Odette also affected operations of hospitals in southern Negros

Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said several provincial government- operated hospitals in the south are currently facing several problems brought by Typhoon Odette.

Diaz said the Valeriano M. Gatuslao Memorial District Hospital in Himamaylan City is currently experiencing issues with the stability of their power supply.

Some of the hospital’s medical equipment are beginning to break down due to low voltage, he said.

To avoid further damage, Diaz said he advised the hospital management to fully utilize the generator sets to stabilize their power supply.

The Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City, meanwhile is also reeling from flood-related damages during Odette’s onslaught.

Despite thorough cleaning at the hospital, the stench left behind by the flood waters remains, Diaz said, adding that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Kabankalan is regularly bringing in water supply to help in cleaning the hospital premises.

In Sipalay City, the Merceditas J. Montilla District Hospital suffered extensive structural damage. Diaz said a representative from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is set to visit the hospital in order to assess and determine the cost of the damages, after which, the GSIS may release funds which will be used to repair the hospital.

“Ang damage ara sa roofing, tapos may iban nga parts sang hospital ang na compromise gid kay na expose sya to the elements,” Diaz said.

The Eleuterio T. Decena Memorial Hospital in the town of Hinoba-an also suffered damages, although Diaz said it wasn’t too serious compared to the hospital in Sipalay.

Previously, the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City also suffered damages brought by the typhoon.* (DGB)