DOH Policy on Establishing Emergency Operation Centers

General: To provide policies and guidelines for establishing Operation Centers (OPCEN) to ensure coordinated health sector response.
Specific:
- Develop policies and management guidelines for OPCEN.
- Define OPCEN functions at different levels.
- Specify minimum design, logistical, and human resource requirements.
- Establish coordination mechanisms among OPCENs.
- Identify funding sources for sustainability.

Applies to DOH Central Office, all CHDs, DOH hospitals.
Extends to Local Government Units (LGUs) and other institutions involved in health emergency and disaster response.

Command: Instruction from authoritative person for organizational tasks.
Control: Exercise of power within authority in emergency management.
Command Post: Site-level emergency operation focused on direct procedures.
Coordination: Bringing together organizations for effective disaster response.
Disaster: Event overwhelming local emergency capacity causing significant damage.
Emergency: Public health situation threatening many lives requiring immediate action.
Event: Incident with potential to negatively impact health or health operations.
Hazard: Phenomenon with potential to disrupt people, property, services, livelihood, environment.
Major Emergency: Large-scale event exceeding routine response capability.
Mass Casualty Incident: Incident with ten or more casualties sufficient to overwhelm resources.

Establish a permanent, 24/7 Operation Center (OPCEN) at DOH HEMS Central Office.
Identify alternate OPCENs strategically in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao mirroring the central office.
CHDs, DOH hospitals, LGUs, and health sector members must have activatable OPCENs per code alert system.
High-risk regions must maintain 24/7 OPCEN.
Equip all OPCENs with necessary resources and qualified staff.
Establish communication networks for effective coordination.
Mandate regular training and updates for OPCEN personnel.
Allocate funds for functionality and sustainability of OPCENs.
Develop operational manuals and databases per region.
Create on-site OPCENs during major emergencies in coordination with LGUs.
Maintain contingency plans for alternate OPCENs if primary centers are incapacitated.

Functions of OPCEN:
- Monitor health-related events potentially becoming emergencies.
- Receive, validate, analyze data, notify authorities according to protocol.
- Coordinate rapid health assessments, logistics, human resources, expert mobilization.
- Network with other agencies and provide approved information to media/public.
- Document incidents and submit final reports.
Specific Functions:
- Central Office: command, control, coordination; liaise with OCD and partners.
- CHD OPCEN: regional command; coordinate with ROCD, LGUs, hospitals; report to Central Office.
- Hospital OPCEN: hospital command; coordinate with CHDs, LGUs, hospitals; report to CHDs/LGUs.
- LGU OPCEN: local government command; coordinate with CHD, hospitals; report to CHD OPCEN.
Physical Attributes:
- Location: secure, accessible, safe from hazards.
- Equipment and supplies as per Annex A.
- Personnel flexible based on existing code alert system and additional requirements.
Review and Evaluation:
- Regular policy, protocol, and procedural reviews.
- Conduct Post Incident Evaluation after major events to identify gaps and improvements.
Networking and Coordination:
- Clear flow among OPCENs at different levels for effective communication.
Support:
- Budget allocation for establishing and sustaining OPCENs.
- DOH-HEMS to provide technical support and training.

CHD and Hospital HEMS Coordinators oversee implementation and report to respective directors and chief executives.
CHD Directors, Medical Center Chiefs, and Local Chief Executives ensure OPCEN maintenance, personnel availability, and funding.
Health Emergency Management Staff Director handles monitoring, evaluation, and policy recommendations.

All inconsistent orders, rules, and provisions are repealed or modified accordingly.