By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Monday led the reopening of the newly renovated Emergency Room (ER) of the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, underscoring his administration’s commitment to improving public healthcare services and upgrading medical facilities across the city.
Joined by Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, Moreno said the refurbished ER was completed within a week and now provides a more efficient, organized, and patient-friendly environment capable of responding to medical emergencies more effectively.
According to the mayor, the modernization of public hospitals and health centers is essential to strengthening the city’s healthcare system and supporting frontline medical workers who serve thousands of Manileños daily.
Moreno likewise lamented the closure of several health centers under the previous administration, saying the move adversely affected the delivery of basic healthcare services to residents.
“Three years away and many health centers were closed. How can you do that?” Moreno said.
He assured doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals that the city government would continue investing in healthcare infrastructure, equipment, and services to ensure that quality medical care remains accessible to all residents.
City Departments Mobilized Ahead of Rainy Season and School Reopening
As part of a broader effort to safeguard public welfare, Moreno also directed all concerned city departments to intensify preparations for the rainy season and potential weather-related emergencies.
The Manila Health Department, Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, Manila Department of Social Welfare, and the Department of Engineering and Public Services were instructed to ensure the readiness of personnel, emergency equipment, and response operations.
The mayor emphasized the importance of maintaining fully operational emergency vehicles and equipment to guarantee immediate assistance during flooding and other calamities.
With classes set to resume next week, Moreno likewise ordered the Manila Police District to enhance police visibility around schools to help ensure the safety and security of students, teachers, and parents.
Meanwhile, city engineering and public service personnel have been conducting cleanup and declogging operations in areas surrounding educational institutions to provide a cleaner and safer environment for the reopening of classes.
The twin initiatives on healthcare modernization and disaster preparedness highlight the Manila City Government’s continuing efforts to improve essential public services while ensuring that residents remain protected from both health and environmental challenges.
ia/xf
