The Department of Health (DOH) has provided medical assistance to over 600 devotees who joined the different activities for this year's Feast of the Black Nazarene.

In an advisory, the DOH said that from Jan. 8 to 9, a total of 642 "consultations were reported, managed, and addressed from the days of preparation to the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene."

Of the said figure, four were hospitalized. However, three of them were already discharged, while one is still under observation, the DOH said.

The DOH said that of the 642 consultations, 577 were related to devotees who experienced hypertension, chest pain, while some had their blood pressures checked. Forty-three individuals were treated after sustaining "wounds and lacerations."

Ten devotees were managed after they experienced headache and dizziness. Eight individuals experienced difficulty breathing and asthma attacks. Meanwhile, four people suffered from abdominal pain and loose bowel movement.

The DOH said it is still "implementing active monitoring of the event situation," adding that its health operating units are on standby for any situation that may arise."

In a related development, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said that a total of 552 devotees have sought medical needs in their different health stations.

The PRC said that they managed "minor cases" such as abrasion, chest pain, contusion, laceration, abdominal pain, nausea, sprain, and dizziness. Some devotees also sought medical assistance after sustaining "multiple bruises," while some suffered from toothache, hypertension, and shortness of breath.

Since midnight of Monday, Jan. 9, hourly Masses were being held at the Quiapo Church. The last Mass will be conducted at 11 p.m.

As of 2 p.m., the crowd estimate at the Quiapo Church was at 246,250, according to organizers.