DOH to reopen Amai Pakpak hospital in Marawi

MANILA - The Department of Health (DOH) has said it is keen on reopening the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City, weeks after it was shut down following the hostilities between government forces and the terrorist Maute Group.In a news release issued Tuesday, the DOH said the Armed Forces of the Philippines has already given the green light for the hospital’s medical staff to return to duty.The department said officials are studying the situation in managing the revival of the medical center’s operations.It noted that since parts of the hospital were destroyed by the militants, the hospital staff need to conduct an inventory and evaluate the facilities that can still be used.According to the release, PHP37.82 million worth of logistics and financial assistance has been given to the hospitals and evacuation centers in conflict-affected areas.The department further said it is in the process of assessing the evacuation centers to ensure decent and ample shelter for evacuees, and that it has provided tents, water containers, water disinfecting solutions, and hygiene kits.The DOH meanwhile said it has ensured that pregnant women are given pre-natal check-ups and multivitamin supplements and has encouraged lactating women to breastfeed their babies. It also reported that it has conducted psychosocial support sessions in Iligan City for 811 individuals.Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial assured that the DOH will deliver essential health services to the evacuees. We commit to stay on top of the situation to continually ensure the health and welfare of all our countrymen in Mindanao, Christians and Muslims alike, until this crisis is finally resolved, Ubial said.According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the clashes in Marawi City have displaced 4,317 families or 20,754 persons, who are currently staying in 64 evacuation centers, and another 42,672 families or 207,622 persons, who are staying with relatives or friends in nearby regions.