The Department of Health (DOH) urged patients to seek care at other accredited hospitals as the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is currently operating at full capacity.

In a message to reporters, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa assured the public that the department is ready to assist PGH while its emergency room is temporarily full.

Following an investigation by the University of the Philippines (UP)-PGH management, Herbosa said no unusual or dangerous cause was found for the surge in patients, and the numbers may decrease after a few days.

"We are already talking to UP-PGH for the possible transfer of their current patients to DOH hospitals," said Herbosa, who is also a former Chief of the UP-PGH Department of Emergency Medical Services.

"All hospitals, clinics, ambulances and doctors are advised to refrain from bringing new patients to UP-PGH, and to bring them to DOH hospitals first," he added.

Herbosa listed the following DOH-accredited hospitals across Metro Manila where patients may be admitted:

CALOOCAN

Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium

LAS PIÑAS

• Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center

MALABON

• San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital

MANDALUYONG

• National Center for Mental Health

• Senate President Neptali A. Gonzales General Hospital

MANILA

• Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital

• Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center

• San Lazaro Hospital

• Tondo Medical Center

MARIKINA

• Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center

MUNTINLUPA

• Research Institute for Tropical Medicine

PASIG

• Rizal Medical Center

QUEZON CITY

• 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

VALENZUELA

• Valenzuela Medical Center

Herbosa also reminded the public to call the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development through mobile numbers 0956-175-3710 or 0920-251-1800 if possible, before bringing a patient.