Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday assured the public that its hospitals across the National Capital Region (NCR) are prepared to respond to emergencies in case of a major earthquake, also known as ‘The Big One.’ Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said under the DOH’s earthquake contingency plan, Metro Manila has been divided into four quadrants – north, east, west, and south – with designated DOH hospitals assigned to each area.
According to Philippines News Agency, this organized system assures rapid medical response should a 7.2-magnitude earthquake strike the capital. Herbosa added that these hospitals have passed the hospital safety index and have contingency measures for large-scale disasters. Older facilities have undergone structural retrofitting, and continuous assessments of building integrity are conducted.
Each hospital is equipped with backup power systems, evacuation areas, and medical supplies, while hospital staff regularly undergo emergency response training. The hospitals in each
quadrant and their phone numbers are as follows:
North Quadrant
– Caloocan City: Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium – (02) 8294-2571 to 73 loc. 127
– Malabon City: San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital – (02) 8294-4853 to 55 loc. 200
– Valenzuela City: Valenzuela Medical Center – (02) 8294-6711, (02) 8291-4259
– Quezon City: Various hospitals including East Avenue Medical Center – (02) 8928-0611 to 24 loc. 201, and others.
West Quadrant
– Manila City: Various hospitals including Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital – (02) 8734-5561 to 65 loc. 112, and others.
– Mandaluyong City: National Center for Mental Health – (02) 8531-9001 loc. 1002
South Quadrant
– Muntinlupa City: Research Institute for Tropical Medicine – (02) 8809-7599, (02) 8807-2628 to 2632 loc. 235, (02) 8807-2637
– Las Piñas City: Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center – (02) 8873-0556 loc. 368, (02) 8802-4647
East Quadrant
– Marikina City: Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center – (02) 8941-6289, (02)
8948-0595, (02) 8941-5854
– Pasig City: Rizal Medical Center – (02) 8865-8400
The DOH-NCR is also working with Region 3 (Central Luzon) and nearby regions for coordinated response and logistical support if Metro Manila is severely affected.