Bacolod city: The Department of Health (DOH) is advising patients to consult or seek assistance from any of the certified 52 animal bite treatment centers (ABTCs) across the Negros Island Region (NIR) in the event of dog or cat bites. The DOH-NIR issued the reminder on Monday in line with the observance of the World Rabies Day on September 28 under the theme ‘Act Now: You, Me, Community.’
According to Philippines News Agency, the advisory emphasizes the importance of immediate consultation with a DOH-certified animal bite treatment center if bitten or scratched. Rabies is potentially fatal, but it can be completely prevented with proper action and prompt treatment. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) offers a benefit package for members to cover services against rabies in accredited ABT package providers.
The ABT package of PHP5,850 includes essential post-exposure prophylaxis such as the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin for immediate protection, local wound care, tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, antibiotics, and necessary supplies.
In Bacolod City, the two ABTCs are Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital and Bacolod City Health Office. Siquijor also hosts two centers: Siquijor Provincial Hospital and Lazi Medicare Community Hospital.
Negros Occidental is equipped with 24 centers, including facilities like Bago City Health Office, Binalbagan Rural Health Unit, and Cadiz City Health Office, among others. Meanwhile, Negros Oriental also has 24 ABTCs, including Ayungon Rural Health Unit and Bacong Rural Health Unit, providing extensive coverage across the region.