The Department of Health (DOH), through the Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB), is leading the organization of the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMAT) according to the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Team (EMT) initiative.
PEMAT is a self-sustaining medical assistance team that provides medical and public health services. It can operate as an outpatient department within existing health facilities or as a stand-alone health facility, serving in temporary health tents during disasters.
The creation of the PEMAT is a key national objective under the Plan of Action to implement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders' Declaration on Disaster Health Management. Through this plan, ASEAN Member States have committed to establishing at least one EMT that adheres to WHO standards.
In the Philippines, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (PEMAT Metro Manila), Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (PEMAT Luzon), and Eastern Visayas Medical Center (PEMAT Visayas) have organized their respective PEMATs for domestic and international deployment. Following a verification visit from September 16-20, 2024, which assessed their capabilities in clinical management, logistics, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), the WHO Singapore Emergency Medical Team, and Japan Disaster Relief awarded the EMT badge to these three teams, officially recognizing them for international humanitarian deployment.
The acceptance of the EMT badge is a prestigious recognition that signifies the teams' highest level of preparedness and ability to respond effectively to humanitarian emergencies worldwide. EMTs around the world provide essential healthcare services in challenging environments, making them valuable assets to both domestic and international humanitarian efforts.
“The WHO commends the DOH and the PEMATs for their continued dedication to providing quality emergency care and support to Filipinos and other countries in need. May the EMT badge further strengthen your commitment to humanitarian response and public health for all,” said Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.
In 2023, the Philippines deployed its first PEMAT to provide medical assistance during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Republic of Türkiye, where they treated a total of 1,022 patients during their 14-day operation within the 21-day mission. WHO's recognition cements PEMAT's role as a leading provider of emergency medical care. With the hard-earned EMT badge, PEMATs remain dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening global health security.
"WHO-recognized Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams show our commitment and capability to safeguard public health and respond to crises, both here and abroad. This is a proud moment for our country! We stand shoulder to shoulder with the international community, dahil ang Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga, dito sa Bagong Pilipinas at sa buong mundo," said Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa.