NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PGH Issues Advisory As Emergency Room Operates Beyond Capacity
Photo credit: UP-PGH
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has released an important public advisory, informing patients and the general public that its Emergency Room (ER) is currently operating beyond its intended capacity. According to the statement, the number of patients seeking emergency care has surged significantly in recent days, with over 300 individuals being accommodated in a space designed for only 75 beds. This represents a 400 percent overcapacity.
Due to this situation, PGH is encouraging individuals with non-critical conditions to seek immediate care at other hospitals while the ER continues to serve patients in life-threatening or urgent medical conditions.
PGH spokesperson and public affairs coordinator Dr. Jonas del Rosario shared that the current congestion has been building up over the past three to four days. The unprecedented volume has placed pressure on both hospital staff and resources, prompting a coordinated response from the Department of Health (DOH) and other government medical institutions.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that several DOH hospitals, along with government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) hospitals within the National Capital Region, are prepared to assist. These facilities have been instructed to accommodate patients who cannot be admitted at PGH for the time being. He also appealed to healthcare providers, clinics, ambulance services, and referring physicians to temporarily redirect new patients to these alternate facilities.
Hospitals including East Avenue Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and the Philippine Heart Center, among others, are currently ready to receive patients. GOCC hospitals such as the Philippine Orthopedic Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines, and the National Children’s Hospital have also joined the network to help manage the patient overflow. Additionally, the Philippine Mental Health Association will continue to provide select services in support.
The public is advised to contact the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development through the provided mobile numbers before proceeding to ensure that the receiving hospital is prepared to accommodate new patients.
This temporary measure aims to ease the burden on PGH's emergency services while ensuring that patients continue to receive the medical attention they need in a timely and safe manner.
Due to this situation, PGH is encouraging individuals with non-critical conditions to seek immediate care at other hospitals while the ER continues to serve patients in life-threatening or urgent medical conditions.
PGH spokesperson and public affairs coordinator Dr. Jonas del Rosario shared that the current congestion has been building up over the past three to four days. The unprecedented volume has placed pressure on both hospital staff and resources, prompting a coordinated response from the Department of Health (DOH) and other government medical institutions.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that several DOH hospitals, along with government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) hospitals within the National Capital Region, are prepared to assist. These facilities have been instructed to accommodate patients who cannot be admitted at PGH for the time being. He also appealed to healthcare providers, clinics, ambulance services, and referring physicians to temporarily redirect new patients to these alternate facilities.
Hospitals including East Avenue Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and the Philippine Heart Center, among others, are currently ready to receive patients. GOCC hospitals such as the Philippine Orthopedic Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines, and the National Children’s Hospital have also joined the network to help manage the patient overflow. Additionally, the Philippine Mental Health Association will continue to provide select services in support.
The public is advised to contact the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development through the provided mobile numbers before proceeding to ensure that the receiving hospital is prepared to accommodate new patients.
This temporary measure aims to ease the burden on PGH's emergency services while ensuring that patients continue to receive the medical attention they need in a timely and safe manner.
Aug 5, 2025
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