The Department of Health (DOH) issued crucial guidance on Sunday, November 9, 2025, advising Filipino households on the essential medicines to include in their Emergency Go Bags as Super Typhoon Uwan approaches the country.
Essential Medicines for Your Survival Kit
In a detailed social media advisory, the health department specified eight categories of medicines that every household should have readily available. The comprehensive list includes paracetamol or ibuprofen for treating fever and body pains, which are common during stressful weather events.
Other critical items mentioned were oral rehydration salts to combat dehydration, carbocisteine or ambroxol for cough relief, and antacid for indigestion and acid reflux problems that might arise during emergency situations.
Complete Medical Preparedness Checklist
The DOH emphasized that a well-stocked medicine kit should also contain antihistamines for allergic reactions, anti-diarrheals for stomach aches and loose bowel movement, and mefenamic acid for moderate pain management. Perhaps most importantly, the department stressed that households must include all necessary maintenance medicines for family members with ongoing medical conditions.
"Mahalagang tiyakin na may handa at kumpletong medicine kit ang bawat tahanan para agad matugunan ang mga simpleng karamdaman," the DOH emphasized in their advisory, highlighting the importance of immediate response to common illnesses during emergencies.
Proper Medicine Storage and Safety
The health department provided specific guidelines for medicine safety and storage. All medicines must be checked for expiration dates and discoloration before being packed. The packaging should remain intact and undamaged to ensure effectiveness.
Finally, the DOH recommended placing all medicines in a sturdy, waterproof container that won't easily break during transport or adverse weather conditions. "Buuin ang medicine kit na parte ng inyong Emergency Go Bag," the agency reminded the public, reinforcing that medical preparedness should be an integral part of overall typhoon readiness.
This proactive guidance comes as Super Typhoon Uwan poses a significant threat to the Philippines, with the DOH taking extra measures to ensure public health protection during potential emergencies.
