Defensor seeks to harness Ilonggos’ generosity for dengue patients

ILOILO – With dengue cases rising, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has appealed for donations that the provincial government could use to address the needs of district hospitals treating those suffering from the illness.

He particularly mentioned the need for folding beds because hospitals were running out of beds.

“We are asking, we are accepting donations from the public,” said Defensor.

The governor also appealed for medicines.

Records from the Hospital Management Office (HMO) of the provincial government showed that as of July 9, out of 1,869 patients confined in 11 district hospitals and one provincial hospital, 788 were dengue patients.

The combined authorized bed capacity of the province’s hospitals, however, is only 590.

Meanwhile, according to the Provincial Health Office, from Jan. 1 to June 29 suspected dengue cases totaled to 4,306, including 20 deaths. This is 777 percent higher than the 491 cases during the same period last year.

According to Defensor, Ilonggos are kindhearted people as shown by the help they extend to people in need during disasters.

On July 5, Defensor declared a dengue calamity.

“Kon may bagyo, damo nagadonar sang relief goods. Actually, may kalamidad kita subong,” he stressed.

On Tuesday afternoon, businessman Tommy Que of Iloilo Supermart donated to the provincial government 90 folding beds.

The HMO placed the district hospitals’ bed occupancy rate now at 336 percent more than the number of patients they could properly handle.

But they could not turn away people needing medical help, said Dr. Cynthia Cabangal-Ng, HMO chief.

The provincial government operates the following hospitals:

* Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Balasan

* Barotac Viejo District Hospital

* Dr. Ricardo S. Provido Memorial District Hospital in Calinog

* Sara District Hospital

* Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Janiuay

* Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City

* Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian

* Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Cabatuan

* Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial District Hospital in Guimbal

* Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan

* Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital in Lambunao

* Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness that could sometimes be fatal. Its carriers are day-biting mosquitoes (Aedes albpictus and Aedes egypti) that live and breed and clean, stagnant water.

According to the World Health Organization, individuals should suspect dengue when a high fever (40 degrees centigrade) is accompanied by two of the following symptoms: severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea / vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pains, and rash.

For severe dengue, the warning signs to look out for are: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, fatigue, and restlessness./PN

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