DOH says pyscho-social needs of Marawi evacuees “challenging”

October 23, 2017

The Department of Health (DOH) Monday said addressing mental issues of evacuees and residents stemming from the nearly five-month war in Marawi City would be "challenging".

In an interview, DOH Officer-In-Charge Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle said they are expecting the psychosocial response to be difficult.

"(It would be) Challenging due to cultural diversity," said Valle.

He said this is why they are using locals to  reach the affected population.

"(We have) ongoing (program) with local providers being trained continuously," said Valle.

As of August 1, there are at least 30,732 evacuees who have shown mental disorders, according to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

Of this number, 6,455 were classified as Level 2, which requires psycho-social debriefing; 24,199 as Level 3, or those in need of one-on-one treatment; and 78 cases as Level 4, where patients require medication and treatment in a designated facility.

Valle said the DOH is making sure Amai Pakpak Medical Center can deal with medical needs of the returning population,

"Amai Pakpak Hospital is the only operational health facility functioning 24/7 in Marawi. I was there this weekend to ensure that they have the surge capacity as the community repopulates," said Valle. DMS