All Department of Health (DOH) hospitals in the Ilocos Region have been placed under Code White Alert as authorities prepare for possible medical emergencies from the effects of Typhoon #IndayPH.

The DOH Center for Health Development (CHD)-Ilocos said hospitals and other health facilities are on heightened alert to ensure they can respond immediately to emergencies as the typhoon enhances the southwest monsoon.

The five DOH hospitals in the region include the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Ilocos Sur Medical Center, Region 1 Medical Center, Conrado F. Estrella Regional Medical and Trauma Center, and Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center. Government-run hospitals operated by local government units have also been placed on alert.

CHD-Ilocos spokesperson Dr. Rheuel Bobis said Code White Alert means medical teams are ready to respond at any time.

"Ang ibig sabihin nito, 'yung ating mga medical personnel, 'yung ating mga emergency room, at 'yung ating health emergency response are on 24/7 standby para makaresponde agad sa kahit anumang medical emergency," Bobis said.

Hospitals have been instructed to closely monitor health emergencies and ensure the availability of hospital rooms, doctors, medicines, and other essential medical supplies. Medical personnel have also been placed on full standby.

"Isa rin po 'yan sa tinitiyak natin na nakahanda sa Code White. So, lahat po ng medical personnel are on 24/7 standby," Bobis added.

The health department also advised residents to prepare emergency go bags with at least a three-day supply of ready-to-eat food, monitor official updates from PAGASA and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and keep local emergency hotline numbers readily available. The public was also reminded to call the national emergency hotline 911 when immediate assistance is needed.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Typhoon Inday will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing isolated rain showers, particularly over the western part of Pangasinan, in the coming days.

"So, 'yun ang inaasahan natin this day. Nagsimula na kagabi. Nagkaroon tayo ng ganoong senaryo. Aasahan natin ito hanggang Sabado pa," PAGASA-Dagupan Chief Meteorological Officer Engr. Jose Estrada Jr. said.