BACOLOD City – Provincial government-run hospitals in Negros Occidental are bracing for an increase in medical emergencies.
They are particularly concerned of illnesses that could easily spread due to social gatherings this holiday season, said Dr. Mary Ann Maestral, chief of the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital (TLJPH) in Silay City.
Hospitals are also bracing for road accidents.
So far, Maestral said, there is an increase in cardiovascular-related illnesses such as hypertension, heart attack and stroke. She even cited the increasing number of patients being confined at TLJPH’s intensive care units.
Meanwhile, several district hospitals have so far recorded a drop in firecracker-related injuries compared to last year’s number.
Despite this, Negrenses who are asthmatic, particularly senior citizens, are advised to avoid areas where firecrackers are being used as the smoke generated could trigger an asthma attack.
District hospitals are now on “code white” alert.
Under code white, medical personnel are on an “on-call status for immediate mobilization” to ensure the readiness of hospitals to respond to emergencies such as injuries or poisoning due to firecrackers.
Maestral assured that personnel and supplies are now in place and hospitals are ready for emergencies, as well as post-New Year festivities. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
