DOH: Firecracker injuries up 3% compared to same period in 2018

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday revealed that the number of firecracker victims this December 2019 has slightly increased compared to the same period last year, with a huge number of those injured being children.

Interviewed on Balitanghali, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the DOH already recorded 62 cases of firecracker-related injuries from December 21 to December 31, which is about three percent higher than last year.

Duque added the number also includes passive injuries, or those cases where the victims were not directly involved with firecrackers.

"Sa mga taong walang konsensya, walang kaluluwa siguro itong mga ito, walang pakialam sa kanilang mga kapwa at carelessly, recklessly nagpapaputok sila na hindi nila pinapansin na may dumadaan na bata, naputukan at 'yon ang naospital," he said.

However, Duque said the record is 63% lower when compared to the five-year average with 159 cases.

The NCR topped the list with the most number of firecracker victims, followed by regions I, VII, II, Calabarzon and V with four cases each.

Duque said the slight increase is attributed to the fine  weather, which is opposite the rainy New Year's Eve last year.

The health secretary advised the public to purchase gifts, donate to churches or charities, and participate in feeding programs instead of buying firecrackers.

"Mas maraming mga kabutihang maidudulot ang inyong salapi kaysa pasasabugin niyo lang at makadidisgrasya pa," he said.

Duque said he will make rounds to hospitals in Metro Manila this New Year's Eve to inspect their preparedness to firecracker-related injuries. —Jamil Santos/NB, GMA News