THE Department of Health (DOH) said that firecracker-related incidents as of January 1, 2020 have been significantly lower by at least 71 percent compared to the same period in last year.
DOH surveillance reports noted that some 47 cases were reported from major hospitals in Central Luzon. About 15 firecracker accidents were recorded in Pampanga alone but with no casualties recorded.
This is 71 percent lower compared to same period last year which recorded 163 cases.
The DOH reported that there were cases reported in Bataan (four cases), Bulacan (15), Nueva Ecija (three), Tarlac (six) and Zambales (four).
Some 11 of the victims were from ages one to 10 years old while the majority of the victims, 16 cases, were from ages 11 to 20 years old. The DOH recorded three cases of amputations and at least seven eye injuries.
Earlier, the DOH has launched its “Oplan Iwas Paputok 2019” to minimize firecracker-related incidents during the holiday season.
According to DOH Secretary Franciso Duque III, the campaign aims to raise people’s awareness anew on the effects of firecrackers and fireworks in life and property and to encourage the public to use alternative noisemakers to prevent injuries due to firecrackers.
Aside from public information campaigns, the DOH also has an Emergency Room Preparedness and Responsiveness program, wherein all DOH hospitals were on alert especially from December 24, 25 and 31. DOH also banned firecrackers in all of their facilities.