The Department of Health (DOH) has prepositioned PhP31 million worth of emergency medicines and logistics as part of a comprehensive public health response to safeguard the well-being of Filipinos affected by widespread flooding.
In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the supplies are already being utilized by local government units (LGUs) in the affected regions, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Sa utos po ng ating Pangulo, mayroon na po tayong PhP31 na milyong pisong halaga ng mga emergency medicines and logistics na naka-preposition at malamang ginagamit na po sa mga local government units sa Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Central Visayas at Northern Mindanao,” Domingo said.
The DOH has also prepared PhP180 million worth of standby emergency medical supplies, including antibiotics, fever and pain relievers, oral rehydration salts, and herbal remedies such as lagundi.
“Mayroon din pong mga hygiene kits, mga drinking water containers at mga chlorine tablets para huwag tayong uminom ng kontaminadong tubig at mayroon ding breastfeeding kits para sa ating mga nanay,” Domingo added.
DOH medical teams and LGU health workers are now rotating through evacuation centers to administer medicines, monitor conditions, and prevent potential disease outbreaks.
Domingo emphasized the importance of early prophylaxis for leptospirosis, particularly for individuals who had contact with floodwaters.
“Kahit wala pa ho tayong nararamdaman na sintomas basta ho dumaplis sa balat natin iyong tubig-baha … kumunsulta ho tayo kasi iyong gamot puwede naman hong ibigay nang libre sa ating mga government health center,” Domingo said.
The DOH advised the public to boil drinking water for at least two minutes, avoid contact with floodwaters, and wash thoroughly after exposure to floodwaters. Early signs of leptospirosis include fever, muscle aches, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has been visiting evacuation centers, starting in Marikina, to monitor health conditions.
“Ang karaniwang sakit po ngayon ay ang ubo at saka sipon dala na rin po nang pabagu-bago na panahon,” Domingo noted.
“Ang DOH ay nandito po para sa inyo,” Domingo said. | PND
