DoH raises code blue alert in metro, prompts hospitals for 24-hour duty

Veterans’ Memorial Medical Center. RADYO INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health Center for Health Development in the National Capital Region has raised a code blue alert Tuesday due to evacuations caused by massive floods in Metro Manila.

The said alert prompts all government hospitals and health facilities in Metro Manila to prepare for emergencies due to the “continuing inclement weather brought about by the southwest monsoon.”

Under the Code Blue alert, medical personnel will go on 24-hour duty and will prepare medicines and medical supplies for distribution and use in emergency cases.

Regional director Eduardo Janairo said the “community Health Teams (CHTs) will be visiting LGUs (local government units) to provide medical assistance to residents affected by flood. Leptospirosis prophylaxis will also be given to residents in evacuation centers to avert possible spread of leptospirosis in the area.”

“The CHD—Special Medical Action Response Team (S.M.A.R.T.) and the Regional Health Emergency Management Service (RHEMS) will be coordinating with Pag-asa, NDRRMC and various local government units to continue providing support and alerting affected LGUs,” he added.