The Department of Health (DoH) declared its readiness for the holiday season by highlighting hospitals’ preparation in responding to emergency medical services and trauma care for road traffic and fireworks injuries as well as other forms of trauma cases during the holiday season.

The DoH will conduct hospital rounds at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, Philippine Heart Center and East Avenue Medical Center.

The DoH-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) also conducted rounds at the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila and Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center last 17 December.

“We recognize the importance of ensuring that our hospitals are well-equipped and our healthcare personnel are ready to provide immediate and quality care during the holiday season,” DoH-MMCHD Regional Director Rio Magpantay said.

“With the expected increase in patient volume, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to guarantee that we can respond efficiently to any medical needs that arise,” Magpantay added.

The DoH-MMCHD officials conducted thorough checks of the hospital’s emergency department, outpatient and burn units during the rounds.

They also discussed contingency plans with hospital management, ensuring that sufficient medical personnel, including doctors, nurses and support staff, are on standby throughout the holiday period.

The hospital rounds are part of a broader initiative by the DoH to ensure the readiness of healthcare facilities, particularly the hospitals, during peak seasons.