By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The emergency room of Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center will temporarily close from May 24 to June 1, 2026, to undergo urgent repairs and facility upgrades.
Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso, also known as Isko Moreno, announced the temporary closure during his “Talk to the People” broadcast on Thursday.
According to the mayor, the city government spent several weeks trying to find ways to continue ER operations while renovation work was ongoing, but officials concluded it would no longer be safe for patients and hospital workers.
“Your servant has decided to bite the bullet. Let’s temporarily close it,” Domagoso said.
He stressed that continuing operations during the repairs could put patients, doctors, nurses, and other workers at risk.
“We already tried every possible strategy and method so the emergency room would not be disrupted, but it’s really not possible,” the mayor added.
Meanwhile, Manila City Health Officer Grace Padilla said emergency patients will be redirected to six other public hospitals operated by the city government while the ER remains closed.
The city government has also deployed ambulances and established a temporary tent area outside the hospital to assist and accommodate incoming patients during the one-week shutdown.
Domagoso assured the public that repair work would continue 24 hours a day to ensure the emergency room reopens as scheduled on June 1.
“My compromise is only one week, and relief will surely follow. The emergency room of Ospital ng Maynila will become more comfortable and efficient,” the mayor said.
ia/xf
