BACOLOD City – With the spike in water-borne diseases in Negros Occidental this year, the provincial government is considering establishing its own water analysis laboratory for a faster and cheaper way of detecting any water-borne diseases across the province.
Dr. Girlie Pinongan, head of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), said the plan was hatched after representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) visited the province last week.
WHO and DOH representatives also conducted an onsite inspection of local government units (LGUs) that have recently been affected by water-borne diseases such as cholera.
Pinongan said the health officials visited Talisay City and E.B. Magalona town, that both recorded high numbers of cholera cases this year.
As part of efforts to contain the spread of water-borne diseases, Pinongan has advised the local health units to conduct monthly water analysis of water sources in the communities.
However, most LGUs are having a difficult time conducting real-time analysis of water samples as they have to bring it to private laboratories in this capital city.
The proposal to establish a water analysis laboratory has already been forwarded to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The PHO head added they are looking at utilizing their district hospitals so that every district in the province can easily test water samples. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
