MARAWI CITY (PIA) — The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Lanao del Sur provided 1,495 medical consultations during the 2025 National and Local Elections as part of its Health Emergency Quick Response Operation.
This operation involved 39 Rural Health Units (RHUs), six hospitals, including Amai Pakpak Medical Center, and 10 field teams deployed to conduct real-time health assessments across the province.
IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang said the operation underscored the readiness of the health sector in the province to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
“Behind every report and statistic is a story of sacrifice—of health workers who left their families, braved the heat, and stood ready to serve our people. This election response reaffirmed the strength of Lanao del Sur’s health sector—not only in managing physical ailments but in safeguarding the dignity, safety, and well-being of the people it serves,” he said.
The Provincial Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRMH) Team operated 24/7, ensuring continuous coordination and monitoring of health-related emergencies.
Dr. Nihaya Macasindil, deputy incident commander, said the top three leading causes of consultations were elevated blood pressure, dizziness, and headache.
A total of eight patients were referred to higher-level care for more serious health concerns, such as trauma and cardiovascular issues.
“These cases were managed by stationed hospital and RHU medical personnel and responders, while a total of eight patients were referred for higher-level care due to more serious conditions, including trauma, cardiovascular symptoms, and vehicular accidents,” she said.
The PHEOC also recorded six fatalities. One case in Piagapo involved a stroke victim who was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Bayang reported two fatalities resulting from multiple gunshot wounds, both of whom were declared dead on arrival. In Maguing, one individual was pronounced dead on arrival due to multiple stab wounds. Butig reported one suspected myocardial infarction (heart attack) fatality, along with another death caused by a gunshot wound.
Despite these incidents, Minalang stated that the overall health emergency response was deemed successful. There were no disease outbreaks or major disruptions to the health system during the election period. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
