The Department of Health (DOH) declared its readiness for the holiday season, highlighting hospitals' preparedness to provide emergency medical services and trauma care for road traffic injuries, fireworks-related injuries, and other trauma cases.

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 Bagong Ospital ng Maynila and Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center on December 17.

"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," said DOH-MMCHD Regional Director Rio Magpantay.

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

During the rounds, DOH-MMCHD officials conducted thorough checks of the hospitals’ emergency departments, outpatient, and burn units.

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 hospitals, during peak seasons.