Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has strategically deployed PHP33.6 million worth of essential health commodities across 11 regions as part of its continuous emergency response efforts for areas impacted by Typhoon Tino, known internationally as Kalmaegi, and those potentially affected by Severe Tropical Storm Uwan, internationally named Fung-wong.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa announced via Facebook that the prepositioned supplies include essential medicines, hygiene kits, and other emergency health items. These have been distributed to the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Negros Island Region.
Herbosa has instructed all DOH regional offices to maintain 24/7 preparedness and ensure continuous medical response, focusing particularly on hospitals and evacuation centers in areas currently affected by Tino and those within the anticipated path of Uwan. Additionally, the DOH has readied three Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams for prompt deployment to provinces that may require additional support.
In conjunction with these measures, the DOH has enforced a prohibition on price increases for selected medicines within the national state of calamity, as declared by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The agency has emphasized the implementation of a price freeze on 146 essential medicines nationwide, aimed at maintaining reasonable and accessible prices during the calamity period.
The price freeze policy will remain effective for 60 days from the calamity declaration date, unless lifted earlier by the President. The DOH is also urging the public to remain vigilant, follow local government advisories, and prepare emergency go bags, particularly in areas prone to floods and landslides.
Typhoon Tino has already impacted parts of Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas and Mimaropa, while Severe Tropical Storm Uwan is predicted to bring heavy rains and strong winds over Northern, Central, and Southern Luzon in the upcoming days.
