DOH: Low cases of blast injury this year

By Leny G. Gabo

The Department of Health (DOH) in the region reported low blast injuries resulting from the last New Year's Eve celebration.

According to Jerry Porras, Regional Coordinator on Health Emergency Staff, they have only recorded a total of 63 cases this 2005.

Of the total cases, seven were admitted while the rest were out patient.

He pointed out that most of the injuries were only minor cases.

"We are thankful that this year fire cracker related cases is slightly lower compared to last year's which reached a total of 77 cases," Porras stressed.

Porras said the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), a sentinel site for the DOH's "Iwas Paputok" campaign, recorded a total of 23 blast injury cases.

Another sentinel site Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital in Bacolod City, on the other hand, recorded 24 blast injuries, 2 of which reportedly caused by stray bullets.

The blast injury patients are now all discharged because they only suffered minor injuries.

Porras attributed the decrease in the number of firecracker related incidents to the agency's massive "Iwas Paputok" campaign.

He said they have also sought the support of the various Local Government Units (LGUs) for the endeavor.

Porras said the "Iwas Paputok" campaign continues until January 05, 2005 .