BAGUIO CITY, Sept 3 (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) has activated dedicated leptospirosis fast lanes across government hospitals to handle an expected surge in admissions due to the effects of the tropical cyclones and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
The Far North General Hospital and Training Center in Luna, Apayao, and the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in Bauko, Mountain Province, are activated as Leptospirosis Fast Lanes or Express Lanes to ensure immediate care for patients requiring hospitalization.
The two hospitals in the region are among the 33 DOH hospitals nationwide that have been designated as Leptospirosis Fast Lanes.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DOH has activated dedicated leptospirosis fast lanes across government hospitals and reinforced its nationwide referral network to handle an expected surge in admissions following widespread flooding resulting from the heavy rains of the recent cyclones and the prevailing habagat.
The DOH also deployed additional medical personnel and expanded bed capacities in critical facilities to prevent hospital overcrowding and streamline emergency admissions.
DOH-CAR Nurse V Clark Dizon explained that the Fast Lane or Express Lane is essentially a system put in place to facilitate the rapid assessment, testing, and treatment of patients who are suspected of or confirmed to have leptospirosis.
“The goal is to minimize waiting time and ensure that patients who require hospitalization can receive immediate and appropriate care. The two hospitals are DOH Level 2 hospitals, which have the capacity to manage and treat leptospirosis cases, including those requiring hospitalization,” Dizon said.
He clarified that patients may still seek consultation and treatment for leptospirosis in other hospitals and health facilities as these can assess and manage patients based on their capacity.
“If a patient requires a higher level of care or referral, the existing referral system will still apply, and the patient may be referred to an appropriate facility for further management,” he added. **JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR
