To ensure that timely and effective emergency health services will be provided following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Bogo City, Cebu, additional medicines and medical supplies were sent by the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday night.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that C-130 cargo aircraft, carrying medicine and medical supplies, left Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 6:58 p.m., in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense.
The DOH said that a total of P 933,647.50 worth of medicines and medical supplies will be dispatched to DOH Central Visayas.
Earlier, the DOH already deployed five limang Health Emergency Response Teams in Bogo City.
The DOH-Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team is also on standby for deployment.
Meanwhile, fresh from its extensive humanitarian operations for Super Typhoon Nando, while currently responding to Typhoon Opong and the Taal Volcano unrest, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, once again swung into action to respond the the victims of the quake.
After ensuring the safety of PRC staff and volunteers in the area, the PRC swiftly deployed its assets to support emergency response efforts.
‘We already have our staff and volunteers on the ground, assessing the needs of affected communities. We remain in constant communication with our team and RC143 volunteers to ensure that reports reach our Operations Center immediately and we can deliver timely humanitarian assistance,’ said Gordon.
The PRC has mobilized two ambulances, a food truck, two Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDANA) teams, and two Emergency Response Unit (ERU) teams.
Sixty-two individuals have also been treated for injuries.
The PRC remains committed to ensuring aid comes to the affected communities.
The PRC urges the public to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety.
In case of emergencies, call the Red Cross Hotline #143.