The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday announced that it has deployed doctors, nurses, and emergency response teams along major expressways to assist travelers during the Undas long weekend.
Health tents have been set up along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and other key routes to provide medical assistance to motorists and commuters.
The teams are equipped to offer first aid, consultations, minor surgical procedures, and diagnostic services such as glucose testing and blood pressure monitoring.
Two ambulances are also stationed at strategic points for immediate transport of patients requiring hospital care.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa personally inspected the emergency stations on SLEX as part of the department’s Undas preparedness operations.
Herbosa said the initiative aims to ensure the safety of Filipinos traveling to provinces and cemeteries to observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
He reminded the public to remain vigilant against influenza-like illnesses, noting that flu cases typically rise during the amihan or cold season.
“There are still cases of influenza-like illness because it’s currently the flu season. It can’t be avoided that you might infect relatives who are elderly or have existing illnesses,” he warned.
“We’re not dealing with just one disease, although Influenza A is the most common based on our data. However, we’re not yet at an outbreak level, this is the typical seasonal increase in cases,” Herbosa assured.
The health chief urged individuals with symptoms such as coughing, colds, or fever to stay home, reiterating basic preventive measures, including proper cough etiquette, covering the mouth with tissue, and frequent handwashing.
Herbosa said the DOH has raised its Code White alert, placing all central and regional offices on standby to respond to emergencies.
He also thanked the Department of the Interior and Local Government for revitalizing the 911 emergency hotline, which now integrates DOH medical response teams with police and fire units.
Medical personnel from local government hospitals have likewise been deployed to cemeteries where large crowds are expected.
