MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News) — The Department of Health (DOH) placed all the Private and Government Hospitals nationwide under Code White Alert on Wednesday (December 21) to make sure all the hospitals have enough manpower and medical supplies for the expected rise in firecracker-related injuries.
A day after the announcement of Code White, Director IV of Bureau of Local Health Systems Development, Enrique Tayag gave an update on the latest firecracker victims.
In his post via tweeter, he said three children were already rushed to different hospitals as of 6 a.m. Thursday, These first three victims of firecrackers this year are a 6-year-old girl from Ilocos Norte who got wounded in the eye because of Boga; a 9-year-old girl from Manila who got her hand injured by a Piccolo; and a 10-year-old boy from Pasay City whose hands were burnt by sticks of flaming Lucis.
Last year, 40% of the firecrackers-related injuries are mostly Pedia cases, while 30% are adults injured while using firecrackers under the influence of liquor. There were a total of 932 injured and one dead.
DOH Secretary Paulyn Ubial reminds the public about their campaign for this year, “Iwas paputok, Fireworks Display ang patok.” She also requested the parents to look after their children and to dissuade them from holding firecrackers.
“I hope this will be our last campaign. We hope that President Duterte will sign our draft executive order that prohibits every Filipino household from using firecrackers. Only community-based fireworks (displays) will be allowed just in case,” Sec. Ubial said.