ILOILO CITY – The 12 government-run hospitals in Iloilo province are on “code white” alert starting Monday until November 2 in preparation for any health-related incidents that may occur during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
In an interview, Ma. Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, Provincial Health Office I, said they have already directed all the hospitals to ensure readiness, so they could provide quick medical response during this period.
“Our personnel, even if they are off-duty, should be on standby in case that there will be influx of patients and there is a need for augmentation,” she said.
Quiñon said the alert status requires all hospitals to be ready in terms of medicine, supplies and equipment.
As much as they do not want any untoward incident to happen, Quiñon said their preparations would ensure them to deliver well and perform their duties to save lives especially people who travel to their respective hometowns during this season.
On November 1 and 2, some municipal health officers and barangay health workers (BHWs) will be deployed in cemeteries to provide immediate assistance in case of emergency.
She reminded workers to bring their first-aid kits, necessary medical equipment and ensure that an ambulance will be on standby.
Meanwhile, Quiñon is reminding the public, particularly those who will visit their loved ones in cemeteries, to avoid bringing food that would easily spoil.
She also advised to bring water, so they could rehydrate if ever they will be exposed under the heat of the sun.
“Make sure that the food we bring are safe. Those who prepare the food should ensure that they have clean hands to avoid contamination of the food,” she said, adding to bring medicines especially those who have maintenance medication for high blood. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)