The Department of Health (DOH) as the agency concerned with health during disaster and emergencies today organized the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) renewing the multi-sectoral collaboration in responding to emergencies and disasters. Under the agreement, the DOH is mandated to be responsible for national health emergency management.

In the MOA signing, Undersecretary Teodoro J. Herbosa representing Health Secretary Enrique T Ona, were joined by officials of different government agencies namely the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Other institutions such as the University of the Philippines-Manila, Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Hospital Association, Philippine Red Cross and the Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers, Inc also took part in the activity. This year's new members include the Philippine League of Government & Private Midwives and the Philippine Nurses Association.

Based on the Memorandum of Agreement, the DOH is tasked with organizing and coordinating the health sector’s efforts in health emergency preparedness and response; developing protocols, guidelines and standards to have a more efficient and effective response to emergencies and disasters; and assisting the local government units in systems development to effectively manage health concerns during emergencies and disasters."It is important to collaborate with other agencies to come up with a coordinated response and integrate the delivery of services," Ona said.

In 2001, the stakeholders were organized by the DOH - Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS). The group was initially composed of 11 members from various government and non-government agencies and a number of private institutions. One of the commitments of the stakeholders was to share resources in responding to emergencies and disasters.

As the country has been hit recently by disasters, the DOH urges different stakeholders to renew their commitment and strengthen their efforts in fulfilling the health sector’s mandate of protecting health and safety in extreme situations.

"There is nothing more precious than saving lives and responding timely to all forms of health threats during emergencies and disasters. We cannot afford to be complacent and we have to be prepared because by working together, we can make a difference," Ona concluded.....(DOH WEBSITE..DOH BULLETIN)