Health Sector Prepares for Hurricane Polo in Baja California Sur

Mobilization of Health Services

As Hurricane Polo approaches, the health institutions in Baja California Sur are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The Secretary of Health in the state, Ana Luisa Guluarte Castro, announced that medical and nursing personnel have been designated to provide basic healthcare services in temporary shelters. This decision was made during an extraordinary session of the State Health Security Committee, which took place on Friday.

"We are committed to ensuring that all necessary health services are available to those who seek refuge during this natural disaster,"

stated Guluarte Castro.

The meeting included representatives from various health institutions such as IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS Bienestar, as well as officials from the five municipalities in the state. The agreements made during this session focus on assigning personnel to the facilities designated as temporary shelters by the Undersecretary of Civil Protection as part of the emergency response plan.

Distribution of Resources and Services

According to the capacity of each municipality, the shelters will be staffed by different health institutions. This strategic distribution aims to provide therapeutic interventions for those in need, promote preventive measures against infectious diseases, and carry out epidemiological surveillance. Guluarte Castro emphasized the importance of these actions in safeguarding public health during the hurricane.

"We are reinforcing the timely notification of diarrheal infections and acute respiratory diseases, as well as vector-borne diseases like dengue. This information is crucial for implementing mitigation and control actions to reduce risks to the population,"

she added.

In addition to these health services, the meeting addressed the actions taken by IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS Bienestar to ensure the supply of fluids, energy sources, medical supplies, and medications in hospitals. These preparations are essential to maintain healthcare services during the potential impact of the hurricane.

Ensuring Vaccine Efficacy

The health authorities also discussed measures to preserve the cold chain in first and second-level medical units. This is vital for maintaining the efficacy of vaccines and medications, ensuring that residents have access to necessary treatments even during adverse weather conditions. Guluarte Castro reiterated the importance of coordination among the five municipalities through health jurisdictions to effectively manage the situation.

"These coordinated efforts are essential to ensure that our healthcare system remains resilient in the face of natural disasters,"

she concluded.

As Hurricane Polo approaches, the health sector in Baja California Sur remains vigilant and prepared to respond to the needs of the community, ensuring that essential health services are accessible to all who require them.