The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, August 5, said its hospitals are ready to receive patients following the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital’s (UP-PGH) announcement that its emergency room (ER) has reached full capacity.
On Monday, August 4, UP-PGH issued an advisory informing the public that its ER had reached full capacity.
“Nais naming ipaalam sa inyo na ang aming Emergency Room ay kasalukuyang higit na sa kapasidad dahil sa mataas na bilang ng mga pasyenteng dumarating,” UP-PGH said.
“Sa ngayon, hinihikayat namin kayong maghanap muna ng ibang ospital na maaaring magbigay ng agarang serbisyo sa inyo,” it said.
“Nananatiling bukas ang emergency room namin para sa mga pasyenteng nasa kritikal na kalagayan,” the hospital added.
The advisory promoted calls for more hospitals that could cater to the public.
“Sana magkaron pa ng PGH sa ibat ibang area ng bansa para hidni lahat ng pasyente sa pgh taft lahat nag pupunta lalo yung mga kapos tlga sa pera sana maisip ito ng mga sa gobyerno,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Sana magkaroon na ng sariling PGH ang probinsya ng Cavite,” another said.
In response, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said DOH hospitals are on standby to help decongest UP-PGH and ensure continued access to emergency care.
The DOH also released a list of hospitals that will serve as referral centers for patients who can no longer be accommodated at PGH.
The agency reminded the public that government hospitals are strictly implementing the “Bayad na Bill Mo” or Zero Balance Billing program for basic accommodations, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
— John Marwin Elao, Rosette Adel
