(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
During Christmas season
TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Health (DOH) has placed all 51 government-run hospitals, 36 private hospitals, and two DOH-retained hospitals in Eastern Visayas under Code White alert starting December 16.
This heightened alert ensures medical personnel and supplies are on standby to address potential holiday-related emergencies, including firecracker injuries, communicable diseases, and road crashes.
The measure is part of the DOH’s expanded “Ligtas Christmas, Iwas Paputok” campaign, which promotes fire safety, health precautions, and disaster preparedness through its key components: “Healthy Handaan,” “BiyaHealthy,” and “Iwas Paputok.”
Hospitals on Full Preparedness
The code white alert mobilizes hospital staff to remain ready for emergencies during the busy holiday season. The DOH has inspected facilities across the region to assess their preparedness and ensure the availability of necessary medical supplies, including medicines and first-aid kits.
“Having hospitals on code white alert is a critical step in ensuring immediate response to holiday-related cases,” said DOH-8 Assistant Regional Director Dr. Catherine Miral.
Broader Monitoring
This year, the DOH is expanding its surveillance efforts to include not just firecracker-related injuries but also cases of communicable diseases and road crashes, which are common during the holiday season.
“During Christmas, people often overlook the importance of proper diet and safety precautions,” Dr. Miral said. “We also remind everyone to prioritize safety when traveling to spend the holidays with their families.”
The DOH noted a sharp increase in firecracker-related injuries in recent years, from zero cases in 2020 to 31 in 2023. The agency expects cases to rise during the New Year celebrations and urges the public to adopt safer alternatives.
To minimize accidents, the DOH recommends the following: use noisemakers like horns or sound-emitting devices instead of firecrackers; attend community fireworks displays rather than setting off firecrackers at home; and avoid handling unexploded firecrackers; use a dustpan for safe disposal.
For those injured by firecrackers, the health department advises seeking immediate medical attention.
“Let’s celebrate Christmas and the New Year responsibly and safely,” Dr. Miral emphasized.
The DOH’s comprehensive approach aims to ensure a safer and healthier holiday season for all.
ROEL T. AMAZONA
