The Department of Health (DOH) said the country’s health system can handle the rising number of leptospirosis cases, as the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) reaches full capacity.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, in a radio interview, said the health system can “adequately handle” rising leptospirosis cases.
The DOH has also established a hotline for leptospirosis cases as it urged the public to seek medical attention should they experience symptoms.
The DOH said hotlines were launched yesterday. These include landline (02) 8531-0037; mobile number 0920-283-2758.
“That is the cellphone number that doctors and patients with leptospirosis may contact. Just like during the COVID-19 pandemic, one can call that number to check which hospital has an available bed,” Domingo said.
Reports said cases of leptospirosis at government hospitals such as the NKTI and San Lazaro Hospital have been going up.
The NKTI said that its gymnasium has been converted into a leptospirosis ward due to an influx of patients after the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Carina-enhanced Southwest Monsoon, GMA News reported.
Nearly 70 individuals suffering from leptospirosis were admitted at the NKTI as of Friday, and the NKTI has already requested 20 more nurses and 10 more doctors from the DOH to address the lack of manpower, the report said.
“We are not lacking [in personnel]. There are many doctors and nurses. It’s just that they are in other hospitals. We need to divert patients to hospitals that are ready to receive them,” Domingo said.
The NKTI meanwhile said its emergency room (ER) and gymnasium that serves as a makeshift leptospirosis ward reached full capacity on Friday.
This comes just several days after the activation of the ward and exactly two weeks of widespread flooding caused by monsoon rains in Metro Manila.
Of the 125 patients currently at the ER, only 66 are in beds and the rest are being given medical attention while on wheelchairs or monoblock stools, ABS-CBN News reported.
NKTI’s Deputy Executive Director for Medical Services Romina Danguilan, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said while they are used to treating patients with leptospirosis, they observe cases to be more severe this year.
“The patients require dialysis. They also have pancreatitis, hepatitis, and liver function abnormalities. Some have severe lung damage while others have complications with their lungs requiring intubation and respirators,” Danguilan said.
The NKTI said it has no problems with adding more beds but stressed the need for additional manpower to be able to attend to the patient’s needs more effectively.
Reports said the Philippine Red Cross and the Bicol Sanitarium heeded their call and sent medical personnel.
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