Manila: Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Tuesday said healthcare systems must remain operational under extreme pressure brought about by natural and man-made crises. Herbosa made this statement during an international webinar hosted by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, featuring top clinicians from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel's largest Level-1 trauma hospital.
According to Philippines News Agency, Herbosa emphasized that health systems are constantly being tested and hospitals must be the last structures standing-physically, operationally, and morally-in moments of crisis. He referred to the fourth pillar (Ready for Crisis) of the Department of Health's Eight-Point Action Agenda, highlighting ongoing initiatives like the Safe Hospitals Program and the Ready to Respond Functional Hospitals effort to ensure preparedness across the nation.
Herbosa expressed a vision for a system where no Filipino is turned away due to overwhelmed or unprepared hospitals. Leading Israeli medical professionals, who have honed their skills through direct experience with war-related mass-casualty events, shared their detailed protocols and strategies during the webinar.
Speakers included Ichilov Medical Center CEO Eli Sprecher, who discussed leadership under pressure, and Deputy Medical Director Daniel Trotzky, who talked about building a war-ready hospital. Emergency Medicine Department Director Michael Markovitz shared insights on managing a mass-casualty surge, while Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Unit Vice Chief Eyal Hashavia focused on blast-injury protocols.
Pediatric Trauma Service Head Neta Cohen highlighted the integration of pediatric trauma in emergency situations. Senior Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician Tali Capua presented simulation-based preparedness programs, and International Division Director Zeev Lavie introduced the Ichilov Emergency Management Preparedness Course.
Israel's Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, reaffirmed the partnership between the two nations, referencing joint disaster responses and current projects like a women's health center in Pasig City. He shared Israel's expertise in sustaining hospital operations during crises, emphasizing the relevance of this knowledge exchange amid current and future threats.
The webinar attracted over 500 participants, including medical directors, emergency managers, and public health officials, concluding with a message of solidarity between Israel and the Philippines. Herbosa called for government investment in hospital readiness, urging healthcare providers to lead with compassion and build a resilient health system.
