DOH wants to have own emergency supplies

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) wants to acquire and keep its own emergency supplies so that it can act faster and more efficiently during calamities and disasters.

“I think it’s about time we get our own supplies so that we can immediately respond to disasters. We’ll get budget for them,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona said.

He said the agency buys or rents portable toilets, water tanks and tents only when disaster strikes. He said emergency supplies bought by the DOH will be distributed to its regional offices across the country.

DOH Assistant Secretary Romulo Busuego said they rented two water tanks for evacuees comprising 271 families in Barangay Upper Balulang in Cagayan de Oro City.

“When there is an emergency, you’ll be competing with other government agencies and private institution in getting these supplies. These two tanks, for instance, I got it in Davao,” he said.

Everyday, the DOH replenishes each of these tanks with 3,000 liters of potable water.

Busuego added that water and toilet facilities are important elements of relief operations to prevent outbreak of diseases at evacuation centers.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), for its part, said it would set up 1,000 tents for evacuees “in various areas to serve as (their) transitional shelter while waiting for a more settled relocation and shelter.”

The PRC will also distribute some 2,500 hygiene kits each in Cagayan de Oro and in Iligan. A hygiene kit contains towels, bath soap, bottled shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, cotton buds, sanitary napkins and toilet paper.  – With Aurea Calica