PRESS RELEASE
August 25, 2026
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday deployed 17 medical and support personnel to San Lazaro Hospital to augment its manpower amid a surge in leptospirosis cases.
San Lazaro Hospital reported 139 leptospirosis patients as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, prompting its management to seek assistance from the PRC.
The PRC deployment includes six nurses, six student nurses, three administrative support volunteers and two staff members from its Medical Corps Volunteers – Nursing Team, who will assist hospital personnel in monitoring patients’ vital signs and intake and output, as well as providing assistance for required laboratory tests.
PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon said the organization was ready to provide additional manpower to hospitals dealing with a sudden increase in patients.
“Kapag dumami ang pasyente, kailangang dumami rin ang tumutulong. We are sending our trained nurses and volunteers to San Lazaro Hospital to help its healthcare workers manage the surge and ensure that patients continue to receive the attention they need,” Gordon said.
PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang said the deployment reflects the organization’s role in supporting the country’s healthcare system during emergencies and periods of increased demand.
The PRC will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with San Lazaro Hospital should additional support be needed as the leptospirosis patient surge continues.
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