MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) has placed all hospitals on code white alert in line with the country's observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
“We’re Code White for this All Saints’ Day to make sure that all health facilities are ready to address any possible concerns regarding sa health na pwedeng maging problema sa pag-observe natin ng Undas, so lahat po yan naka-ready sila,” said DOH Spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy in an interview with the media.
Code white alert refers to the readiness of hospital manpower like general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, opthalmologists, and otorhinolaryngologists, to respond to any emergency situation.
Also, during code white alert, emergency service, nursing and administrative personnel residing at the hospital dormitory shall be placed on an on-call status for immediate mobilization.
The code white status will be in effect until Friday.
Common health risks during the annual observance of Undas where people flock to cemeteries include cases of heart attack/stroke for some people with pre-existing conditions; intestinal problems; accidents or any other related circumstances that will require immediate medical intervention.
In line with this, he added that the DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) will also be monitoring all the health emergencies in all the regions.
Likewise, he assured that the agency will also coordinate with other key agencies responding to this special event which also serves as time for family reunions.
Usually, when people go to cemeteries and offer prayers and flowers, they also bring along foods, snacks and beverage to eat while they stay in the cemeteries.
As they stay in the cemeteries longer wherein there are big crowds, the risk of health emergencies such as accidents or attack of pre-existing illnesses increases.
Aside from that, kids as well as older people who are left unattended may be prone to bruises and fractures if they accidentally stepped or slipped on pointed objects inside the cemeteries such as broken glasses/bottles, etc.
Eating poorly-cooked food and drinking unsafe water can also lead to intestinal problems. (PNA)
