The Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) in areas expected to be most affected by incoming Tropical Cyclone Nika to pre-emptively evacuate high-risk patients.
High-risk patients include women in their third trimester of pregnancy; lactating mothers; young children; seniors; persons with disabilities (PWDs); and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
All health facilities are directed to prioritize the admission of pregnant women at high risk of complications.
“Handa ang mga health facility at ospital ng DOH para masigurong tuloy-tuloy ang pagbibigay serbisyo sa kabila ng banta ng bagyo. Manatili po tayong alerto at sumunod sa abiso ng mga awtoridad tungkol sa paglikas habang malayo pa sa kalupaan ang bagyo.” said Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. (DOH health facilities and hospitals are ready and prepared to ensure the continuous delivery of services while under threat of the typhoon. Let us remain alert and follow all the advice of local authorities on evacuation while the storm is still far from making landfall.)
The DOH has advised residents in areas where Nika is expected to make landfall to prepare and secure a Go Bag for each family, containing the following items:
- First aid kit (including alcohol, pain relievers, wound cleansers, gauze/bandages, and tweezers)
- Medicines (for fever, cough, colds, diarrhea, and maintenance medications for hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions)
- Survival kit (flashlight, pocket knife with can opener, short rope, whistle, waterproof notebook and pencil)
- Personal items (one set of clean clothes and towels, toiletries, blanket, charger/power bank, written list of emergency contacts)
The DOH urges all concerned to heed local authorities’ warnings and evacuate when instructed.