The Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) occupies a special role in the Department of Health, that of managing emergencies and disasters in the health sector. It actively represents the department to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the national coordinating agency for disaster management. With the passage of RA 9372, “Human Security Act of 2007” which decl
ares a policy of the State to protect life, liberty, and property from acts of terrorism” in 2007; and RA 10121, the “Philippine Disaster Management Act of 2010” which seeks to institutionalize disaster management in the public sector, the important role of HEMS as the leader in health emergency management in the country has taken on a new dimension. The HEMS envisions itself as Western Pacific Region’s model in health emergency management by having a responsive system recognized in technical assistance, human resource development, quality health emergency management services, systems and governance with upgraded and updated equipment, appropriate logistical resources and sustained competitive advantage. To realize this, HEMS will carry out its mission to institutionalize a comprehensive, integrated, coordinated and dynamic health sector emergency management system at all levels. Policy, plan and program development; provision of HEM service packages; capability development for health emergency; and systems development and implementation provide a very good backbone for a coordinated health sector response.
