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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PRC responds to San Lazaro Hospital's call amid leptospirosis surge

PRC responds to San Lazaro Hospital's call amid leptospirosis surge

Published Aug 28, 2026 05:31 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Red Cross deployed Medical Corps Volunteers to San Lazaro Hospital to help address the rising number of leptospirosis patients.
  • The team initially assisted 67 patients on Aug. 25, while 22 PRC personnel—including nurses, senior nursing students, and support volunteers—were deployed the following day.
  • PRC Chairman Richard Gordon also directed chapters nationwide to check nearby hospitals for increased patient loads and manpower needs amid the leptospirosis surge.
(Philippine Red Cross)
(Philippine Red Cross)


Amid the increasing number of leptospirosis patients, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has responded to San Lazaro Hospital’s call for additional manpower, deploying its Medical Corps Volunteers to help augment the hospital’s healthcare workforce as it manages the surge.
In a letter addressed to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, San Lazaro Hospital formally requested additional medical and support personnel in preparation for an anticipated increase in leptospirosis patients.
The hospital sought personnel who could help augment its workforce, including those with nursing and hemodialysis-related experience.
PRC Medical Corps Volunteers began providing support on Aug. 25. On their first day of service, the team catered to 67 patients in the hospital wards, assisting with patient monitoring and other essential nursing support.
The response continued on Aug. 26, with the PRC mobilizing 22 personnel composed of seven registered nurses, 13 senior nursing students or underboards, and two support volunteers. The deployment will continue as needed in coordination with San Lazaro Hospital.
Gordon said the PRC remains ready to respond to health institutions that require additional support, “When there is a call for help, the Philippine Red Cross responds. We work closely with our health institutions to determine their needs and provide the support that we can.”
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang said the Medical Corps Volunteers are providing additional manpower while the hospital manages the surge, “Our Medical Corps Volunteers are providing additional support to San Lazaro Hospital’s healthcare workers and patients during this surge. We will continue coordinating closely with the hospital and adjust our support according to the needs on the ground.”
Beyond San Lazaro Hospital, Gordon has also directed PRC chapters nationwide to check hospitals within and near their respective areas amid the rising number of leptospirosis cases.
The initiative will allow the organization to identify healthcare facilities experiencing increased patient loads or manpower requirements and determine where PRC assistance may be needed.
The PRC will continue monitoring the leptospirosis situation nationwide and coordinating with health institutions to provide support where it is needed.

Related Tags

Leptospirosis San Lazaro Hospital Philippine Red Cross
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