Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2010-0029)
The main purpose of DOH Administrative Order No. 2010-0029 is to provide policies and guidelines for the establishment and management of Operation Centers (OPCEN) at all levels from the national to local governments to ensure a well-coordinated health sector response to emergencies and disasters.
The DOH Central Office, all Centers for Health Development (CHDs), DOH hospitals, Local Government Units (LGUs), and other institutions involved in health emergency and disaster response are mandated to establish an OPCEN.
A disaster is any event in which local emergency management measures were insufficient to cope with a hazard, whether due to lack of time, capacity, or resources, resulting in unacceptable levels of damage or number of casualties.
A Mass Casualty Incident is defined as an event where the number of casualties (dead and injured) is ten (10) or more, sufficient to overwhelm the available resources of the facility or community.
General functions include monitoring health-related events, receiving and validating warning messages, alerting authorities, coordinating rapid health assessments, networking with agencies, providing information to media, and documenting emergencies and disasters.
The CHD OPCEN serves as the regional center of command, control, and coordination; coordinates with the Regional Office of Civil Defense and LGUs; coordinates with hospitals for patient influx preparation; and submits reports to the HEMS OPCEN Central Office.
All concerned agencies or offices must allocate adequate funds to ensure the functionality, maintenance, and sustainability of their respective Operation Centers.
The Order specifies minimum standards for equipment, supplies, furnishings, and materials (detailed in Annex A), and personnel requirements (detailed in Annex B), mandating OPCENs be properly staffed and equipped to operate 24/7, especially in high-risk regions.
The Order mandates establishment of communication links among OPCENs at national, regional, hospital, and LGU levels to ensure effective coordination and response. It also outlines a flow of networking and coordination among these centers.
They are responsible for the implementation, enhancement, and maintenance of their respective OPCENs, ensuring availability of personnel and funds to support their operation.