DOH readies P8 M in health supplies in Bicol ahead of Typhoon Uwan
By Jel Santos
(MB FILE PHOTO)
As Typhoon Uwan threatens to bring heavy rains over parts of Luzon, the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol has prepositioned nearly P8 million worth of medicines, medical equipment, and emergency supplies across the region to ensure immediate health response.
“Bukod sa pagtama ng bagyong Uwan sa Northern at Central Luzon, inaasahan na magdadala rin ng mabigat na pag-ulan ang bagyo sa Bicol region dahil sa lawak ng bagyo (Aside from Typhoon Uwan hitting Northern and Central Luzon, the typhoon is also expected to bring heavy rains over the Bicol Region because of its wide circulation),” the DOH said on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The agency said the P7.9-million stockpile includes medicines, medical equipment, surgical masks, family hygiene and dignity kits, slim water containers, breastfeeding kits, and a 4,000-liter water tanker for emergency use.
Also, the DOH said its regional office is also on alert for possible outbreaks of leptospirosis, diarrhea, and other water-borne diseases that often follow flooding.
“Tinututukan din ng DOH Bicol ang posibleng pagtaas ng kaso ng leptospirosis, diarrhea, at iba pang water-borne diseases (The DOH Bicol is closely monitoring possible increases in leptospirosis, diarrhea, and other water-borne diseases),” the agency said.
Regional Health Emergency Response Teams are likewise on standby to assist local governments, it added.
To ensure prompt delivery of aid, health departments said it continues to coordinate with local government units (LGUs), provincial health offices, and disaster-risk offices for the swift distribution of supplies and immediate medical response.
Meanwhile, the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) has been activated to align DOH operations with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Under the new setup, the agency said the DOH Central Office will serve as the primary Emergency Operations Center to maintain a single line of coordination during health-related emergencies.
The national PHEOC, composed of five sections, is led by DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa as Responsible Officer and Assistant Secretary Gloria Balboa as Incident Manager.