Power Supply Secured for DOH Hospitals Amid Rains
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that there will be sufficient power supply for DOH-run hospitals during power outages caused by continuous rains from the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, and recent tropical cyclones. This commitment to a stable power supply aims to safeguard critical health services despite the ongoing weather challenges.
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that ensuring reliable electricity for hospitals is a top priority. He revealed that the Department of Energy (DOE) is actively involved, with Secretary Sharon Garin deploying teams to conduct thorough energy audits in various hospitals nationwide. “Power supply for DOH hospitals” remains a key focus as the government prepares for possible disruptions.
Dual Power Sources in Major Hospitals
Herbosa, who has experience at Philippine General Hospital, shared an effective strategy already in place there: dual power grids. “Power comes from two grids so if a grid shuts down, the other one still works. Our plan with DOE is to implement that in big DOH hospitals to ensure power supply,” he explained during his visit to Tondo Medical Center.
This dual-grid approach acts as a safety net, reducing the risk of total blackout in critical healthcare facilities. The plan is to expand this setup to other large hospitals managed by the DOH.
Energy Audits and Modern Equipment Challenges
When discussing provincial hospitals, Herbosa noted that many face scarce energy resources. To address this, ongoing energy audits help identify gaps and optimize power use. “As we modernize the hospitals, the CT scan, MRI, x-rays consume too much power,” he said. These advanced machines require stable electricity, making the audits crucial to maintain uninterrupted services.
Herbosa also highlighted DOE’s commitment to prioritize DOH hospitals in power distribution. “All DOH hospitals, the DOE is helping us to ensure that our services will not be disrupted because of power outages,” he confirmed during a separate visit to East Avenue Medical Center.
Ensuring Medical Supplies Amid Weather Woes
Aside from power concerns, the health chief reassured the public about the availability of doxycycline. This antibiotic is commonly used to prevent leptospirosis, a disease that can spike during heavy rains. However, he reminded everyone that the drug should only be taken with a doctor’s prescription.
Meanwhile, power companies reported significant outages affecting thousands of customers, mainly in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Cavite, due to the habagat. Despite this, the national power grid remains stable, with no damage reported to transmission facilities so far.
With these measures, the DOH and DOE work hand in hand to secure power supply for DOH hospitals, ensuring continuous medical care even during severe weather conditions.
For more news and updates on power supply for DOH hospitals, visit Filipinokami.com.
