The provincial government of Pampanga is set to distribute medicines to COVID-19 patients and their family members with symptoms.
In a public address, Governor Dennis Pineda said they asked the assistance of a pediatrician and a pulmonologist to package medicines for children and adults manifesting COVID-19 symptoms.
“With the help of two doctors, we came up with two sets of medicines. One is for children ages 2-12 years old, while the other set is for adults. We did this because we noticed that children now are also getting infected with the virus,” Pineda shared.
This is also to aid the sick Kapampangans, especially now that there are many complaints regarding shortage of medicines even in pharmacies.
The first release will consist of 15,000 packs each for adults and children, to be distributed to rural health units, district hospitals, and barangays.
“This is only the first batch but we are also preparing for succeeding batches. This initial batch will suffice for 10 to 15 days, considering that our average cases per day is around 400 to 500 cases,” the governor said.
The medicine packs for adults include antiseptic gargle, antihistamine, vitamin C, and zinc; while those for children contain cough and colds syrup, paracetamol, oral rehydration solution, vitamin C, and zinc.
Each pack contains instructions on how to take the medicines and the correct dosage based on age.
However, for children below 2 years old, Pineda urged parents to bring them to any district hospital so that they can be properly assessed by a physician.
“I have strict instructions to all district hospitals to accommodate and assess all patients manifesting Covid symptoms. If they refuse to attend to your needs or accommodate you, report them to us [Capitol] and I will personally talk to them,” Pineda said.
The ratio of medicine packs to be distributed will depend on the size and population of each village, as he urged barangay health workers to help in the distribution to their constituents.
Meanwhile, he reminded the public to strictly follow the 10-day quarantine period for households with COVID-positive patients, except for healthcare workers who may shorten their quarantine to five days.
“If someone in your household is already confirmed COVID-positive via RT-PCR test and you develop symptoms, you just have to undergo home quarantine. I suggest that you no longer have to take the test because chances are, you also got Covid as well. Just ask for medicine in your barangay to relieve your symptoms,” the governor said.
For pregnant COVID positive individuals, if they are going to give birth via normal delivery, the provincial government said they can be accommodated to district hospitals.
For those who will give birth via cesarean section, they will be admitted to the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital or the San Luis District Hospital; afterwards they will be transferred to either their mother district hospital or the provincial quarantine facilities.
From January 1 to 19, the provincial government records a total of 5,393 Kapampangans infected with the virus, with an average of 400 to 500 daily cases. (PIA 3)
