AHEAD of the expected onslaught of the El Niño starting next month, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday advised all hospitals and healthcare facilities to jumpstart their preparations for its possible effects.
Based on Department Circular No. 2023-0183, the DOH said it is imperative for all healthcare facilities to be prepared for the El Niño phenomenon to ensure their continued operations.
“We are advising all government and private hospitals and health facilities to take necessary measures to prepare and ensure resilience in time of El Niño. Hospitals and other health facilities shall prepare their respective institutions to maintain service continuity,” the circular said.
According to the health department, all healthcare facilities must maintain an adequate amount of water supply, including safe drinking water, that is good for at least 72 hours.
The DOH also advised all hospitals to coordinate with local water concessionaires to ensure water reserve allocations, account or procure water storage equipment that are filled up to maximum levels, repair all potential sources of water wastage, such as leaking pipes and faucets; and orient all hospital staff members of proper water management strategies.
It also advised hospitals to anticipate intermittent power supply by inspecting and maintaining their electrical system in the facility, ensure back up power generation good for at least 48 hours, and opt to use equipment with energy saving features.
Energy saving strategies, the DOH said, may also be adopted, such as efficient ventilation, use of daylight and other illumination controls, and use renewable energy.
Lastly, the DOH also advised healthcare facilities to anticipate an increase in consultation involving infectious, dermatologic, food and waterborne, or systemic illnesses, diseases, or disorders brought by prolonged exposure to hot weather, water unavailability, or poor water quality.
To do so, the DOH said hospitals should orient, update, or train relevant staff members on the detection and case management of these illnesses, diseases, or disorders while ensuring ample supply of resources, medicines, supplies, and equipment, such as oral rehydration solutions, antibiotics, anti-spasmodics, paracetamol, intravenous fluids, and other essential commodities.
The Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has earlier warned of the likelihood of the occurrence of El Niño in the months of June to September 2023 and until 2024.
