Govt. launches command center to monitor hospital capacity, assist in inter-facility transfer

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6) — Authorities launched on Thursday the One Hospital Command Center, which aims to monitor the capacity of healthcare facilities to handle COVID-19 patients, and assist infected persons who need help in finding a hospital or an isolation facility.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said during the launch that there are huge screens in the center to monitor “very closely” the occupancy rate and critical care capacity of various hospitals nationwide.

COVID-19 response chief implementer Carlito Galvez, who was also present at the event, said the One Hospital Command Center located in Makati City will oversee the coordination and referral of COVID-19 patients across health facilities and ensure hospitals have enough beds for severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Galvez added it will maximize the use of the country's temporary treatment and monitoring facilities built for mild and asymptomatic cases.

Numbers to contact, app to download

Individuals who need assistance in finding a healthcare facility may call the command center through the following numbers:

-0919 977 3333

-0915 777 7777

-(02) 886 505 00

Healthcare workers who want to transfer a patient to another facility or an individual who wish to go through quarantine in an isolation area also have an option to use QR codes or seek assistance via the Pure Force Citizens App, which can be downloaded for free.

More COVID-19 command centers

Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who chairs the National Task Force on COVID-19, said they are eyeing to open similar offices in other regions so all patients would know which healthcare facility to go to.