Five years ago during the COVID-19 epidemic, the emergency room of the country's top government hospital was full. But now, with no major health emergency, the Philippine General Hospital is trying to cope with an influx of cases.

PGH spokesperson Jonas del Rosario told dzBB that ''many people are getting hospitalized.''

He said the cases range from flu to strokes, heart attacks, appendicitis.

He said the PGH emergency room has a capacity of 75 to 80 but the number of patients are double or even three times.

'' We don't usually turn down patients as long as we can manage, we will accomodate them,'' he said.

In a statement, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said a total of 20 Department of Health hospitals are ready to help PGH patients.

"We are already talking to PGH for the possible transfer of their current patients to DOH hospitals," said Herbosa.

He said even those planning to go to PGH are encouraged to go the nearest DOH hospitals to them.

"All hospitals, clinics, ambulances and doctors are advised to refrain from bringing new patients to PGH, and to bring them to DOH hospitals first," said Herbosa. DMS