DOH to help provide medical assistance

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health in Central Visayas-7 has signified its willingness to assist the Cebu City government and the Augustinian community in providing assistance to the public in facilitating health services during the offsite religious and cultural activities this week.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, cluster head of DOH-7 Health Emergency Management Staff, told The Freeman yesterday that some of the agency's personnel will be added to the number of health officers or medical practitioners that will man medical stations.

He said DOH has committed to help the medical stations along the route of the solemn procession this Saturday.

DOH itself will establish a station at its regional office along Osmeña Boulevard.

Blanco said the agency is coordinating with the city government closely through the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office so DOH will know the areas it can provide help for.

He said CCDRRMC said before it may lack manpower during the big events in the Sinulog like the solemn procession and the Grand Parade the following day.

As agreed initially, the Cebu City's disaster-control unit has owned the responsibility in providing assistance at the basilica in downtown Cebu City for the series of Masses for the nine-day novena leading to the feast day on January 15.

Blanco said concerned stakeholders, especially response and relief units, will convene today for another coordination meeting to finalize preparations and evaluate capacities for the upcoming big events.

Aside from services provided by the government, Blanco said they are also getting help from volunteers of local foundations or non-government organizations and medical personnel from private hospitals that will also share their stockpiles of first aid kits or medicines and equipment like ambulances.

He said DOH is ready to make available its emergency stockpile of medicines if needed. — May B. Miasco and Rexy Quennie A. Engle (FREEMAN)