PH emergency medical team moves one step closer to getting the WHO EMT Badge

Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) conducts a Pre-Verification Visit to the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) contingent of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (DJNRMHS) as part of the EMT Global Classification process. (Photo by: PIA-NCR)

by: Janna Pineda

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) is now one step closer from securing the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Badge.

This is following the Pre-Verification Visit conducted by the WHO representatives on Tuesday, April 23, to the actual camp layout of PEMAT which will serve as the evidence base for its capability to provide quality healthcare services during disasters or public health emergencies with established deployment standards.

The Pre-Verification Team includes EMT Consultant for Logistics Training Eystein Grusd of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, Jorge Durand from the WHO Headquarters, and Princess Mhyco Esguerra from the WHO Country Office.

These representatives primarily led the mentorship process to facilitate the compliance of PEMAT with the technical standards for patient care in terms of logistics and human resources as agreed upon by the EMT community.

Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Ariel Valencia stressed the importance of this undertaking in the advancement of a responsive healthcare system not only for Filipinos but also for other countries in need of humanitarian assistance.

“The Department of Health is looking forward to this event. Today’s activity is crucial as we embark on the critical steps of PEMAT to be included among the rosters of WHO emergency medical teams,” said Valencia.

“The success of this activity would have a significant impact on the deployment of the Philippines during emergencies and disasters, on both national and international land,” he added.

PEMAT Point Person Janice Calixtro meanwhile emphasized that the global classification will primarily enable the national emergency medical team to provide for the development of a timely, efficient, and people-centered emergency response system.

“What we want to achieve is to be at par with global standards in terms of national deployment,” said Calixtro, noting that the initiative of the PEMAT to be globally classified was brought by the need to strengthen the self-sufficiency of the emergency medical team during deployments.

This means that the EMT, once deployed, must be equipped with the necessary personnel complement, logistical resources, and outpatient facilities to support the deployment so as not to burden the already stressed population affected by the disaster or other emergencies.

It can be recalled that based on the 2023 World Risk Report, the Philippines ranked first among the countries with the “highest risk” in terms of disaster and other extreme natural events due to the effects of climate change.

In this regard, attaining the EMT Badge would be a significant step for the country to enhance its emergency preparedness and response towards saving lives as well as improving public health outcomes.

On the other hand, Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Karen Fernandez commended the commitment of the PEMAT to serve the most vulnerable in need regardless of the potential risks.

“Thank you for all your efforts in responding to all these disasters even though you have your own family, your life is put at risk, but then you still choose to serve and help all the Filipinos,” said Fernandez.

To date, there are a total of 40 EMT global classified teams around the world. Once the PEMAT secures the EMT Badge, it would be a first for the Philippines to join the WHO registry of internationally deployable teams. (JMP/PIA-NCR)