Republic of the Philippines

Department of Health
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

November 10, 2023

DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
No. 2023-_ 040]

FOR : DIRECTORS OF CENTERS FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT,

CHIEFS OF HOSPITALS, MEDICAL CENTERS, AND
TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTERS, AND
OTHER CONCERNED OFFICES AND INSTITUTIONS

SUBJECT : Emergency Medicine Specialists in DOH Hospitals to Ensure

Provision of Quality Emergency and Urgent Care Services and to
Assist in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Health
(DRRM-H) Institutionalization

Section 2 of RA 10121 or the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of
2010” stresses the need to adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that
holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socioeconomic and
is
environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promote the involvement and
participation of allsectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, especially the local
community.

The 2" edition of the Manual of Standards and Guidelines on the Management of the Hospital
Emergency Department states that the Emergency Department of all levels of hospitals should
have clinical and administrative staff in order to ensure provision of emergency and urgent care
services. Furthermore, part of the roles and responsibilities particularly of the Emergency
Department chair is
the activation of the hospital’s emergency and incident command system
or disaster management plan during disaster situations

In line with this, all Department of Health (DOH) Hospitals with existing Emergency Medicine
Specialists shall include these specialists in the DRRM-H committee of the institution.
Furthermore, DOH Hospitals without Emergency Medicine Specialists are advised to hire
Emergency Medicine Specialists to ensure provision of quality emergency and urgent care
services and to assist the DRRM-H Managers of the hospitals in the conceptualization,
institutionalization and implementation of the DRRM-H plans in the hospitals, subject to the
availability of funds and plantilla positions.

To access the 2™ edition of the

Manual of
Standards and Guidelines on the Management
the Hospital Emergency Department, kindly refer to the link: https://tinyurl.com/2ndMOSGMHED.
of
For your compliance.

. HERBOSA, MD
Secretaryfof Health

Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, 1003 Manila e Trunk Line 651-7800 local 1113, 1108, 1135
Direct Line: 711-9502; 711-9503 Fax: 743-1829 @ URL: http://www.doh.gov.ph; e-mail: dohsec@doh.gov.ph