LEGAZPI CITY: The Department of Health (DOH) 5 (Bicol) has extended PHP6.58 million in medical and logistical assistance to local government units (LGUs) impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, internationally known as Trami. This support aims to bolster the health services in the affected regions of Albay and Camarines Sur.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOH-5 mobilized a workforce of 5,232 health personnel across several towns and cities to continue providing essential medical services. The health office distributed a wide range of supplies, including drugs, medicines, collapsible water containers, jerry cans, hygiene kits, aqua tabs, disaster relief tents, face masks, cadaver bags, nutrition commodities, doxycycline medicines, generator sets, water test kits, tetanus toxoid, newborn kits, and elderly kits.

Families housed in evacuation centers were offered free medical consultations, medications, health education, nutrition assessments, and psychosocial interventions. Additionally, evacuees we
re taught how to prepare an oral rehydration solution (Oresol) to combat dehydration from diarrhea. The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Team provided demonstrations on using sanitation granules and inspected evacuation center facilities for cleanliness.

Medical and nutritional check-ups, along with vaccinations for pneumonia, measles-rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria, were administered free of charge to senior citizens and children. Mental health psychosocial support was provided to 12,488 individuals, and health education focused on proper handwashing and senior citizen disease awareness.

Common health issues identified in the evacuation centers included coughs, colds, open wounds and bruises, fever, high blood pressure, skin diseases, loose stools, fungal infections, dizziness, headaches, itchiness, abdominal pain, and boils. Additionally, 192 health facilities reported damage due to the storm.

Medical professionals and members of the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) from Luzon a
nd the Visayas are also on-site, offering medical assistance. This team comprises doctors specializing in pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, and nurses providing medical services and free medications. The medical team is scheduled to remain in Camarines Sur until November 10.