Only 4 still in hospital

CEBU, Philippines — Over 126 delegates have been given medical attention since their arrival for the Palarong Pambansa 2024. However, only four of them are currently still confined in the hospital while some are under observation.

This according to the figures provided to The FREEMAN yesterday by the sporting event’s medical head, Dr. Rhoel Dejaño.

Of the total number of delegates who needed medical assistance, there were a total of 23 delegates admitted, with seven of them positive for dengue. As of press time, only four are left in the hospital.

Department of Education Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas, also Palarong Pambansa’s secretary general, said in yesterday’s press conference at the Cebu City Sports Center that they received good feedback from the delegations regarding hospitalizations.

DepEd and the Palaro organizing committee are in constant coordination with the City Health Office, according to Bringas.

“We are still in constant coordination with the City Health Office when it comes to health status of our athletes and part of our delegations and very responsive ang ating City Health Office including the hospitals that are receiving our athletes who need hospitalization,” Bringas added.

Cebu City Palaro’s infirmary has also made a very good impression. The infirmary can handle some medical procedures that can only usually be done in a hospital.

“As we all know, the safety of our athletes is, of course, the most important and we’re very happy that for the past year we have been preparing on the medical team sides,” Cebu City Sports Commission chairman John Pages said.

Over 600 medical practitioners are helping out in over 30 playing venues and 20 billeting quarters. They aren’t only from Cebu but also from Manila.

Athletes get treated for injuries usually to sternum muscles or ligaments. They also need rehab and physical therapy among others.

Dejaño, an Olympic doctor during the 2016 Rio Olympics, said it is important to talk to the athletes and give them the much-needed morale booster. Athletes also get some counseling or pep talk after treatment, especially those who are not allowed to play anymore for the rest of the Palaro so as not to aggravate their injuries.

Palaro organizers are hoping that no serious cases will happen in the remaining days of the multi-sporting event.

“We are hoping that there will be no serious cases but I believe our medical team is on top of the situation,” Pages said. (CEBU NEWS)