FOUR animal bite centers in Misamis Oriental have run out of essential medical supplies, including anti-rabies vials, according to Talisayan Vice Mayor Rommel Maslog, who also serves as a Provincial Health Consultant.
The affected centers are OWWA Hospital in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital in Balingasag, the Gingoog Health Office in Gingoog City, and the Provincial Health Office in Cagayan de Oro City.
In an interview, Vice Mayor Maslog said that the shortage is due to a surge in the number of people bitten by unvaccinated domestic animals.
He pointed out that the problem extends beyond Misamis Oriental, affecting the entire country.
Councilor Jerome Magan of Gingoog City said that other municipalities have not provided additional funds to support the Gingoog Animal Bite Center, which serves the towns of Balingoan, Talisayan, Medina, and Magsaysay, as well as Gingoog City.
As chairman of the Health Committee, Magan called on these municipalities to fulfill their obligations to the center.
Despite the shortage, Talisayan Mayor Rico Taray, Chairman of the Gingoog Bay Area Alliance, urged pet owners to vaccinate their dogs to prevent future crises.
“It is crucial to vaccinate pets to avoid problems like the current supply shortage,” he said.
City Veterinary Officer Al Gonzales of Gingoog City reported that the city has ample supplies of anti-rabies vaccines, with over P1 million allocated for dog vaccinations this year.
Dr. Benjie Resma, provincial agriculture head and veterinary officer said that P5 million has been allocated for dog vaccinations across Misamis Oriental.
The provincial government is currently in the process of purchasing more medicines to address the shortage.
