DOH intensifies rehab efforts in Marawi

FILE: Seal of Department of Health (DOH) (Photo by Department of Health – Official Site of the DOH, Public Domain)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) is stepping up its efforts to help rebuild the war-torn city of Marawi.

In a news release issued Friday, the department said that as Marawi enters its seventh week of freedom from the Maute terrorist group, the DOH continues to respond to health challenges faced by displaced families through the Tamang Serbisyo Para sa Kalusugan (TSeKap) program, as well as psychological intervention and proper nutrition for the young and the elderly.

Recent data from the DOH-Health Emergency Management Bureau indicated that the five-month fighting displaced 77,955 families or 367,990 individuals. A total of 18,801 families or 106,598 individuals from 40 barangays in Marawi have already returned home, while 2,532 families or 8,574 individuals are still being sheltered in 76 evacuation centers.

A total of 86 deaths had been recorded in these facilities since May 23, with common causes varying from pneumonia, sepsis, cardiovascular diseases, acute gastroenteritis to prematurity.

According to the DOH, Marawi’s Amai Pakpak Medical Center and the Dr. Abdullah Hospital are providing round-the-clock relevant medical services, with support from 27 active referral hospitals near the city, 22 serviceable barangay health stations and outposts that are open to the public.

The DOH central and regional offices and partner agencies have given a total of PHP222.38 million worth of logistics and funding assistance to the hospitals and evacuation centers.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III visited the cities of Iligan and Marawi last November 10.