By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Department of Health (DOH) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the department is ready to aid oil spill-affected areas in Oriental Mindoro.
Vergeire personally inspected the health and evaluation centers in the province on Sunday, March 5.
“This recent incident calls for a whole-of-government approach, and with the environment being a major determinant of the health of our people, the DOH is working closely together with other concerned national government agencies and local government units to mitigate the effects of the oil spill to the affected communities,” Vergeire said.
“Over the last few days, we have been extending support to ensure that the immediate needs of the affected communities are properly addressed.” she added.
The DOH distributed emergency inhalation, first aid, and protective equipment, as well as hazmat suits to frontline responders.
The Oriental Mindoro Provincial Government received additional medicines, masks, nebulizers, oxygen concentrators, and other health supplies from DOH.
The available stockpiles were pooled from health facilities, including Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Tondo Medical Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, and National Kidney and Transplant Institute.
“Pinapaalalahanan ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang mga mamamayan ng kung ang lugar ng oil spill ay malapit sa inyong tirahan, mas mainam kung tayo ay humanap ng pansamantalang matitirahan habang ito ay hindi pa nakakalap,” Vergeire said.
“Sa pagkakataong tayo ay hindi nakalikas: Huwag lumangoy sa mga lugar na apektado ng langis; iwasang madikit sa sediment, buhangin, lupa, o mga bagay na kontaminado ng langis; huwag gumamit ng tubig na kontaminado ng langis para sa pagkonsumo ng mga tao o hayop; at huwag kumain ng isda, molusko, at iba pang pagkaing-dagat na nahuli sa lugar malapit sa oil spill.” -gb
