Emergency rooms at several hospitals in Quezon City are operating at full capacity, with health officials citing a combination of changing weather patterns and the recent tropical storm Kristine as key factors behind the surge in patients.
Images from the scene show patients resting in hallways, some in wheelchairs, while others wait for available private rooms. Hospital staff are reportedly struggling to accommodate the increasing demand for care.
The situation is similarly dire at nearby private hospitals. According to the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP), the sharp rise in emergency room admissions is linked to the recent shift in weather, which has led to a spike in various illnesses. Additionally, the impact of Tropical Storm Kristine—which brought heavy rains and flooding to large parts of the country—has compounded the situation.
Health experts have reported an uptick in cases of pneumonia, stroke, leptospirosis, and dengue fever, with many patients being admitted due to these weather-related ailments. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection often contracted through contact with floodwater, is of particular concern as floodwaters from the storm have left communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
As hospitals face overcrowding, officials are urging the public to take preventive measures, such as avoiding contact with floodwaters and seeking early medical attention for flu-like symptoms. The Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring the situation and has urged local government units to assist in managing patient care and providing additional resources to healthcare facilities.
With the rainy season expected to continue, hospital officials are bracing for further challenges as they work to ensure the safety and well-being of patients during this period of heightened demand.