MANILA, Philippines (PNA) — The Department of Health (DOH) announced Tuesday that all government hospitals and health facilities in Manila Metro are placed under code blue alert amid continuing inclement weather brought about by southwest monsoon (habagat), causing severe floodings in the metropolis.
Under a code blue alert, all medical personnel will be on a 24-hour duty, hospitals and community health units are prepared to accept an influx of casualties. Medicines and medical supplies are also ready to be distributed to affected residents.
DOH-Center for Health Development–National Capital Region Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo said community health teams would be dispatched to local government units (LGUs) to provide medical assistance to residents affected by the flood.
“Leptospirosis prophylaxis will also be given to residents in evacuation centers to avert possible spread of leptospirosis in the area,” Janairo said.
“The CHD-Special Medical Action Response Team (S.M.A.R.T.) and the Regional Health Emergency Management Service (RHEMS) will be coordinating with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), NDRRMC and various LGUs to continue providing support and alerting affected local LGUs,” Dr. Janairo added.
The DOH operation centers (DOH-OPCEN) will also be operating on a 24/7 basis. Close coordination with LGUs, emergency and disaster units and also with the Armed Forces are being effected to handle possible calamities, Janairo said.
“I strongly advise residents of affected areas, especially those already submerged in floods, to coordinate with your respective LGUs and evacuate immediately for their safety and that of their family. Let us all make our lives our priority during this time of calamity,” said Janairo.
Meanwhile, Dr. Eric Tayag, DOH assistant secretary and spokesperson, said that for those exposed in contaminated flood waters, doxycycline 200 mg taken for a week can prevent leptospirosis.
Tayag however advised the public, especially those who wade in flood waters, to consult physicians before taken this medicine.
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