agency expects the influx of devotees who would participate in the religious activity from Wednesday night, Jan. 8 to Thursday, the procession.
photo: MMDA
MMDA personnel also placed plastic barriers as barricades to ensure orderliness of the queue and tents to serve as shade for the devotees. Emergency response is also on standby for those who'll be needing immediate medical attention.
CCTVs are also deployed around the areas where the procession will pass to monitor traffic situations and ensure peace and order, in cooperation with the police.
A total of 1,200 MMDA personnel were deployed to assist in the procession and the agency is expecting more devotees who would seek medical assistance similar to previous years.