NEWSFLASH

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MALARIA INCIDENCE IN PALAWAN "ALARMING"

Puerto Princesa, Oct. 27, 1997 - Several municipalities are reporting high incidents of malaria. Laboratory reports from Paragon Laboratory in Brooke's Point , 150 kilometers from Puerto Princesa, found 997 residents of 3 towns positive.

Dr. Jose Ferrer Laceste, a private physician, said the figure represented a 10-155% increase compared to last year.

The Brooke's Point District Hospital, which provides medical services to EspaQola, Bataraza, Rizal and Balabac, reported admitting 206 malaria patients for the first quarter of 1997 and 330 patients for the second quarter.

Palaw'an tribal chieftain Quirino Liwasa said the incidence of malaria, tuberculosis and gastro-enteritis had risen dramatically among his people this year. Lack of roads and an inadequate transport system combine, he said, to deprive his people of primary health care services.

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