MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) raised "Code White Alert" and closely monitored a possible increase in leptospirosis cases following widespread flooding caused by continuous rains in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
Code White Alert refers to the readiness of hospitals, particularly general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists, and otorhinolaryngologists (eye, ear, nose, throat specialists) to respond to emergencies at any time.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said that upon the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DOH coordinated with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as part of the government’s continuing response to the effects of flooding.
During a Palace press briefing, Castro said that DOH health facilities remain operational, with adequate supplies in affected Centers for Health Development (CHDs) to ensure readiness to respond to possible health emergencies.
“Sapat ang supply ng gamot para tumugon sa pangangailangan ng mga ospital at lokal na pamahalaan (The supply of medicine is sufficient to meet the needs of hospitals and local governments," Castro said on Wednesday.
The Palace press officer said the DOH Central Office has around 3.1 million doxycycline capsules on standby, while its 17 CHDs also have sufficient supplies of the medicine to meet the needs of hospitals and local government units.
