• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Health Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) reported on Thursday, Jan. 16, that the health situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the 22 Kanlaon evacuation centers is now “manageable,” compared to previous weeks.
“What we are now seeing are the usual ailments experienced by evacuees such as colds and cough, as well as fever, which are similar concerns usually being referred to rural health units and health centers,” said Dr. Razzel Nikka Hao, DOH-NIR Regional Director.
Hao said there have been no referrals of any ailments to higher-level facilities or hospitals.
In previous weeks, IDPs mostly complained of acute respiratory infections, among other illnesses.
Hao also noted the absence of water and hygiene-related ailments at this time.
With this development, she said they are now bringing in routine services, such as immunizations and the distribution of supplemental vitamins to malnourished children.
Dr. Hao added that flu vaccines are now available at the evacuation centers for adults, some of whom are complaining of hypertension and diabetes.
Records from the Department of Social Welfare and Development indicate that there are 3,621 families, composed of 11,371 persons, staying inside and outside of evacuation centers as of this time.
Hao also said that they have prepositioned stocks of medicines in each rural health unit near the evacuation centers as part of their preparations for a worst-case scenario. | GB
