CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Health (DOH) has been sending teams to the seven provinces of Central Luzon to assist health workers in monitoring dengue cases in barangays.

DOH Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit head Dr. Jessie Fantone said at least four teams are sent every day to provide assistance to barangays in clustering the dengue cases.

"On a daily basis, we send out four teams to look for cases, monitor activities of barangays and provide resources including medicines and mosquito nets to prevent dengue outbreak in the region," he said.

Fantone said the criteria for choosing barangays they will monitor are those with 10 or more dengue cases or considered as hotspot areas.

The teams also monitor the DOH-retained and district hospitals for the presence of fast lanes, as well as the conduct quarterly dengue mortality review.

"This process allows us to check on the capability of hospitals in managing and treating the disease. This will also help us identify hospitals that need augmentation in terms of resources, as well as doctors who need additional training," he said.

The mortality review will also aid DOH in creating other policies and improving health delivery service.