Oil spill-hit areas receive medical supplies

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday distributed medicines and other health commodities to residents of oil spill-affected communities in Oriental Mindoro.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire visited the province and led the turnover of health commodities to local government units (LGUs).

“The DOH is ready to help in the medical needs of the province of Oriental Mindoro that is affected by the oil spill,” Vergeire said in Filipino. “This incident calls for a whole-of-government approach, and with the environment being a major determinant of the health of our people.”

Last week, the MT Princess Empress tanker, carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil, sank off the coast of Oriental Mindoro.

There were reports of locals experiencing minor health reactions due to the spill.

The DOH noted that oil spill poses potential risks not only to the environment but also to the health of people from affected communities.

“Despite an oil spill not being a common occurrence, it may lead to the destruction of sea life and the health of people exposed to it,” the DOH said in Filipino.

Thus, the DOH advised residents of affected communities to temporarily evacuate their homes if possible until the situation has been resolved.

According to Vergeire, the DOH is working closely with other concerned national government agencies and LGUs to mitigate the effects of the oil spill in the communities of Oriental Mindoro.

Aside from medicines, the DOH turned over to the LGUs face masks, nebulizers, oxygen concentrators as well as other medical supplies culled from different hospitals in Metro Manila.

DOH toxicology experts are also on standby to support the primary care providers onsite.

The health official assured residents of affected communities that they will have clean water and protective gear through close coordination with the provincial government and LGUs.

The government, Vergeire said, is exerting all efforts to protect residents from potential risks posed by the incident.

For the past few days, DOH has been extending support to LGUs to ensure that the immediate needs of the affected communities are properly addressed.

Yesterday, Vergeire met with Oriental Mindoro local government officials and discussed improved patient referral, local health facility enhancement, and capacity building among responders on disaster response.

The DOH reminded responders, volunteers and clean-up workers to wear proper protective gear to avoid health risks.