PETALING JAYA: Flooded rooms and wards are forcing patients at Ormoc District Hospital to stay in its corridors and lobby.

"On Nov 19, we managed to fly in our field hospital equipment on board planes owned by the National Security Council (MKN)," Mercy Malaysia vice-president II Norazam Ab Samah said.

"Tents were put up on the same day at designated spaces in the Ormoc District Hospital, while the outpatient department was established by the Mercy Malaysia team the next day."

He added the team is providing free consultations and medicine for the victims.

As of Nov 21, 260 patients have been treated with two being transferred to Manila and 17 more receiving anti-tetanus toxoid treatment.

"Today, more patients are lining up to receive treatment. The hospital operations are currently being shifted to the field hospital run by Mercy Malaysia and the Canadian Red Cross to allow rehabilitation work to be done," he said.

Norazam said among the health problems being treated were respiratory infection, malnutrition and infectious communicable diseases like chicken pox and gastroenteritis.

"Other conditions are psychosocial related such as headache, poor sleep, urinary issues, chest pain, traumatic injuries, infected wounds sustained during the typhoon and new wounds due to rebuilding activities," Norazam said.

source:MJNnews