STO. TOMAS, Pampanga – The Department of Health (DOH) has opened a makeshift hospital in Sto. Tomas town through its Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) 46.
This is in response to the temporary closure of the Domingo B. Flores District Hospital in Macabebe town due to severe flooding caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon.
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa led the inspection of the facility, together with officials from the DOH Central Luzon, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH), and the local government of Sto. Tomas town.
The makeshift hospital, a Type 1 Fixed Emergency Medical Facility, was set up inside a repurposed movie theater at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital Ambulatory Surgical and Multispecialty Center – Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (JASMC-BUCAS) and now serves as a fully functional medical hub for flood-hit communities.
Managed by JBLMGH, PEMAT46 consists of 20 medical personnel and is one of three World Health Organization (WHO)-verified emergency teams in the country.
The facility offers free services including resuscitation, general medical consultations, CT scan imaging, anti-rabies vaccination, leptospirosis treatment, basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care, laboratory tests, and minor surgical procedures.
It has 15 ward beds for patients needing Level 1 care, while Level 2 and 3 cases are referred to the OFW Hospital and JBLMGH in San Fernando City.
“This may be the first evacuation center in Sto. Tomas, but with the commitment of our local and national partners, it could become the first with a CT scan — and in time, a full-service hospital,” Herbosa said during the visit.
Meanwhile, he reminded the public to take preventive health measures, especially as floodwaters remain in some areas.
“It’s very important to wear boots when returning to flooded homes. Clean up thoroughly to avoid infection. Leptospirosis cases are rising,” he warned.
The DOH emphasized that the establishment of the PEMAT facility is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure access to health services in evacuation centers and disaster-affected areas.
“Our healthcare system is devolved, but when local governments are overwhelmed, the national government steps in,” Herbosa added, highlighting the role of inter-agency coordination during emergencies.
The facility is open not only to Sto. Tomas residents but also to patients from nearby flood-affected municipalities including Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, and Apalit.
With the establishment of the makeshift hospital, the DOH continues to reaffirm its commitment to deliver timely and accessible healthcare services even amid calamities.
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