CLARK FREEPORT -- Hospitals across Central Luzon and the country will soon get fully equipped medical tents to treat dengue patients.
Senator Richard Gordon said he has ordered for the deployment of medical tents in hospitals to accommodate patients with high cases of dengue.
Gordon, who is also the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), said during an awarding of blood donors inside the Freeport on Friday, August 30, that there is a need to assist hospitals amid the rapid increase of dengue cases in the country.
The air-conditioned medical tents are complete with equipment, volunteer staff, and blood supplies, he said.
PRC, in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the German Red Cross, continues to support the Department of Health (DOH) in assisting hospitals especially those situated in rural areas.
Gordon said the deployment of hospital tents is part of his three-point strategy to address the dengue crisis - decongest hospitals, ensure adequate safe and quality blood supply, and conduct massive information and clean-up drives.
The senator said that DOH reports shows there are already 882 dengue-related deaths this year.
The figure represents 63 percent increase in last year’s number of fatalities, according to Gordon.
He added that 208,917 people were afflicted with the dreaded virus during the first half of 2019.
During Kadugo Awards, an event held at Clark Marriott Hotel, the PRC honored top blood donors in Central Luzon for their contributions to the organization’s humanitarian missions.
A total of 190 organizations and companies from Bulacan, Bataan, Aurora, Pampanga, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo, and Tarlac received citations and awards.
“Without all of you here, we will not be able to provide 52 percent of the blood needs in the country. Blood is always a necessity. We consider our blood donors as the lifeline of the people. They are the go-to people of this country,” Gordon said.
The senator added that blood donation is especially beneficial today as the country faces tough challenges brought about by the dengue epidemic.
The PRC, in partnership with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), has provided 330 units of blood to 119 patients with dengue cases.
Gordon said the PRC currently operates 94 blood service facilities nationwide.
The non-government medical organization is set to establish more facilities in 17 cities and provinces including towns and cities in Bulacan, San Rafael, Bocaue, Marilao, and San Jose Del Monte.