The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday, March 27 said it is prepared to assist the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) as its emergency room (ER) reaches full capacity.
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said in a statement that the situation, while concerning, was not caused by any unusual or dangerous factors, following an investigation by UP-PGH management.
He added that the number of patients is expected to decrease in the coming days.
In the meantime, Herbosa said, “We are already talking to UP-PGH for the possible transfer of their current patients to DOH hospitals.”
As part of efforts to ease the pressure on UP-PGH’s ER, the DOH chief urged all hospitals, clinics, ambulances, and doctors to refrain from sending new patients to UP-PGH and instead direct them to DOH hospitals.
Herbosa pointed out that this initiative is in line with President Marcos’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system and ensure that patients receive timely care while reducing the strain on UP-PGH’s ER.
Patients in need of care can be admitted to various DOH hospitals across Metro Manila, including Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium in Caloocan, Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center in Las Piñas, San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital in Malabon, National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong, and Valenzuela Medical Center in Valenzuela.
Additional DOH facilities include Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, and Tondo Medical Center in Manila; Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina; Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa; Rizal Medical Center in Pasig; and several hospitals in Quezon City, including East Avenue Medical Center, National Children's Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Heart Center, and Philippine Children's Medical Center.
Herbosa also encouraged hospitals and medical personnel to contact the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development at mobile numbers 0956-1753710 or 0920-2511800 before transferring patients.