The Department of Health (DoH) expressed readiness in case the mysterious disease from China is detected in the Philippines.
“Handa naman tayo dyan kasi ever since nagkaroon ng SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak talagang meron na tayong system in place,” said Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo in an interview.
“We’re part of the International Health Regulation. Sa lahat ng countries nagsishare tayo ng (health-related) information. Halimbawa may nakita tayo or may nalaman (about a certain disease, we inform them) para kumikilos ang lahat ng bansa,” he added.
Domingo said that there were certain protocols that would be followed if ever there is already an occurrence of cases of the mysterious disease in the Philippines.
“Kung sakali meron tayong mamonitor, meron naman protocol in place. Alam ang gagawin kung paano, of course iinterviewhin natin, meron quarantine area sa airport at kung kailangan i-admit, meron tayong hosptial facilities that are ready,” said Domingo.
“Many of our general hospitals have isolation wards na pinipare natin [that were already prepared] at [and] functional ever since nagkaroon tayo ng [we had] SARS,” he added.
Last January 5, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III instructed the Bureau of Quarantine to intensify its checking of all incoming travelers, especially those manifesting fever or signs of respiratory infection. (Analou de Vera)
