• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
An increase in respiratory cases has been observed in evacuation centers, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan.
She disclosed that evacuees have been asking for medicines for cough, flu, and fever, which has victimized both children and adults.
The effects of the Kanlaon volcano eruption and the length of the stay of internally displaced persons (IDPs) at evacuation centers, has been blamed for the rise in respiratory cases, especially in La Castellana.
Pinongan said a team of health workers from the Provincial Health Office were dispatched to La Castellana, to assist the town’s health personnel.
She added that she also sought the help of the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, to dispatch their medical personnel to the evacuation centers, while the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital also offered their help.
On the other hand, the DOH Negros Island Region also sent their health workers to the affected areas of the Kanlaon eruption.
Pinongan also said that they are regularly conducting consultations with evacuees to ensure that they are healthy.*
