DOH To Deploy Medical Teams, Activates HEMS For Feast Of Black Nazarene

The Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday it will deploy medical teams in the forthcoming procession for annual feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.

DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin said that initially around six teams, consisting of five members each, would be deployed in adjacent areas to the clogged portion to ensure health assistance among devotees who joined the procession.

The teams will also be accompanied with ambulances to facilitate the bringing of patients to the nearest hospital.

She added that DOH Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) Operation Center was also activated to monitor, managed any eventualities in order to decrease possible mortality and morbidity cases.

Garin also encouraged devotees to bring their own water and food to prevent dizziness and dehydration.

She also discouraged them from bringing their own children along as the mobbed procession may expose them to various risks.

“Devotees are also advised not to bring along children during the Feast of the Black Nazarene to avoid injuries,” she added.

She said that in case that bringing of children cannot be avoided, just be sure that there is a “name tag” inserted in the dress of the children so that it will be easier to locate the parents or who to contact.

She added that it was also important to avoid throwing garbage anywhere especially the smooth and slippery ones like banana peel, which can cause accidents among children, adults and older people.

She also reminded adults to be sure that they would bring their medications or maintenance medicines and even candies especially for those suffering from diabetes.

The feast of the Black Nazarene will be held on January 9 (Saturday) where millions of devotees coming from different places in the country annually joins as a way to give thanks for their answered prayers and for their faith that their wishes will be granted. (PNA) RMA/LSJ