DOH urges incoming LGU officials to keep trained health workers

By Paulo DS Papa

The Department of Health (DOH) in Camarines Sur is urging newly elected local officials not to terminate or replace local health personnel, particularly mem- bers of municipal or city epidemiology surveillance units who have already undergone specialized training.

Dr. Rey Millena, DOH-Camarines Sur provincial officer, said in a phone interview that as newly elected officials prepare to assume office by the end of the month, it is crucial to retain trained health workers amid ongoing public health threats such as monkeypox (MPox).

“Replacing these workers would require retraining new personnel, which is risky especially with confirmed MPox cases already reported in Central Visayas,” Millena warned.

He stressed that these surveillance teams are vital in monitoring local health conditions and play a key role in preventing the spread of diseases.

Millena also reminded the public to maintain good hygiene—frequent hand and body washing—and to avoid unnecessary contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. He advised those experiencing symptoms to immediately visit their municipal or city health centers.

“Only trained health workers can assess whether a patient has had contact with someone infected with MPox,” he said.

MPox is a contagious skin disease similar to chickenpox. Millena warned against self-medicating with ointments, emphasizing that rashes and itchiness must be properly diagnosed by medical professionals.