The Department of Health (DOH), led by Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, on Sunday visited the victims of last Friday’s fire incident that burned down homes of some 596 families in a community near Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Five individuals were reportedly injured and treated onsite during the incident. Most of the families are currently staying the in the adjacent covered court.
“This unfortunate incident is truly devastating to the affected families. The DOH shall continue to provide medical assistance to those needing it in the affected community,” Secretary Duque stated.
During last Sunday’s visit, the DOH was joined by the Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go and Department of Social Welfare and Development Officer-In-Charge Emmanuel Leyco in distributing various medicines, hygiene kits, blankets, mats, grocery items, and other needs of the fire victims.
Meanwhile, Secretary Duque checked on the heath conditions of the victims during the visit assisted by Undersecretary Lilibeth David, Fabella Hospital Chief Esmeraldo Ilem, Health Emergency Management Bureau staff and Dr. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center health specialists.
Two medical teams from the Tondo Medical Center and Fabella Hospital were also deployed in the area to provide medical services. Presently, Tondo Medical Center and the National Center for Mental Health is providing mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) among affected individuals.
Moreover, the support of the Philippine Red Cross was also sought to help provide clean and safe water to the residents.