DOH-Cordillera monitors hospitals’ preparedness for firecracker injuries

PREPAREDNESS. Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region officials conduct hospital visits to assess readiness for firecracker-related emergencies. The inspections have covered Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Benguet General Hospital, Saint Louis University-Sacred Heart Medical Center and Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital. (Photo courtesy of DOH-CAR FB)

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) inspects hospitals in Baguio City and Benguet province to ensure preparedness for firecracker-related injuries leading to the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Eight cases have been reported from Dec. 21 to 28. Baguio City accounted for the highest number of cases so far with four injuries.

Jenee Austria, chief of DOH-CAR’s Communications Management Unit, said Saturday that health officials are visiting and monitoring hospitals to check on their readiness and medical supplies for emergency cases.

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Inspected facilities include Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Benguet General Hospital, Saint Louis University-Sacred Heart Medical Center and Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital.

Similar inspections are ongoing in Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province.

Recent cases included a 17-year-old male from Sagada, Mountain Province, who suffered blast and burn injuries requiring amputation due to the firecracker “labintador,” while a 10-year-old male from Balbalan, Kalinga was injured by the illegal “boga” (improvised cannon).
“Boga” has caused the most injuries and burns.

Meanwhile, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has confiscated 17 “boga” and P13,250 worth of illegal firecrackers across various villages.

BCPO Director Col. Ruel Tagel reminded parents to prioritize safety by discouraging firecracker use.

Firecracker sale and use are prohibited in this city.