DOH deploys health emergency responders to Turkey after devastating earthquake

Rescue workers help a wounded person next to the rubble in Hatay on February 6, 2023, after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country’s south-east. A major 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, killing more than 5,000 people and flattening thousands of buildings as rescuers dug with bare hands for survivors.
BULENT KILIC / AFP

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said it deployed 31 health emergency responders to Turkey, following the magnitude 7.8 that struck the country, along with Syria.

According to the DOH in a statement, the said deployment is part of the Philippine Inter-Agency Contingent that will be deployed to Turkey  to help in its disaster response efforts

“The devastating earthquake in Turkey and its neighboring countries calls for international cooperation, and as ministers of health, it is incumbent upon us that we help other countries in times of disasters and calamities,” said DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.

“Many Filipinos are also working there, and we should take our part in helping them survive these trying times,” she added.

The 31-man team is composed of health professionals — doctors, nurses, medical technologists, and medical professionals — from Dr. Jose Natalio Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital.

As part of their deployment, the DOH team, bringing 16 tons of medical and rescue operations equipment, will assist in the ongoing rescue operations in Turkey.

The DOH team will accompany responders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Office of the Civil Defense, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

As of Feb. 7, the death toll in Turkey has reached 3,419, while deaths in Syria have reached over 1,600.

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