THE Department of Health (DOH) has come to the aid of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), which has its Emergency Room (ER) operating at overcapacity, by opening hospitals under its wing to patients who cannot be accommodated by the latter.
In a television interview, PGH spokesman Dr. Jonas Del Rosario said the rise in ER patients was due to cases of leptospirosis, lower respiratory tract infections, and pneumonia.
In a statement late on Monday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced that at least 20 DOH-operated hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) are ready to handle patients who are unable to go to PGH.
“DOH hospitals are open and ready to receive patients who cannot be admitted to PGH due to the temporary fullness of its ER,” said Herbosa.
“All hospitals, clinics, ambulances, and doctors have been advised to refrain from bringing new patients to PGH for now, and instead bring them to DOH hospitals,” added the former head of the PGH Department of Emergency Medical Services (DEMS).
Included in the list were the Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Heart Center, and Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
Also made available were the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium in Caloocan City; Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center in Las Piñas City; San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital in Malabon City; National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City; and Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, and Tondo Medical Center in Manila City.
The DOH also opened the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa City, Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City, Valenzuela Medical Center in Valenzuela City, and East Avenue Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.
The DOH said patients may coordinate via its Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) by calling its mobile number 0956-1753710 or 0920-2511800.
In a social media post, the PGH announced that its ER is currently at overcapacity due to the high number of patients.
“Our Emergency Room remains open for patients in critical condition,” stressed PGH.
For the moment, it urged the public to look at other hospitals that can provide them with healthcare services.
