DOH, hospitals to deploy 200 personnel for Traslacion 2026

The Department of Health (DOH) said that hospitals are set to deploy around 200 personnel for Traslacion 2026.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that nearby hospitals will set up stations along the designated parade route to assist devotees who need medical attention during the feast.

“May istasyon yan sa lahat ng dadaanan. Nakaplano po yan. Di kasi makagalaw ang ambulansya pag nagkaroon ng movement ang mga grupo, at yung prusisyon umandar na… Di na makakapasok at makakalabas ang ambulansya. Dinadala ang mga victim sa mga tent or first aid stations na set up na,” he said in a press conference at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) on Monday,

(There are stations on the path of the procession. That’s already planned out. The ambulances won’t be able to pass when the procession starts. Those needing medical help can be brought to the tents or first aid stations that are already set up.)

Herbosa said that mass gatherings like the Traslacion may lead to multiple public health risks.

In the case of the Traslacion, he raised the need to ensure clean roads due to devotees walking and climbing structures while barefoot.

The Health chief also reminded devotees who have ailments to take extra care and bring adequate medicine and water, wear comfortable clothing, carry ID cards, and have enough snacks for the entire event.

“Ang conditions sa ating prusisyon ng Nazareno ay medyo mahirap kasi mahaba ang oras ng pagbiyahe… Sundin lahat ng paalala ng organizers. Identify niyo yung mga medical stations para pag nagkaroon kayo ng masamang pakiramdam, may mapupuntahan kayo na tutulong sa inyo,” he said.

(The conditions of the Nazareno procession are a bit difficult because of the procession's long hours… Let us all follow the organizers. Identify the medical stations so that when you start feeling something bad, you will be able to go somewhere that can help you.)

Earlier, DOH announced that public hospitals will be placed under Code White alert on January 9 in line with the celebration of the feast of Jesus Nazareno.

Under Code White, DOH hospitals and medical personnel will be tasked to be on standby for immediate emergency care at all hours of the day. —LDF, GMA Integrated News