THE Department of Health (DOH) presented its designated quadrants and hospitals throughout Metro Manila that will lead the government’s emergency health response in the event of a major earthquake, known as “The Big One,” in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In recent weeks, several major earthquakes have affected various parts of the country. The DOH and representatives from several hospitals presented their emergency response and contingency plans in the event of a strong earthquake.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the agency has divided Metro Manila into four quadrants—North, East, West, and South—to ensure an organized and rapid medical response during a major disaster. The DOH explained that the designated quadrants will allow nearby DOH hospitals to assist other medical facilities that may be overwhelmed or damaged when a strong earthquake strikes.
North Quadrant
• Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium
• San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital
• Valenzuela Medical Center
• East Avenue Medical Center
• National Children’s Hospital
• Philippine Orthopedic Center
• Quirino Memorial Medical Center
• Lung Center of the Philippines
• National Kidney and Transplant Institute
• Philippine Heart Center
• Philippine Children’s Medical Center
East Quadrant
• Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center
• Rizal Medical Center
West Quadrant
• Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital
• National Center for Mental Health
• San Lazaro Hospital
• Tondo Medical Center
• Dr. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
South Quadrant
• Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
• Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center
Meanwhile, Herbosa also said that health workers need to ensure the safety of their families before going on duty, because responders cannot work properly if they are worried about their loved ones during a strong earthquake. According to the secretary, the agency is implementing mandatory rest periods for responders to prevent burnout and ensure continuous operation during the crisis.
