BMC deploys 2 teams to aid Odette victims

By Mylce Mella

The Bicol Medical Center (BMC) Health Emergency and Management Staff (HEMS) has deployed two medical teams on Wednesday, Dec. 22, to provide free hospital and medical care for victims of Typhoon Odette in Eastern Visayas.

Armando Bitara, a nurse supervisor and one of the team leaders, said it is a privilege to serve our fellow Filipinos during these times, despite not spending Christmas and New Year with their families.

“Kami ay nagagalak sa pagkakataon na makapagresponde. Pero may kasama din po na kalungkutan kasi magpa-Pasko at New Year na wala kami sa aming pamilya. Pero syempre, parte po ‘yan ng aming trabaho upang matulungan natin ang mga kababayan natin na tinamaan ng bagyo,” Bitara said.

Each team has 11 members, including doctors (surgeon and internal medicine), nurses and psychiatric nurses, cooks, and drivers.

“Magbibigay po kami ng out-patient services. May kasama po kaming surgeon at Internal Medicine physicians para makita ‘yung mga cases na related sa bagyo. Magbibigay din kami ng psycho-social intervention dahil may kasama po kaming psychiatric nurses,” Bitara added.

Before heading to their assignment, the teams paid a courtesy call to DOH Bicol Regional Director Ernie Vera and HEMS Bicol Regional Director Dra. Rose Rempillo.

In 2013, BMC-HEMS also sent its medical teams to Samar when Typhoon Yolanda hit and in Bohol due to the magnitude 7.1 earthquake. The teams also responded to the needs of the residents affected by the Taal Eruption in Calabarzon last year.

The BMC medical teams will stay in Eastern Visayas until January 5, 2022.