DOH-MIMAROPA holds training on heavy metal poisoning

The Department of Health (DOH)-MIMAROPA completed Thursday morning the three-day “Training on Identification Management and Referral of Patients with Metal Poisoning (HMP) for Medical Doctors and Public Health Nurses” for participants from the provinces of Marinduque and Palawan. (Photo: Department of Health (Philippines)/Facebook)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, July 27 — The Department of Health (DOH)-MIMAROPA completed Thursday morning the three-day “Training on Identification Management and Referral of Patients with Metal Poisoning (HMP) for Medical Doctors and Public Health Nurses” for participants from the provinces of Marinduque and Palawan.

The said training was held at the Sulo Riviera Hotel, Quezon City on July 25 to 27.

“Because of the effects of mine tailings brought about by the 1996 marcopper incident in Marinduque, the health and well-being of residents have been greatly affected especially those residing near the mining area and we have to know how serious their condition is; if they really are contaminated or not,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.

He said they have been neglected for three decades now, and yet no one knows the affected individuals who need immediate treatment.

“That is why we have initiated this training so that we can properly identify and monitor these individuals and establish a surveillance and referral system that will provide them the health care that they need,” he explained.

The training on the identification management of patient with heavy metal poisoning was conducted by the regional office in collaboration with the toxicology department of East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC).

It was attended by 24 health workers, including medical doctors, health nurses of Marinduque and Puerto Princesa City, and two engineers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB).

Janairo added that a second part of the training will include a practicum on the treatment and management of HMP cases in Marinduque.

Heavy metal poisoning is caused by the accumulation of certain metals in the body due to exposure through food, water, industrial chemicals, or other sources.

Toxic amounts of zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese are harmful to the body.

Among the symptoms of HMP includes confusion, numbness, nausea, vomiting and even coma. Long-term exposure may cause headache, weakness, tiredness, muscle and joint pain and constipation.

Marinduque and Palawan are among the provinces of MIMAROPA where marcopper and mercury mine tailings can be found.

“It is time that we provide solution to this health concern not only in Marinduque and Palawan but in all areas of the country where mining activities exists so that we can prevent HMP contamination and protect the health of our countrymen,” Janairo concluded.