DOH logs 300 noncommunicable disease cases during yuletide

The Department of Health said it recorded 300 cases of non-communicable diseases, including stroke, from Dec. 22, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025.

Updated @ 7:08 p.m., Jan. 2, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 300 cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and bronchial asthma from Dec. 22, 2024 – Jan. 2, 2025.

In a press conference on Thursday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said most of the cases involved individuals who suffered due to stroke.

Of the 300 cases in eight DOH sentinel sites, 146 were stroke, 74 were acute coronary syndrome, and 80 were bronchial asthma.

READ: DOH records 3 deaths due to noncommunicable diseases from Dec 22-30

Outside the eight sites, the DOH recorded 140 stroke cases in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) alone and 41 in Tondo Medical Center (Tondo Med).

The two hospitals were among the medical facilities the DOH earlier visited for its monitoring efforts following the holiday festivities.

For acute coronary syndrome, 63 cases were recorded in PGH and eight in Tondo Med.

On the other hand, bronchial asthma cases in PGH reached 46, while cases in Tondo Med is now at 11.

Earlier, the DOH said it was monitoring these cases, especially during the holidays, due to celebrations and health risks from firecrackers’ smoke.

“We all have the exact New Year’s resolution, which is to be healthy so we are reminding the public of our TED campaign — right consumption of food, exercise, and discipline regarding our bodies,” Herbosa said in Filipino in a press conference.

“Regarding discipline, we should avoid stress, sleep for eight hours, and refrain from using vape, drinking alcohol, or taking drugs,” he added.