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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a serious warning regarding the escalating number of patients seeking treatment at government hospitals across the Philippines. The situation is particularly critical at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City, which is reportedly nearing its breaking point.

Health officials are expressing deep concern as hospital beds fill up rapidly, straining resources and potentially impacting the quality of care available to all patients. The DOH attributes this surge to a combination of factors, including the lingering effects of previous COVID-19 waves, the prevalence of other respiratory illnesses like influenza and pneumonia, and delayed medical consultations due to pandemic-related restrictions.

East Avenue Medical Center Under Pressure

EAMC, one of the largest public hospitals in Metro Manila, is experiencing an unprecedented influx of patients. Emergency rooms are consistently overcrowded, and patients are often forced to wait for extended periods to be seen by doctors or secured a bed. Dr. Alejandro Fabic, EAMC's spokesperson, has described the situation as “challenging” and emphasized the need for immediate action to alleviate the pressure on the facility.

“We are doing everything we can to manage the situation, but our resources are stretched thin,” Dr. Fabic stated. “We are appealing to the public to seek medical attention only when absolutely necessary and to consider alternative healthcare options, such as visiting community health centers or consulting with private physicians.”

DOH's Response and Recommendations

The DOH is actively working to address the crisis. They have outlined several strategies, including:

• Increasing bed capacity: Efforts are underway to temporarily convert non-clinical spaces into patient areas and to expedite the discharge of stable patients.
• Strengthening primary care: Encouraging Filipinos to seek initial medical advice from community health centers and private physicians to prevent minor ailments from escalating into hospital-requiring conditions.
• Public health campaigns: Launching awareness campaigns to promote preventive measures such as vaccination, proper hygiene, and early detection of symptoms.
• Coordination with local government units (LGUs): Working closely with LGUs to provide support and resources to hospitals and health centers.

Call for Public Cooperation

The DOH is urging the public to play their part in mitigating the crisis. They encourage individuals to prioritize vaccination against preventable diseases, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention promptly for any concerning symptoms. Avoiding unnecessary visits to emergency rooms will also help to ease the burden on overwhelmed hospitals.

The current situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing the Philippine healthcare system and underscores the need for sustained investment in public health infrastructure and personnel. Addressing the root causes of this crisis will require a collaborative effort from government, healthcare providers, and the public.

Looking Ahead

Health officials are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential further surges in patient numbers. They emphasize that vigilance and proactive measures are crucial to protecting the health and well-being of all Filipinos.