Duque: Gov’t hospitals ready to take in patients with firecracker-related injuries

Screengrab from Kapihan sa Manila Bay video interview.

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday said government hospitals are prepared for patients with firecracker-related injuries amid the pandemic this New Year.

Duque made rounds in the Quezon Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) in Quezon City a few hours before New Year’s eve to ensure the preparedness of the hospital’s emergency rooms. He also met some of the doctors, nurses, and medical staff.

“They are fully prepared to manage whatever emergencies… We see that the ERs [emergency rooms] of the hospitals — Jose R.Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, and Quezon Memorial Medical Center — everybody is ready to provide quality emergency care,” said Duque.

“We have seen the levels of preparation. It has become better each year, there is evidence of improvement and progress in the way things are being provided, the care,” he added.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC), which is composed of the 17 mayors in Metro Manila, recently imposed a resolution banning the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Aside from preventing firecracker-related injuries in 2021, the decision was made to ensure that the public will follow the COVID-19 health protocols, especially physical distancing, whilst celebrating the upcoming year.

DOH reported a 35 percent decrease in firecracker-related injuries in January. According to the health department’s data, there were only 164 documented cases nationwide, 87 cases lower than the 251 cases reported last year.

JPV