Senator Bong Go warned that the overcrowding of a Manila hospital’s emergency room amid rising leptospirosis cases shows why the government must strengthen healthcare from the grassroots level, especially as continued habagat rains and tropical systems threaten to prolong flooding and health risks in parts of Luzon.
The Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital announced that its emergency room had reached 300% capacity due to the continued influx of patients, including suspected and confirmed leptospirosis cases following widespread flooding. Manila had already recorded 556 leptospirosis cases this year as of August 31.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, said the situation should reinforce the need for early consultation, accessible primary care, and enough hospital capacity before preventable illnesses progress into severe cases.
“Mag-ingat po tayong lahat, lalo na ngayong tag-ulan at may baha. Huwag balewalain ang mga sintomas. Pumunta agad sa pinakamalapit na health center o ospital para makapagpagamot,” the veteran legislator previously reminded residents in flood-affected communities.
The health warning remains timely. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on September 1 that the southwest monsoon continues to affect Luzon and the Visayas, while Tropical Storm Pilandok was being monitored east of Extreme Northern Luzon. The weather bureau warned of continued rainfall and possible flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas.
The seasoned lawmaker stressed that prolonged flooding raises the importance of bringing medical services closer to communities instead of forcing every patient to rely immediately on already congested hospitals.
The senator has championed the establishment of Super Health Centers, which are designed to provide primary care, consultations, laboratory and diagnostic services, early disease detection, and other outpatient services closer to communities. More than 700 Super Health Centers have been funded nationwide.
He said facilities such as Super Health Centers can help strengthen the first line of healthcare by allowing patients to consult earlier, receive appropriate assessment, and be referred to hospitals before their condition becomes critical.
“Ilapit natin ang serbisyo sa tao para hindi sila matakot o mahirapang magpakonsulta.”
“Mas mabuti kung maagapan natin agad ang sakit bago pa ito lumala. Ilapit natin ang serbisyo sa tao para hindi sila matakot o mahirapang magpakonsulta,” Go emphasized.
For patients who eventually require hospitalization, he also reminded poor and financially incapacitated Filipinos that Malasakit Centers can help them access government medical assistance programs.
Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. There are currently 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide, which have assisted more than 17 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health.
“Sa mga tinamaan ng sakit—lalo na ang mga mahihirap—huwag kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa mga Malasakit Centers.”
“Sa mga tinamaan ng sakit—lalo na ang mga mahihirap—huwag kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa mga Malasakit Centers,” he previously said.
Go emphasized, however, that healthcare facilities must be complemented by prevention. Filipinos should avoid wading in floodwater whenever possible, protect open wounds, and immediately consult health professionals if they develop fever, headache or body pain, redness or yellowing of the eyes, jaundice, or other symptoms associated with leptospirosis.
The DOH advises anyone exposed to floodwater, even those without visible wounds, to immediately wash exposed areas with soap and clean water and seek consultation at the nearest health facility, Rural Health Unit, health center, or YAKAP Clinic.
Those who had to wade in floodwater are encouraged to seek medical assessment as soon as possible, preferably within 24 to 48 hours, so health professionals can determine whether doxycycline prophylaxis is appropriate.
The DOH has also warned the public against taking doxycycline without medical advice. The appropriate preventive treatment depends on the person’s level of exposure, while doxycycline may not be suitable for certain individuals. People exposed to potentially contaminated floodwater should continue monitoring themselves because symptoms of leptospirosis may appear days or even weeks after exposure.
He said the 300% emergency room occupancy should serve as an urgent reminder that healthcare preparedness must anticipate the consequences of prolonged flooding rather than wait until hospitals are overwhelmed.
“Health is wealth. Ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Habang may baha at may banta pa ng masamang panahon, dapat handa ang ating health system mula health center hanggang ospital,” Go stressed.
