DOH deploys 91 health workers to Kristine-hit Bicol Region

The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed 91 health workers to the Bicol Region following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In a statement on Sunday, DOH said 39 doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals will arrive at the Naga City General Hospital (NCGH) via airlift.

Meanwhile, 52 other health workers have been deployed to the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao, Camarines Sur.

DOH also said its ambulances with standard equipment, medicines, and supplies will join the convoy of passenger buses provided by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

These health workers were from the WHO-recognized Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams from the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital in Pampanga; the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium in Manila; and the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City.

Health staff from the East Avenue Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, Tondo Medical Center, and Valenzuela Medical Center also joined the deployment.

"We are serious when we say, 'bawat buhay mahalaga'—wala talagang maiiwan [Every life is important; no one will be left behind],"  Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.

DOH earlier said the number of leptospirosis cases may jump in the coming days following Kristine.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has tasked the Department of the Interior and Local Government to set up emergency field hospitals and bring medicines to affected areas in the Bicol Region. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News