DOH-7 says blast related injuries in Cebu declines

by Amor Saludar

CEBU CITY December 27 (PIA) -- There are less blast-related cases and injuries in Central Visayas during the celebration of Christmas this year compared to last year.

Dr. Susana Madarieta, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) 7 bared the incidence of firecracker-related injuries declined this year compared in 2010 based on

reported cases from the different hospitals in Cebu City and the province.

So far, only nine cases of blast-related injuries were admitted in the various hospitals here, according to the DOH- 7 “Iwas Paputok” Program team which conducted monitoring of the blast related cases here.

Last year, the DOH-7 recorded 46 victims of firecracker injuries from the province and cities of Cebu during the celebration of both Christmas and New Year.

Madarieta also noted that there are no reported cases of fatalities due to blasting incidents or improper handling of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Only minor injuries were referred to the hospitals in which victims were not confined in the hospitals and were just given medication and treatment, this is said.

The decrease of firecracker-related injuries can be attributed to the combined efforts of the DOH,  police, local government units and other government and non government organizations that actively campaigned and implemented the “Iwas Paputok” Program that aimed to regulate the use and purchase of firecrackers and pyrotechnics. (FCR/AS/PIA-CEBU)