Bulacan: The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Bulacan has announced the activation of dengue fast lanes in all government hospitals across the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, the advisory requires state hospitals to establish specific zones or lanes dedicated solely to the assessment and management of suspected dengue patients. These hospitals are instructed to ensure an adequate supply of necessary medical equipment and medications, including intravenous fluids and diagnostic tools, to effectively manage dengue cases.

The advisory also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between hospitals and local health authorities to inform the public about the dengue fast lanes. The initiative aims to encourage early consultation and detection of suspected cases. The PHO stated that these fast lanes are crucial for early detection, prompt treatment, and efficient care of patients, especially during outbreaks.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Luzon indicates that Bulacan currently has the highest number of dengue fatalities in the region this year. From January 1 to February 15, Bulacan recorded seven dengue fatalities, followed by Nueva Ecija with four, Pampanga with two, and Bataan and Tarlac with one each.

In response to the situation, Governor Daniel Fernando issued Memorandum DRF-01132025-035 in January. The memorandum tasks all city and municipal mayors with intensifying preventive measures to control the potential rise of dengue cases in the province. It mandates all local government units (LGUs) to conduct simultaneous and extensive cleanup activities every day in every barangay at 4 p.m., carry out regular search-and-destroy operations on mosquito breeding grounds, encourage early and immediate consultation at health centers or hospitals for dengue symptoms, and maintain clean and unclogged irrigation systems.

Additionally, the LGUs are ordered to conduct massive information dissemination and community forums about dengue to raise awareness among the public.