The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Tuesday, Oct. 22, that it is in close coordination with the City of Manila following reports that two of its hospitals have reached full capacity.

“It is routine and even prudent for hospitals to announce when they are unable to receive new patients for whatever reason, so that patients in need of care may be diverted to other nearby hospitals,” DOH Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo told reporters in a Viber message.

In a hospital advisory released by the Manila Public Information Office, it was announced that the emergency rooms and patient rooms at the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC) and the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center (GABMMC) have reached full capacity.

Although the hospitals have declared full capacity, the City of Manila clarified that these facilities are still providing services for new patients, despite the limited space available. However, patients are advised to seek care at other public hospitals in Manila to address their needs.

The DOH said that it is coordinating with the City of Manila and the management of the hospitals to ensure that “patient treatment and discharge is optimized within the two facilities.”

No specific disease

In response to the advisory on full capacity, the DOH stated that the hospitals have yet to explain the reasons behind their announcement.

“The two hospitals have not reported any specific disease or incident that may be causing their full capacity,” Domingo said.

Meanwhile, the DOH assured that nearby hospitals, such as San Lazaro Hospital and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, as well as other government facilities like the UP-Philippine General Hospital, are “available to receive patients.”