THE Department of Health (DOH) announced on Tuesday, July 22, that ₱211 million worth of emergency medicines and health supplies are prepared for distribution to flood-hit communities nationwide, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said ₱31 million worth of emergency medical logistics have already been deployed to local government units (LGUs) in severely affected areas, including Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, while ₱180 million worth of additional supplies remain on standby for immediate release if needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE AID?
The supplies include essential medicines for common illnesses during disasters, particularly in evacuation centers. Domingo explained that the DOH’s standard package, dubbed CAMPOLAS, contains:
- Cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin—two common antibiotics.
- Mefenamic Acid for pain; Paracetamol for fever;
- Oresol for diarrhea;
- Lagundi for cough and colds, and skin ointments for infections like athlete’s foot, which are now common due to prolonged water exposure
Additionally, hygiene kits, drinking water containers, chlorine tablets, and breastfeeding kits have been prepositioned to prevent disease outbreaks.
MEDICAL TEAMS AND HEALTH ADVISORIES
Domingo said DOH and LGU doctors are conducting rounds in evacuation centers to assist evacuees.
“Our doctors continue to monitor evacuation sites under the President’s directive,” he said.
The DOH also urged residents to heed evacuation warnings to avoid health risks such as drowning and waterborne diseases.
Domingo advised boiling water for at least two minutes when chlorine tablets are unavailable and consulting a doctor after any contact with floodwater.
LEPTOSPIROSIS RISK
The agency reiterated its warning against leptospirosis, a bacterial infection linked to contaminated floodwater.
Early symptoms, which appear one to two weeks after exposure, include fever, muscle and joint pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and dark or discolored urine.
“Leptospirosis can damage the kidneys, lungs, heart, and even the brain. Severe cases may require ICU admission,” Domingo said.