DAVAO CITY — The Department of Health on Friday ordered all public and private health facilities to go on a “Code White” alert until Jan. 4, 2024.
The order is in preparation for the New Year revelries prepare for health-related incidents this holiday season.
The standard Code White: Aggressive/Hostile/Combative Person.
It also means that hospitals and health facilities are expected to prepare more medicines and supplies in their emergency and operating rooms, especially for trauma patients. In anticipation of more patients, the triage system will also be enhanced.
Other needs such as x-ray plates, laboratory requirements, and the like will also be made available “without requirement for out of pocket by victims,” according to DOH. The department added more funds and staff will also be on standby for use or deployment.
“Under orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the DOH and all hospitals and health facilities will be ready for all untoward incidents this Christmas and New Year season,” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a statement.
DOH also reminded the public to avoid the use of firecrackers and driving after drinking alcohol.