DOH raises Code Blue Alert nationwide amid Typhoon Tino's widespread impact
By Jel Santos
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Citing the extensive impact of Typhoon Tino, the Department of Health (DOH) raised a Code Blue Alert on Thursday, Nov. 6, across all its facilities and operations nationwide.
“Bunsod ng lawak ng epekto ng Bagyong Tino, itinaas ni DOH Sec. Ted Herbosa ang CODE BLUE alert sa mga pasilidad at operasyon ng DOH sa buong bansa (Due to the widespread impact of Typhoon Tino, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa has raised the Code Blue Alert in all Department of Health facilities and operations nationwide),” the agency said in an advisory.
The DOH stated that the decision was made after President Marcos declared a National State of Calamity in response to the typhoon.
Under the Code Blue Alert status, the health department said all its regional offices, and health facilities are placed on heightened alert.
Additional health personnel have been deployed to evacuation centers and temporary health facilities in areas affected by the typhoon, it added.
The agency said that medicines, medical supplies, and mobile response teams have been prepositioned to assist local government units in their response operations.
The DOH said the Operations Center (OpCen) and Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) are now activated to ensure quick coordination for emergency response.
Per the agency, the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMAT), recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), are also on standby for deployment.
“Nakaantabay na rin sa deployment ang tatlong Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) na kinikilala ng World Health Organization (WHO) na may kakayahang magserbisyo bilang outpatient department o magtayo ng pansamantalang hospital tents sa oras ng sakuna (Three Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams, recognized by the World Health Organization, are also on standby for deployment. These teams can operate as outpatient departments or set up temporary hospital tents during disasters),” it stated.