ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is advising residents to seek immediate care at Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTC) or district hospitals if bitten by a dog.
As the province grapples with an increasing number of animal bite incidents, totaling 14,632 cases from January to March 2024, health authorities emphasize the urgency of prompt medical attention.
Iloilo boasts 17 ABTCs.
In addition, 13 district hospitals are equipped to manage animal bite cases and administer necessary vaccinations.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO chief, said, “If someone is bitten, they should immediately wash the wound with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes and receive vaccinations at our ABTCs, regardless of the animal’s vaccination status.”
She further explained that a full course of four rabies vaccine doses is required on specific days following the incident.
In 2023, the province recorded 72,805 animal bite cases and five human deaths due to rabies. The recent death in Pototan this first quarter underscores the ongoing risk.
VACCINE SUPPLY CHALLENGES
The IPHO has expressed concerns over vaccine shortages due to the Department of Health’s transition to local government unit (LGU) management, which has affected supply chains.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has allocated P5 million annually for vaccine purchases, but this amount has proven insufficient given the high incidence of animal bites.
Efforts are underway to ensure a 70 to 100 percent vaccination coverage among the local dog population to eradicate rabies. Approximately 21.77 percent of the province’s 324,764 dogs have been vaccinated as of February 29.
Defensor has allocated an additional P8 million this year for 20,150 vials of vaccines, aiming to cover at least 70 percent of the total dog population.
The provincial government, together with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and IPHO, continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership and the strict enforcement of rabies ordinances.
ANIMAL BITE CENTERS
Iloilo’s 17 ABTCs are located in the towns of San Joaquin, Miag-ao, Oton, Pavia, Leganes, Santa Barbara, Alimodian, Zarraga, Maasin, Dueñas, Ajuy, San Dionisio, Lemery, Concepcion, Carles, Banate, and Sara.
On the other hand, the 13 district hospitals where animal bite cases may also be treated are the following:
* Federico Roman Tirador, Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Janiuay
* Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas
* Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial District Hospital in Guimbal
* Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital in Balasan
* Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan
* Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City
* Aleosan District Hospital in Barangay Bancal, Alimodian
* Barotac Viejo District Hospital in Barangay San Lucas, Barotac Viejo
* Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital in Barangay Dalid, Calinog
* Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital in Barangay Poblacion, Ilawod, Lambunao
* San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital in San Joaquin
* Sara District Hospital in Barangay Anoring, Sara
* Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan/PN
