The Department of Health (DOH) is actively evaluating the preparedness of hospitals across Eastern Visayas to handle a range of health emergencies during the holiday season. This includes readiness to treat injuries from blasts, accidents related to holiday festivities, and health issues stemming from excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. Assistant Regional Director Catherine Miral emphasized the importance of hospitals being equipped to respond swiftly, ensuring they have sufficient medical supplies and staff on hand.
The region, which includes 51 government and 36 private hospitals spread across six provinces, is gearing up for potential health challenges. The DOH’s ‘Ligtas Christmas’ campaign is promoting healthier choices during the festive season, advising the public to moderate their intake of sweets, salt, and fats amidst numerous holiday gatherings.
For the first time, the DOH will also monitor health issues arising from unhealthy diets and holiday-related incidents, such as road accidents and violence at parties, in addition to firecracker injuries. Roderick Boyd Cerro, head of the regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, highlighted the risks associated with overindulgence in unhealthy foods and alcohol consumption.
Hospitals are directed to keep an eye on cases of acute stroke and acute coronary syndrome, both linked to diets high in sweets, salt, and fats. Additionally, they are to report on bronchial asthma cases, which can be exacerbated by smoke from fireworks. The DOH encourages the use of safer alternatives like trumpets and horns for festive noise, rather than firecrackers.
Last year saw a significant increase in blast injuries, with 32 cases reported, up from just six the previous year, attributed to the return of unrestricted holiday celebrations post the three-year pandemic restrictions.