By Joel C. Atencio
The Department of Health (DOH) said on Saturday it is eyeing a total firecracker ban throughout the country to achieve zero casualty rate during the annual New Year celebrations.
This was announced by Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde during a New Year’s Day press conference at the DOH Central Office in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Villaverde said they are alarmed over the increasing number of fireworks-related injuries and casualties every year.
The DOH official said they would be pushing for a total ban on the use of firecrackers as the government is doing its best during the last two decades convincing Filipinos to do away with lighting up firecrackers during the New Year revelry.
Villaverde noted that the increase in number of injuries was due to the proliferation of cheap, low quality and prohibited piccolo that injured a bigger number of children.
A significant big number of bystanders who were injured and a high percentage of active users under the influence of alcohol contributed to the increase.
“We appeal to those injured to see a doctor immediately to prevent tetanus, a highly fatal result of wounds caused by firecrackers,†Villaverde said, adding that the "Kampanya Kontra Paputok" surveillance ends Jan. 5. - pna
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