DOH activates surge capacity amid leptospirosis outbreak

Department of Health (DOH) NCR hospitals have activated their surge capacity plans due to a significant increase in leptospirosis cases nationwide.

As of July 27, 1,444 leptospirosis cases have been recorded across the country.

San Lazaro Hospital has repurposed private rooms into a dedicated leptospirosis ward and expanded its emergency room for suspected cases, though it faces a shortage of doctors.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) has established a new ward for leptospirosis patients and transferred eight patients to Tala Hospital.

Nurses from Bicol Medical Center and Philippine Orthopedic Center are volunteering to support patient care in NCR hospitals.

Despite beds nearing full capacity at NKTI and San Lazaro Hospital, the DOH states there is no current shortage as patients are referred to other facilities.

The surge capacity plan involves allocating more beds specifically for leptospirosis patients, increasing capacity beyond the usual number.