DoH readies P33.6M in health supplies

The Department of Health (DoH) said it has already positioned P33.6 million worth of health supplies in 11 regions in preparation for typhoon “Uwan.”

The regions of Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region and Negros Island Region have received a total of P33.6 million worth of health commodities such as medicines and hygiene kits for emergency and disaster response.

In a video message, DoH Secretary Ted Herbosa assured that the agency is fully committed to providing medical assistance to those affected by typhoon “Tino” in Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas and some parts of Mimaropa, even with the expected impact of typhoon “Uwan” in the North, South and Central Luzon.

Herbosa said he also mandated uninterrupted emergency response to the public through proper rotation of health personnel in hospitals and evacuation centers.

“Unaffected areas are on standby because those affected areas are already preparing for the impact of the typhoon, but these unaffected areas, like in Mindanao, must deploy to assist their health personnel in Visayas,” he said in Filipino.

“In Northern Luzon, I’m hoping Metro Manila hospitals will respond,” he added.

Herbosa said he already advised regional offices to stock medicines, fuels for possible power interruption, and to mobilize a schedule of medical personnel.

“There needs to be an important rotation of who will be on duty,” he continued.

Herbosa also reminded the public to heed the advice of the local government units.

“If you need to evacuate, evacuate now. Prepare a ‘Go Bag,’ and very importantly, if you belong in the vulnerable sector, like children or the elderly, it is best to evacuate to a safer location so that you will not be trapped and it will not be difficult for rescue personnel to reach you,” he added.

Typhoon “Uwan” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday evening.