• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Department of Health-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) Center for Health Development has stepped up preparations for the “Ligtas Christmas” campaign, with pre-assessment visits to hospitals across the region.
Teams visited the Negros Polymedic Hospital, ACE Dumaguete Doctors Inc., and Holy Child Hospital, all in Negros Oriental, and assessed their fast lanes and emergency response systems, ensuring that these facilities are ready to manage the anticipated surge in holiday-related health cases.
“These hospitals were especially checked for their capacity to respond to fireworks-related injuries, road accidents, and life-threatening conditions, like bronchial asthma, stroke, and coronary artery disease,” the DOH-NIR said in a statement Dec. 18.
A simultaneous facility readiness assessment was also conducted at Siquijor Provincial Hospital and Lazi Medicare Community Hospital to likewise evaluate preparedness during the holiday season.
The assessment focused on service delivery, staffing, logistics, and emergency response to ensure that facilities are ready to manage seasonal and high-risk injury patterns, the DOH said.
Similar visits were made to the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital and at Silliman University Medical Center, led by DOH-NIR assistant regional director, Adrian Hort Ramos.
In Bacolod, DOH-NIR regional director, Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, led the assessment at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital to check its holiday surge readiness.
Hospital officials also checked the ongoing renovations of its Emergency Department aimed at enhancing emergency care services.
Hao’s team then proceeded to Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, where officials presented their Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in preparation for managing infectious health threats, aside from routine emergency cases.
“These hospital rounds form part of DOH-NIR CHD’s proactive measures to ensure safer, more prepared, and responsive health facilities during the Christmas season,” Hao said as she stressed their commitment to protecting the health and safety of the public.
“With strong collaboration from our healthcare partners, we’re paving the way for a safe, healthy, and joyful Christmas celebration across Negros Island Region. The DOH-NIR reaffirms its dedication to protecting the community during the holidays by making sure that hospitals are equipped to provide timely and efficient medical services,” she added. | CGC
