White alert for hospitals, health facilities in Aklan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) placed all private and public hospitals and other government health facilities in Aklan under code white alert from April 23 to May 15, 2018.

PHOTO BFRAV BORACAY 

The declaration is part of a contingency plan to quickly respond to emergencies during the Boracay closure as well as the forthcoming May election on May 14, Aklan Day on April 25 and Labor Day on May 1.

Code White alert means medical hospital personnel and municipal health offices staff are in place and ready to give the necessary health services.

An advisory released by PHO-Aklan on April 20 said that “human resources must be present and all health units are enjoined to be vigilant and to send flash reports of any untoward incidents to PHO at 2685626 or 2688579 or text 09884234888 / 094752689411.”

Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Victor Santamaria said health personnel will provide emergency medical services during occurrence of incidents, reception of patients at staging areas and prepare patients for evacuation and mobilization to the nearest hospital.”

“Hospitals should be ready to accept patients especially of mass casualty incidents upon their capabilities,” he added.

Meanwhile, Executive Officer Galo Ibardolaza of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said some 320 hired local workers from 16 municipalities will have their vehicle convoy from Kalibo to Caticlan on April 26.

They will help in the rehabilitation efforts for 10 days in Boracay Island, he added.

First published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print, radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.