DOH Ready for APEC 2015

The Department of Health (DOH) reveals its preparations for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) major event this year – the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled on November 18 & 19.

“As the lead agency for the APEC Sub-Task Group on Medical Emergency Management, the DOH oversees the entire preparation and actual implementation of all activities in relation to medical needs and concerns of all APEC participants.” Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin said.

For the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, a total of 103 medical teams (510 health personnel) will be deployed at various points, including the airports, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Mall of Asia, and areas where delegates and participants will converge.

Each medical team is composed of a doctor, 2 nurses, and one driver. The medical teams are augmented by medical professionals from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Local Government Units of Metro Manila, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Specifically, six medical response teams will be assigned at the airports, equipped with three thermal scanners and an ambulance for any emergency situations that might occur.

In addition, DOH provided guidelines and protocols in relation to health requirements, health preparedness, and contingency planning for airport, venue, hotels, and hospitals.

Meanwhile, all DOH retained hospitals and regional offices nationwide will be on Code White Alert in preparation for any eventualities or health-related incidents that may occur during the the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. A Code White Alert is declared when there is a mass gathering or national event and there is a possibility of emergency conditions that may need immediate medical attention. All medical teams are on standby for immediate mobilization.

Aside from the health concern of the APEC delegates and participants, the DOH is also committed to look after the welfare of the public.

To date, 29 meetings out of 44 scheduled APEC meetings have been conducted since December last year. Eighty-six (86) medical response teams from selected DOH Regional Offices have already been deployed nationwide.

“We are not only looking on the health of our APEC delegates. Everyone’s health is our primary concern. Let us help one another to make this event a success.” Garin concluded.

Source: www.doh.gov.ph