MANILA, Philippines — Police hospitals are preparing to combat the spread of the mosquito-borne disease after the government declared a national dengue epidemic in the country, Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.
“Nagpalabas na ng kautusan ang ating Chief PNP, PNP Gen. Oscar Albayalde sa ating health service ang agarang paghahanda ng buong PNP sa paglaban ng sakit ng dengue,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“At inatasan din ang buong health service, PNP health service to fully cooperate with local hospitals sa mga regions para maitaas ang awareness laban sa sakit ng dengue,” Banac added.
PNP also ordered hospitals and health centers in police regional offices to check on the health of police personnel and their families, Banac said.
“Ganun din [sa] ang lahat ng police regional offices nationwide, tingnan ang lahat ng kalusugan ng PNP personnel maging ang kanilang pamilya upang hindi magkasakit at hindi maapektuhan ang trabaho,” Banac said.
The PNP spokesman said PNP’s health centers and hospitals are also prepared to offer blood donations for dengue patients.
PNP also implemented a “4 ‘o clock fumigation scheme” in all police camps and facilities nationwide to fight against the spread of the disease, Banac said.
When asked if PNP hospitals will render services for civilians, Banac said they have limited spaces but they can give medical assistance to infected civilians in case of emergencies.
“Unfortunately, kakaunti rin ang spaces sa PNP hospital. Kung merong emergency maaaring tumakbo sa PNP General Hospital para paunang lunas para dun sa magkakasakit,” Banac said.
Banac noted that so far, there are no police officers infected by dengue.
Health Chief Francisco Duque III said 622 deaths and 146,062 cases were recorded from January to July 20 this year which is 98 percent higher than the number of cases recorded in the same period in 2018. /je
READ: DOH declares national dengue epidemic