ILOILO – Twelve provincial government-run district hospitals and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital (IPH) in Pototan town are ready for a possible surge in medical emergency cases this holiday season.
They will be on “code white” alert from Dec. 24, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023, said Dr. Paz V. Calopiz, department head of the Iloilo capitol’s Hospital Management Office (HMO).
Under a code white alert, all health workers and medical practitioners are on call in case their services are needed, especially if the on-duty medical practitioners have their hands full.
“May ara ka certain personnel nga puede tawgon anytime nga needed. Naka-standby sila like doctors, nurses and nursing attendants. Kon ano ang need sang situation on-call sila,” Calopiz told Panay News.
Also, from Dec. 14, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023, hospital personnel are not allowed to apply for leave.
Calopiz, however, believes the public will avoid spending the holidays in hospitals and would rather take precautions and enjoy the festivities with their families.
“Sang una sang uso pa firecrackers, medyo damo nagapa-out patient. Pero subong daw indi naman,” she added.
Calopiz also reminds the public of the following:
* Do not drink and drive. Many injuries during the holiday season are due to vehicular accidents caused by intoxicated driving.
“Indi sila mag-inom. Amo gid na ang foremost cause sang vehicular accidents. Ma-party-party tapos mapuli nga hubog,” Calopiz said.
* Properly prepare and cook food to avoid food poisoning.
The doctor said food must be washed properly and refrigerated to avoid spoilage.
* Make sure that drinking water is clean to avoid stomachaches.
* Avoid blowing up firecrackers.
* Avoid mass gatherings because coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still a threat; wear facemask and sanitize the hands.
The 12 district hospitals and IPH have a total of more or less 3,000 personnel, including job hires and contract of service.
Aside from IPH in Barangay Rumbang, Pototan, here are the 12 district hospitals managed by the Iloilo provincial government:
* 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
* Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital on Alfelor Street, Passi City
* Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital in Barangay Poblacion, Ilawod, Lambunao
* Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Barangay Ilaya 1st, Dumangas
* Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Barangay Jibolo, Janiuay
* Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital in Barangay Tingui-an, Balasan
* Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital in Barangay Pungtod, Cabatuan
* Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial District Hospital on Garriel Street, Guimbal
* San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital in San Joaquin, Iloilo
* Sara District Hospital in Barangay Anoring, Sara./PN