Metro Manila hospitals to undergo structural assessment

MANILA, Philippines — In preparation for the “Big One” or powerful earthquake, all government-run hospitals in the National Capital Region will undergo structural assessment, the Department of Health announced yesterday.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said the department would look into the structural integrity of hospitals to ensure that these buildings can withstand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

“Hospitals should be safe after an earthquake strikes and the last buildings standing,” Herbosa said at press briefing.

He said previous studies underscored the need to assess the structural integrity of old hospital buildings.

New medical facilities should be built according to specifications that can withstand a powerful temblor, according to Herbosa.

He also emphasized the importance of adjusting the disaster plan for the Big One, which was prepared based on a study of the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 2003.

“Since then we have been making plans. Now we need to readjust these measures so we can respond well,” Herbosa said.

The health chief held a meeting yesterday with hospital officials to ensure the readiness of the DOH for a major earthquake.

Herbosa said hospitals must prepare for a possible capacity surge, considering the projection of around 30,000 casualties if the Big One hits Metro Manila.

Some hospitals were damaged when the magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City in Cebu on Sept. 30, killing 74 people. A magnitude 7.4 temblor also jolted Davao Oriental on Oct. 10.

The DOH has deployed 14 teams to provide mental and psychological support to residents affected by the recent earthquakes.