Health Com discusses JRBGH procedures in handling animal bite cases

“WHEN it comes to emergency cases, kato mga lacerated na ga-ooze ang dugo (ang among) gi-consider na gyud as emergency. But amo na silang gina-refer sa mga trained sa animal bites na hospitals kay even physicians na dili trained dapat dili sila mag-administer sa vaccine.”

The epresentative from JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH) pointed this out during the meeting last week of the City Council Committee on Health, Nutrition and Health Insurance, chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, as he outlined the procedures in handling emergency cases, particularly patients with animal bites.

This discussion stemmed from the special report of Councilor Malvern A. Esparcia during the 72nd regular session of the City Council, regarding the enforcement of the anti-stray animal ordinance, and the rabies vaccination procedure at the City Animal Bite Centers.

According to the hospital representative, patients are served on a "first come, first served" basis, with priority given to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Despite many patients arriving in a state of panic, the staff consistently ensures proper care, even when faced with individuals who may display entitlement or hesitation.

The representative highlighted that 95 to 98 percent of animal bite cases involved household pets, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the implementation of RA 9482, also known as the Rabies Act of 2007, by the government.

“So mohangyo ko na tabangan nato unsaon ni pag implementar ang RA 9482 para maminus-minusan nato (ang animal bites cases). It’s good man na daghan tawo sa atong facilities kay they are aware of rabies, but the problem is that they are not responsible pet owners,” the representative further urged.