Acting Secretary of Public Health Pedro T. Untalan said the high risk groups are those who are experiencing preterm labor or women due before Oct. 14, 2009; individuals who are on medical equipment requiring electricity like oxygen generators, and individuals on prescription medications and in need of medical supplies.
Untalan said storms have been known to make pregnant women give birth earlier than their expected due date.
The department is urging all women with a gestational age of 36 weeks and above to self monitor and prepare for the possibility for early labor.
“Pregnant women who are experiencing early labor encouraged to come to the Commonwealth Health Center prior to the arrival of the storm. An area has been set aside for women who are nearing their due date,” Untalan said.
He also urged pregnant women to contact the CHC nurse supervisor at telephone number 234-8950 for more information.
“If you will be coming to CHC, please make sure you bring your identification information, a pillow, blanket, extra clothing, and other essential supplies,” Untalan said.
He added that individuals who are on medical equipment requiring electricity should report to CHC if they do not have a generator at home.
“Island-wide residential electricity should be expected to be turned off if storm conditions worsen,” he said.
For those who are under medication, Public Health is urging them to fill in their prescriptions that would last for at least three days.
This, Untalan said, is very important particularly for patients who are suffering from diabetes or asthma.
All dispensaries and outpatient clinics were closed yesterday due to the storm but residents were urged to report directly to the CHC emergency room if they needed urgent medical care.
The TB/Chest Clinic and Dialysis Unit were open yesterday and will continue operations until further notice.
All dialysis patients are requested to come to their dialysis appointments early.
For more information, contact the Dialysis Unit at 236-8303/04.
Public Health bioterrorism planner Warren F. Villagomez told the Variety yesterday that the newly acquired mobile field hospital was also on stand-by and ready to be used.
