DOH-10’s OpCen to transfer to Marawi

MARAWI CITY - The health response for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the siege is one of the top priorities of the Task Force Bangon Marawi’s (TFBM) Subcommittee on Health and Social Welfare.

To better provide medical assistance directly to the IDPs, the Department of Health (DOH)-10 decided to transfer its Iligan operation center (OpCen) to Marawi City to effectively cater to the IDPs from the 96 barangays affected by the five-month conflict two years ago.

“Our operation center will be transferred at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center by June to better serve the Marawi IDPs,” said Dr. David Mendoza, OpCen head of DOH-10.

Mendoza ensured the continuity of quadcluster approach activities in all the transitory sites within the city and the remaining evacuation centers.

“We will serve the IDPs with no gaps and we’re trying our best to serve better the Maranaos,” Mendoza added.

DOH will pursue health services and stress debriefing interventions for IDPs amidst the ongoing physical rehabilitation of Marawi City.

Meanwhile, Mendoza disclosed that the DOH is closely monitoring upper respiratory tract infections among the IDPs because of the changing weather.

DOH is also readying the IDPs against water-borne diseases with the onset of the rainy season.

“The team is now trying to coordinate with the local government unit, with the Marawi City Health

Office, and the IPHO Lanao del Sur to monitor the outbreak of any diseases at the transitory sites and the remaining evacuation centers,” Mendoza stated.

The DOH-10 OpCen will also be transferring its whole team composed of 10 nurses, one pharmacist and three doctors to provide medical services to Marawi IDPs. However, only one of the three doctors is available to serve during the transfer. “We are still looking for doctors who are willing to serve there,” shared Mendoza.

The head of the health cluster urges the IDPs to cooperate in maintaining sanitation within their communities and in the transitory sites saying, “they can help us by disposing of their own garbage properly, beware of safe water intake, and the most important thing is when they feel something [wrong], please seek early consultation at the city health office.”

The DOH continues to conduct mental, psychological, and psychosocial support, nutrition assessment and distribution of vitamin supplements to the victims of Marawi siege. (LJKabagani/PIA ICCC)