KPH reaches 278% bed occupancy; Dengue tops child admissions

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) is facing severe overcrowding as its bed occupancy rate reached 278 percent as of 1 p.m. on September 24, 2026, with dengue emerging as the leading cause of admission among children.

According to OIC-Chief of Hospital Dr. Rey Aranca, KPH was attending to 278 patients across its different departments as of the said date.

Of the total, 97 were in the pediatric ward, 89 in the medical ward, 51 in obstetrics and gynecology, 23 in surgery and orthopedics, 11 in private rooms, and seven in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

With KPH designed for only 100 beds, the surge in patients has forced some to occupy corridors and areas near offices inside the hospital.

Aranca said dengue is currently the leading cause of admission among children, while respiratory diseases top the causes of admission among adults.

He urged the public to take preventive measures and protect themselves from diseases, particularly dengue and respiratory infections.

“Dengue iti number one cause iti pedia ken respiratory diseases iti adult. Agannad ken protektaran iti bagi tayo. Follow the protective and preventive measures from the Department of Health,” Aranca said on September 24.

Public urged to prevent dengue

With dengue topping pediatric admissions at KPH, health authorities continue to remind the public to practice the Department of Health’s 4S strategy: Search and destroy mosquito-breeding places, Secure self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging or spraying in identified hotspot areas. 

Residents can help prevent dengue by regularly removing stagnant water from containers, tires, flower pots and other areas where mosquitoes can breed. Water storage containers should be covered, emptied and cleaned regularly.

People are also advised to use mosquito repellents and wear clothing that covers the arms and legs to reduce mosquito bites. The public should also watch for dengue symptoms, which may include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea or vomiting, and skin rashes.

Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical consultation early rather than self-medicating. Patients suspected of having dengue are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids. WHO advises using paracetamol for fever or pain, while aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided because they may increase the risk of bleeding in dengue patients.

The public should seek immediate medical attention if warning signs develop, including severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, extreme weakness or restlessness, pale or cold skin, or unusual thirst. These warning signs can occur as the fever subsides and may indicate severe dengue.

As the hospital continues to deal with a high patient census, Aranca also expressed appreciation to KPH healthcare workers and staff for working longer hours to attend to the needs of patients.

“Thank you very much to our hospital health workers working double and overtime to render quality service to all,” he said.