NDH Passes Hospital Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Functionality Assessment

By: Angelica C. Real, GPC-NDH; Geraldine B. Salazar-Lucero, PIO | Photos By: GPC-NDH | Date: March 11, 2025


Naguilian District Hospital (NDH) successfully passed the Hospital Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (HESU) Functionality Assessment conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos Center for Health Development on March 11, 2025.

The assessment, overseen by the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU), evaluated the hospital’s compliance with health protocols, particularly in monitoring and reporting notifiable diseases. It included a review of NDH’s records and charts to ensure adherence to Republic Act 11223 or Universal Health Care Act, and Republic Act 11332 or Mandatory Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, which require the establishment of functional epidemiology surveillance units in local health facilities. Ms. Jane G. Castillo, Nurse I and a member of NDH’s HESU, played a vital role in ensuring the hospital met these regulatory standards.

The HESU plays a crucial role in protecting the community’s health by ensuring early outbreak detection and response, allowing authorities to act swiftly in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. It also analyzes infection-related data to identify trends and patterns, providing valuable insights for disease prevention strategies. For patient safety, the HESU helps reduce infection risks for both patients and healthcare workers, ensuring a safer medical environment. Furthermore, its work contributes to improving overall hospital safety and quality of care, reinforcing NDH’s commitment to public health.

NDH Chief of Hospital Dr. Dan William Y. Dacanay II expressed his pride over the hospital’s achievement, emphasizing that this reflects the hard work and dedication of the hospital staff in upholding excellence in healthcare and ensuring effective disease monitoring.

Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David also commended NDH for their commitment in enhancing disease surveillance and safeguarding the health and well-being of the people in Naguilian and nearby municipalities.

This successful assessment reflects NDH’s dedication to providing quality healthcare and aligns with Gov. Rafy’s P.U.S.O. Agenda particularly in providing universal access to basic needs, including health facilities and services. Through this, NDH continues to play a vital role in ensuring accessible and efficient healthcare for kaPROBINSYAnihan.

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