DOH gives P2.2-M meds to C. Luzon flood victims

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Aug 16, 2012-The Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Region 3 (DOH-CHD-3) has distributed P2,194,687.94 worth of drugs and medicines to Central Luzon flood victims. 

“Drugs distributed include doxycyline to prevent leptospirosis and medicines for colds, cough, fever and other common illness,” Health Director Leonita Gorgolon said. 

The distribution is in line with the health department’s continuous monitoring and assistance to flood victims by deploying Medical Response Teams (MRTs) from the regional office of the DOH-CHD3 and from the Provincial Health Team Offices to the affected areas. 

“MRTs are organized to assess different evacuation centers and damage to affected health facilities and other public health activities since the onset of the monsoon rains last week,” Gorgolon said. 

“MRTs include doctors, nurses and sanitary engineers who conduct rapid assessment of the situation in evacuation centers and assist local health officials in rendering health services to the evacuees such as supplemental immunization, health education and consultations,” she added. 

Duties of MRTs also include monitoring of Water and Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) and proper waste disposal. 

CHD3’s Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) has been on a 24-hour operation since August 7. 

Gorgolon said, HEMS, led by Regional Coordinator Evelyn David is continuously coordinating with the Provincial Health Team Offices (PHTOs) of the DOH-CHD3, Provincial Health Offices (PHOs) of the different Provinces, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center (PDRRMC) of affected areas. 

The regional director also coordinated with DOH retained hospitals to assist local government units (LGUs) in conducting medical consultations in evacuation centers. 

Based on the reports received by DOH, there are 46 evacuation centers in the province of Bulacan, 29 in Tarlac and 25 in Pampanga. 

To reinforce the provision of assistance to affected areas, Gorgolon issued a regional order designating members of the CHD-3 Management Committee as focal person in different provinces.