December
9, 2017
MANILA
– The Department of Health (DOH) is stepping up its efforts to help rebuild the
war-torn city of Marawi.
In
a news release issued Friday, the department said that as Marawi enters its
seventh week of freedom from the Maute terrorist group, the DOH continues to
respond to health challenges faced by displaced families through the Tamang
Serbisyo Para sa Kalusugan (TSeKap) program, as well as psychological
intervention and proper nutrition for the young and the elderly.
Recent
data from the DOH-Health Emergency Management Bureau indicated that the
five-month fighting displaced 77,955 families or 367,990 individuals. A total
of 18,801 families or 106,598 individuals from 40 barangays in Marawi have
already returned home, while 2,532 families or 8,574 individuals are still
being sheltered in 76 evacuation centers.
A
total of 86 deaths had been recorded in these facilities since May 23, with
common causes varying from pneumonia, sepsis, cardiovascular diseases, acute
gastroenteritis to prematurity.
According
to the DOH, Marawi’s Amai Pakpak Medical Center and the Dr. Abdullah Hospital
are providing round-the-clock relevant medical services, with support from 27
active referral hospitals near the city, 22 serviceable barangay health
stations and outposts that are open to the public.
The
DOH central and regional offices and partner agencies have given a total of
PHP222.38 million worth of logistics and funding assistance to the hospitals
and evacuation centers.
Health
Secretary Francisco Duque III visited the cities of Iligan and Marawi last
November 10. (PNA)
