Photo courtesy of DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development.
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health continues to assist in evacuating high-risk individuals from areas that are facing potential heavy effects of Typhoon Nika (Toraji).
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said that in response to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the department is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) in areas expected to be affected by the typhoon.
They are keenly attending to the evacuation of high-risk individuals, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, young children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with pre-existing conditions, he said.
Health facilities have also been instructed to prioritize the admission of pregnant women at risk of complications, he added.
Herbosa has emphasized, “Ngayon ang tamang oras para maagang mailikas ang mga pamilyang nasa mga lugar na maaaring maapektuhan ng landslide o pagbaha dulot ng bagyong Nika. Nakikipag-ugnayan ang DOH sa mga lokal na pamahalaan para masigurong maagang mailikas ang mga may sakit, mga buntis, bata, senior citizens, at persons with disabilities.”
He pointed out, “Handa ang mga health facility at ospital ng DOH para masigurong tuloy-tuloy ang pagbibigay serbisyo sa kabila ng banta ng bagyo. Manatili po tayong alerto at sumunod sa abiso ng mga awtoridad tungkol sa paglikas habang malayo pa sa kalupaan ang bagyo.”
The health chief urged the public to prepare a “go bag” for each family.
He said suggested items for the go bag include a first aid kit (alcohol, pain relievers, wound cleansers, gauze/bandages, tweezers); medicines (for fever, cough, colds, diarrhea, and maintenance medications for conditions like hypertension and diabetes); a survival kit (flashlight, pocket knife with can opener, short rope, whistle, notebook in a waterproof bag, pencil); and personal items (clean clothes, towels, toiletries, blanket, charger/power bank, and a written list of emergency contacts).
Following Herbosa’s instructions, the DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH CLCHD), through its Provincial DOH Office (PDOHO) Aurora, has initiated emergency response efforts to safeguard public health.
It said PDOHO Aurora had issued timely public advisories to keep residents informed and alert.
The DOH CLCHD also coordinated closely with local stakeholders to strengthen response efforts and prepositioned essential medical supplies, emergency kits, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) commodities in strategic locations.
It added that emergency response teams were activated and evacuation sites were closely monitored, with health assessments conducted for evacuees to address immediate medical needs. (PIA DMD)
