THE Department of Health (DOH) has announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hastened the issuance of clearance for one million capsules of doxycycline.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said FDA chief Samuel Zacate bared the move during an emergency command conference, adding that the DOH has started delivery of the drug prescribed both as a prophylaxis and treatment for leptospirosis to all regions nationwide.
“I have also instructed the emergency purchase of medicines for chronic conditions of evacuees, such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as for the other health conditions of people in evacuation. We will continue to provide health services to the people as directed by President Marcos,” Herbosa said in a statement.
The DOH regional directors reported actions taken by the DOH and the local government physicians, nurses, midwives, barangay health workers and other health staff at the evacuation centers.
They continue to assess medical and public health service needs, distributing freshly cooked meals for proper nutrition, and carrying out water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste disposal services.
They also provided mental health and psychosocial support services for the evacuees.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday instructed Herbosa to bring basic medical care to the evacuation centers.
